LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — March 9, 1984, Page 5

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Following the adoption of these changes, the Commission approved the Guidelines as amended for
distribution. Arrangements are to be made with Concordia Publishing House for the printing of the
Guidelines, with complimentary copies being sent to the District President and the chairman of each
District Committee on Constitutional Matters. An announcement regarding the availability of the
Guidelines from Concordia Publishing House will be printed in the Reporter. A number of copies should
also be made available for the use of the Commission on Constitutional Matters.
9.. North Dakota District Bylaws (Ag. 1262, A-C): No written response has yet been received regarding
suggested changes in the North Dakota District Bylaws. The item is to be retained in the docket.
10. Wyoming District Bylaws (Ag. 1657): Review of the Wyoming District Bylaws was assigned to
Judge Schnelz.
11. Southern California District Bylaws (Ag. 1591, A-E): Review of the Southern California District
Bylaws was assigned to Walter Rosin.
12. Review of Office of the Secretary (Ag. 1671): The item is to be retained in the docket. The
Commission is requesting a meeting with Dr. Bohlmann at his earliest convenience.
13. Endorsement of Candidates for District Offices (Ag. 1689): The Kansas District is considering the
adoption of a policy related to the endorsement of candidates for District office by individuals or groups
through the circulation of endorsement lists following specific guidelines. The District is concerned that
the proposed policy may conflict with Bylaw 2.901, e, of the Handbook of the Synod. The Commission
ruled that since 2.901, e, refers specifically to the fact that "groups and individuals within and without the
Synod are urged to refrain from circularizing the Synod or areas thereof relative to favoritism in
nominations for President and First Vice-President" of the Synod, the proposed policy is not in conflict
with the Constitution. The Commission suggests, however, that in the introductory paragraph the word
"allow" be substituted for the word "provide."
14. Congregational Referendum on Fellowship (Ag. 1687) : At the 1983 synodical convention the
delegates failed to act on Resolution 5-45, which asked the Commission on Constitutional Matters to
study a suggestion "that in future altar and pulpit fellowship issues the concept of congregational
ratification as applied to matters of doctrine be applied." Since the convention took no action, the
Commission on Constitutional Matters is not obligated to deal with this issue. Because it believes that this
is a matter of concern for the Commission on Structure, the Commission recommended that this
resolution be called to their attention for consideration.
15. District Officers' Terms (Ag. 1691): The Board of Directors of the Northwest District had adopted a
resolution in its 1982 convention, making six year terms of District officers, boards, commissions, and
committees possible in the event of synodical approval of a proposed bylaw revision. After the synodical
convention adopted Resolution 5-77A, the Board initiated the action of the District resolution, with the
interpretation that all District Board of Directors' members would be entitled to six-year terms. In the
Northwest District, the President, all the Vice-Presidents, and the District Secretary are voting members
of the Board. The District has asked whether Bylaw 3.125 may be interpreted to allow for six-year terms
for District officers. In response, the Commission ruled that the position of officers on the Board is the
result of their holding office, not vice versa, and therefore the terms of office for District officers cannot
be extended to six years since Bylaw 3.125 specifically designates the terms of such officers as three
years.
16. Constitutionality of Removal of Koranda (Ag. 1692) : Rev. Victor Tegtmeier had asked the
Commission on Constitutional Matters to carry out a thorough review of the constitutionality of the