LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — April 17,1997, Page 3

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with members of the Commission. In reviewing this response, concern was raised with regard to the fact
that it appeared to be answering some questions which had not been asked by the Board for Communication
Services, but which had been included in the discussion as a result of the letter received from the President
of the Synod. As the result of this discussion, it was agreed that the final response of the Commission
required further consideration and Alan Barber was asked to make an attempt to provide that response,
taking into account the discussions which had taken place at the present telephone conference, as well as the
preceding one. He indicated that he would seek to provide that response within the next two weeks.
110. English District Bylaws (Ag. 2057): In a brief report, the Secretary indicated that there appeared to be
a problem with the English District Bylaws in that they provided for only a Board of Directors and no other
boards. It was indicated that a report should be prepared for the English District which took note of this
caveat and that the English District, as well as all other districts who had forwarded bylaws for review,
should be urged to give attention to the concerns identified in a previous Commission memo to all district
presidents regarding district bylaw amendments. A copy of the letter addressed to the President of the
English District is attached to the minutes.
111. South Wisconsin District Bylaws (Ag. 2058): A copy of the letter addressed to the South Wisconsin
District President on these proposed bylaw amendments is attached to the minutes.
112. Northern Illinois District Bylaws (Ag. 2064): David Piehler had reviewed the Northern Illinois
District bylaw amendments and had expressed his view regarding them, including concerns which he
identified. The letter to the President of the Northern Illinois District containing these reactions is attached
to the minutes.
113. Texas District Bylaws (Ag. 2079): The Texas District Bylaws and the proposed amendments were
reviewed by Dr. Richard Schlecht. He noted various concerns, including the fact that the Texas District
appears to have its own Constitution, a matter which would be in violation of Article XII, 2, of the
Handbook. It was also suggested that many of the items included in the Bylaws might be incorporated in
one or more policy manuals. These issues and concerns were forwarded to the President of the Texas
District in a letter which is attached to the minutes.
114. Rocky Mountain District Bylaws (Ag. 2080): Proposed amendments to the Rocky Mountain District
Bylaws had been forwarded for review to the Commission. The Secretary had reviewed these proposed
amendments and found that they contain nothing contrary to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod. In
the course of the review, however, it was noted that a statement which allowed the Chairman to vote only
when necessary to resolve a tie vote would be contrary to Robert's Rules of Order, which allows the
Chairman to cast a vote to create a tie, as well as to break one. These matters were shared with the President
of the Rocky Mountain District in a letter attached to the minutes.
115. Michigan, Pacific Southwest, and Minnesota South District Bylaws (Ag. 2061, 2062, 2063): These
Bylaws are to be reviewed by Tesch, Barber, and Bode respectively. As proposed responses are received,
they will be forwarded to members of the Commission for reaction prior to informing the district presidents
of the opinion of the Commission on the proposed Bylaws and amendments.
116. Adjournment: The meeting was declared adjourned by Chairman Tesch and concluded with prayer
led by Dr. Schlecht.
Walter L. Rosin, Secretary