Official Handbook Source Text
Handbook page 153
Source: LCMS Handbook 2023, page 153.
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.
3.9.5.2.3 The executive committee of the commission shall, within 30 days, provide
opinions on theological matters in response to questions presented by ecclesiastical supervisors or panels as described in the dispute resolution and suspension/expulsion processes of the Synod (Bylaw sections 1.10 and
2.14– 2.17). Because these opinions are in response to a specific question, they shall carry no precedential authority beyond that particular matter.
3.9.5.3 The Commission on Theology and Church Relations shall operate under
the human resources policies of the Synod as provided by the Board of Directors of the Synod, in accordance with Bylaw 3.3.4.3.
3.9.5.3.1 The commission may create an executive director position and fill it in
accordance with the Bylaws of the Synod and the human resources policies of corporate Synod.
(a) The executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the commission.
(1) The slate of candidates for the initial appointment of the executive director shall be selected by the commission in consultation with and with the mutual concurrence of the President of the Synod.
(2) In the event of a vacancy, the commission and the President of the Synod shall act expeditiously to fill the vacancy. This commission shall present its list of candidates to the President.
(3) The commission shall conduct an annual review of its executive director and, before the expiration of five years, conduct a comprehensive review.
(4) At the conclusion of each five -year period, the appointment shall terminate unless the commission takes specific action to continue the person in the office, each subsequent term not to exceed five years.
(b) Any interim executive director appointment by the commission shall follow a process similar to the initial appointment of the executive director.
(1) Such interim appointee must be approved by the President of the Synod, and may not serve more than 18 months without the concurrence of the President of the Synod.
(2) Such interim appointee shall be ineligible to serve on a permanent basis without the concurrence of the President of the Synod.
(c) The executive director of the commission shall normally attend all meetings of the commission except when his own position is being considered.
(d) The commission may create and fill other staff positions in accordance with the human resources policies of corporate Synod adopted pursuant to Bylaw 1.5.5. Such staff may attend meetings of the commission upon request of the commission.
Fraternal and Other Organizations
3.9.5.4 The Commission on Theology and Church Relations shall assist
congregations and ordained and commissioned ministers of religion in fulfilling their commitment to witness publicly and privately to the one and
