LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — March 7,1997, Page 1

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In addition, an amendment to comply with synodical convention Resolution 4-02A, "To Support Full
Financial Disclosure," had also been forwarded by Concordia University System for review.
After reviewing the changes, the Commission concluded that the proposed amendments contained nothing
which was contrary to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod. In the process of review, it was noted that
in Article IV, Section 2, a, 4, the word "break" should be "breach."
84. Future Meeting : After reviewing calendars, the Commission selected March 7, 1997, as the date for a
face-to-face plenary meeting of the Commission, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and continuing until the
Commission had completed its business. In view of the beginning time, it was suggested that members of
the Commission arrive on the evening of March 6. Housing and meeting room arrangements will be made
through the Secretary's office.
85. Adjournment : Chairman Tesch declared the meeting adjourned and asked Rev. Barber to lead the
members in a closing prayer.
Walter L. Rosin, Secretary

Minutes of the Commission on Constitutional Matters - March 7,1997
86. Opening: At the request of Chairman Tesch, Rev. Alan Barber led the members of the Commission in
an opening prayer, asking for God's blessing upon our church and upon the meeting of the Commission.
87. Removal from Roster (Ag. 2051): A district president had asked the Commission on Constitutional
Matters to provide an official opinion on the meaning of Bylaw 2.19, a, of the Handbook which states:
An ordained or commissioned minister who is eligible to perform the duties of any of the offices of
ministry specified in Bylaw 2.15 but who is not currently performing those duties on a regular basis,
and who is not emeritus, may be continued on the roster for a period not to exceed two years by act of
the President of the District through which the person holds membership. For extension of candidate
status beyond two years, the Council of Presidents shall require an annual application from the
candidate, as well as an evaluation by the District President. The council shall determine by majority
vote on written ballot whether or not the request shall be honored, in each instance, for an additional
year.
The basic question as stated was, "In the event the District President decides not to continue such a
candidate on the roster for that two year period, does the District President have the right to simply remove
that candidate from the roster by his own independent action or must that involved District President
implement Bylaw 2.27 Commencing an Action to Terminate Congregational or Individual Membership?"
The Commission responded as follows:
The Commission, in reviewing the bylaw, has concluded that the decision to continue an individual
member on the roster for a period not to exceed two years is discretionary, allowing for decision on the
part of the District President regarding the matter. It notes that Bylaw 2.19, b, refers to criteria for
determining whether candidate status should be granted or continued [emphasis added].