LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — September 9, 1988, Page 5

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commissions would no doubt be understood correctly. The Commission on Structure is presently
reviewing the statements in the Bylaws which currently use the term laymen rather than laypersons as is
the case in describing membership on many other boards and commissions.
123. Michigan District Bylaws (Ag. 1846) : The Commission had received information regarding
proposed bylaw amendments adopted at the 1988 convention of the Michigan District. Upon review of
the proposed changes, the Commission resolved that it found nothing contrary to the Constitution and
Bylaws of the Synod and that the proposed changes were therefore acceptable.
124. Communicant Membership Suffrage (Ag. 1847) : The chairman of the Committee on
Constitutions of the Texas District had asked the Commission to respond to a request regarding suffrage
for all communicant members of a congregation. Reference was especially made to suffrage for
communicant members within the age of 13-17.
The Secretary had provided a response in which he stated that if the congregation wished to grant suffrage
to communicant members aged 13 and above it might do so and, in fact, could even grant suffrage to
persons who are younger since the synodical constitution does not forbid this. He did point out however
that extreme caution should be followed in this area since it may well be that certain resolutions may have
legal implications covered by state laws which require a certain age limit. Furthermore, questions could
be asked about the advisability of involving persons who may not have the maturity or the means to
support decisions in the making of those decisions. Nevertheless, in response to the specific questions, it
was stated that the synodical constitution does permit the practice referred to and there is no reason it
cannot be legally carried out unless the state forbids it.
The Commission ratified the response which had been provided and strongly urged that legal counsel be
sought on this matter at once.
125. Mid-South District Bylaws (Ag. 1848) : Prior to holding the district convention, the President of
the Mid-South District had forwarded proposed bylaw changes for review. The Secretary had reviewed
the proposed bylaw changes and responded that none appeared to be in conflict with the Bylaws of the
Synod with one possible exception. It was pointed out that in the case of the Commission on
Adjudication, Bylaw 8.15, a of the Handbook of the Synod states that terms of office for a Commission
on Adjudication and the Commission on Appeals shall be six years. It should be clearly stated that the
term of office for members of the District Commission on Adjudication is six years in contrast to the term
for membership on other boards of the district which is limited to three years. The Secretary reported that
this proposed change had been incorporated and that now there was nothing in the district bylaws which
appeared to be contrary to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod. The Commission ratified the
response of the Secretary and approved the proposed changes.
126. Iowa West District Model Constitution for Congregations (Ag. 1850 : The Rev. Frederick
Kempfert, chairman of the Iowa District West Commission on Constitutions, had forwarded a proposed
model constitution and bylaws for a congregation which it wished to recommend to the congregations of
the Iowa West District. The request was received and was referred to Commission member, Roland
Hopmann, for report and review at the next meeting of the Commission.
127. Commission on Appeals and Commission on Constitutional Matters (Min.109) : The
Commission spent some time discussing the proper response to be made to the Commission on Appeals
regarding proposed changes in the Bylaws which would clarify ultimate responsibility in specific
situations. Chairman Schnelz will be developing proposed bylaw changes and will share them with the
Commission at a future meeting.