Official Handbook Source Text
Handbook page 10
Source: LCMS Handbook 2023, page 10.
This page reproduces text from the 2023 LCMS Handbook for study and navigation. Readers should verify procedural, legal, parliamentary, or governance questions against the official LCMS Handbook and appropriate LCMS authorities.
• A bylaw related to eligibility for ordained colloquy has been clarified (Bylaw
3.10.2.4 — Res. 6-05).
• The requirement that seminaries deposit surplus institutional funds with the Synod has been removed (Bylaw 3.10.5.5 [e][2] — Res. 9-02 [E]).
• Procedures for nomination and election of the President and vice -presidents of the Synod have received minor, procedural revisions (Bylaws 3.12.2.3, 4, 7 — Res. 9 -02 [F, G]; 9 -12) and regional Board of Directors and mission board members will be able to continue serving out their current terms if they move out of their regions of election (Bylaw 3.12.2.8 [j] — Res. 9-07).
Comments and suggestions on this volume’s index, a project under “continuous refinement,” are welcome, and to be directed to lcmssecretary@lcms.org. Please note the explanation of the index’s organization, which is intended to present the sought-after answers in necessary context.
A black-lined comparison edition of the Handbook, indicating each change relative to the 2019 text and the source of each change (convention resolution or Commission on Handbook action), is available from the Commission on Handbook website (http://www.lcms.org/handbook). This edition is offered in the hope that it will help all those whose policies and duties depend on the Handbook to review what revisions will now be required.
The Commission on Handbook, having consulted with the Commission on Constitutional Matters as to its content, now presents this 2023 Handbook to the Synod with the prayer that this body of laws may truly serve the Gospel among us as, that our Synod may all the more purely, boldly, and broadly “preach Christ Crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23–24). The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
John W. Sias, Secretary
