LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — May 3-4, 1985, Page 5

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however, that there is an area of doubt and will therefore request the Commission on Structure to review
this bylaw stipulation for clarifying language.
137. Ohio District Bylaws (Ag. 236): In reviewing the Ohio District Bylaws, it was noted that while
reference is made to a Committee on Constitution and a Committee on Communications, the duties of
these committees are nowhere outlined. These duties should be included in the Bylaws. This is especially
true in view of #6, page 8, since, if it is not included, it would give the district Committee on
Constitutions the responsibility of synodical entities. Some responsibility with regard to the
congregations' constitutions should be included in the Bylaws in conformity with the Handbook. It should
also be noted that on page 2 reference is made to Article V of the 1981 edition of the Handbook. If a
definition of a parish is desired, the 1979 edition of the Handbook should be noted.
With regard to membership on pages 2 and 3 of the Bylaws, it should be noted that membership of a
congregation is in the Synod through the Ohio District.
Page 3, #5, does not mention the teachings and practices of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. This
should be included. See Handbook, 1983 edition Bylaw 1.14, a.
On page 13, it was noted that though acceptable, the procedure for the nomination for the office of
President might follow the pattern adopted by the Synod Many districts are presently doing so.
On page 52, reference is made to the Proceedings of the 1963 convention. The convention is not
identified as to whether it is a district or synodical convention.
Special note was taken of the Constitution paragraph on page 1, which could well serve as a model for use
by other districts since it provides for regular updating of the Bylaws to conform to any changes adopted
by the Synod.
138. Nebraska District Bylaws (Ag. 1731): In reviewing the Bylaws, it was noted that in I, the word "the"
in the title of the Synod should be capitalized. In II, A, it should perhaps be stated that membership is
determined "on the basis of" rather than "by" the Constitution and Bylaws of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. In II, B, 6, reference should perhaps be made to a multiple parish rather than a dual
parish. It is possible that more than two congregations might be involved. Furthermore, dual or multiple
parishes are also only entitled to one lay vote.
In II, C, 1, c, 2), the district Commission of Adjudication should be designated as the district Commission
on Adjudication. In II, C, 2, b, 4), 8), (2), and in II, C, 2, b, 4), c), (5), reference is made to certification of
delegates. No basis is given for certification. It is the only basis that of the payment of an assessment?
In II, C, 2, b, 4), d), (2), the Conference Committee is to examine the minutes and essays of all required
conferences. The purpose for examination of these documents is not stated.
In the section which immediately follows, the Commission questions the procedure outlined for the
approval of minutes. Are the minutes distributed to the delegates at any time? Do the delegates have the
opportunity to correct the record? The Commission questions whether these details should be included in
the Bylaws, or whether they should simply be adopted by each convention as a part of the Rules of
Procedure.
In the section dealing with the Commission on Adjudication, point B should indicate that this
Commission will be governed by chapter VIII of the Bylaws of the Synod.