LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — September 6, 1985, Page 5

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In response to the question of whether an emeritus teacher might serve as a lay delegate to a district or
synodical convention, the Commission agreed that an emeritus teacher on the roster of the Synod would
be an advisory member. of the Synod and therefore ineligible to serve as a lay delegate.
In answer to the question of whether an emeritus pastor serving a congregation might have a vote in the
circuit forum for a delegate to the synodical convention, the Commission also agreed that as an advisory
member he has already participated or should have participated in the selection of advisory delegates and
therefore may not have a vote. The related question of whether an emeritus pastor may serve as a
congregational pastoral representative to the forum and vote on other matters may require further
consideration.
The Commission also agreed that a person who has been elected to a district Board of Directors and who
serves by appointment on the Lutheran Church Extension Fund Board of Directors may not hold both
positions since this would involve a possible conflict of interest.
168. Ohio District Bylaws (Ag. 236): These Bylaws have been referred to Commission member
Hopmann for review. The item will be retained in the docket.
169.
Southern California District Bylaws (Ag. 1591 A-E) ' : The Secretary is to contact newly elected
President Loren Kramer to request the most recent copy of the district Bylaws.
170. Missouri District Bylaws (Ag. 1737): In a previous meeting, the Commission had reviewed the
proposed Missouri District Bylaws and had suggested a number of changes. The Secretary is to inquire as
to whether these changes were incorporated at the recent district convention.
171. Commission on Structure Bylaw Changes (Ag. 1696): Judge Schnelz had appeared before the
Commission on Structure and had presented the views of the Commission on Constitutional Matters
regarding the position of the Secretary as a voting member of both the Board of Directors and the
Commission on Constitutional Matters and had identified other bylaws which require consideration. He
reported that if the voting privilege is to be removed in either case, the Commission on Constitutional
Matters prefers that the Secretary not be designated as a voting member of the Board of Directors. The
Commission on Structure, however, decided to recommend that the vote of the Secretary in both groups
be retained.
Bylaw 2.67 is being thoroughly reviewed in its entirety by the Commission on Structure, which will
propose changes in this bylaw.
Some confusion exists in the Bylaws with regard to the use of the words "parish" and "congregation"
which sometimes appear to be used interchangeably and at other times with different meanings. The 1981
Handbook had deleted the sentence which defined a parish. Dr. Schlecht is being asked to review this
matter and to provide suggestions for clarification and definition of the terms.
A number of questions had arisen with regard to the development of a list for appointments to standing
committees. In order to clarify the matter, the Commission suggested for proposal to the Commission on
Structure that the second sentence of 2.68, b, read as follows: "Appointments shall be made from a list
jointly developed and unanimously approved by the board, the unit executive, and the President in
advance of the expiration of the six-month period."
It also proposed for consideration by the Commission on Structure that the following words be added to
2.68, c: "but their terms shall expire whether or not successors have been appointed. In default of
appointments, the Board of Directors shall make appointments to the standing committees."