LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — June 15, 2000, Page 3

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The Commission concurred with the tentative approval granted by the Secretary to the proposed changes
to the Bylaws of the Texas District submitted by the Secretary of the District in a May 25, 2000 letter.
Several additional editorial changes will also be recommended to the District.
154. Approval of Changes to Bylaws of the English District (00-2202)
The Commission concurred with the Secretary’s approval to the proposed change to the Bylaws of the
English District removing term limits for the President of the District. The Commission, however, offers
the following response to the use of the term “Bishop” in the overture to be submitted to the District
convention:
Opinion: The Commission notes that Overture 3-42 to the 1981 synodical convention asked for
permission to use the title “Bishop.” It resolved “That the Synod in Convention assembled permissively
grant as an alternate title the Scriptural term Bishop to the President of the Synod and the District
Presidents and the Vice-Presidents of both the Synod and the Districts, but for legal purposes the
designation President/Vice-President be retained in the constitution.”
In response, Resolution 3-19, “To Retain the Terminology of ‘President” and “Vice-President’,”
respectfully declined Overture 3-42. The Commission notes, therefore, that while a resolution to remove
term limits for the President of the English District is acceptable, the use of the term “Bishop” in the
overture and any ensuing convention action advocating the removal of term limits is out of order.
155. Questions Re the Distinctions Between the Bylaws 2.39 and 2.27 (00-2203)
A parish pastor in a letter dated May 30, 2000, has submitted as series of questions pertaining to the
difference between “brotherly dissent” in a matter of doctrine as addressed by Bylaw 2.39 and “false
doctrine” as it is implied in Bylaw 2.27. A Commission member was asked to provide a draft response to
be discussed at a future meeting.
156. Adjournment
With all current business having been addressed, the meeting was closed with prayer.

Raymond L. Hartwig, Secretary

MINUTES
COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
August 17, 2000
157. Call to Order and Prayer
Chairman Walter Tesch called the conference call meeting to order. The meeting was opened with prayer.
158. Minutes of June 15, 2000 Meeting
The minutes of the meeting were accepted as printed, including the opinion added to 00-2202 regarding
the use of the term “Bishop” in reference to District Presidents, as follows (p. 104):

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