Official Handbook Source Text
Handbook page 194
Source: LCMS Handbook 2023, page 194.
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.
required background check, the office will be deemed vacant and will be filled according to Bylaw 3.2.5.
3.12.4.3 The Committee on Elections shall report the official results of each election
to the convention and shall file a written report of the tabulation of votes of each election, certified by the chairman and at least one other member of the committee, with the convention chairman and the Secretary of the Synod.
4. DISTRICT ORGANIZATION
4.1 Governing Principles
4.1.1 The Synod is not merely an advisory body in relation to a district, but
establishes districts in order more effectively to achieve its objectives and carry on its activities.
4.1.1.1 A district is the Synod itself performing the functions of the Synod.
Resolutions of the Synod are binding upon the districts.
4.1.1.2 The Constitution of the Synod is also the constitution of each district. The
Bylaws of the Synod shall be primarily the bylaws of the district.
(a) A district may adopt additional bylaws, regulations, and resolutions necessary or proper for its own administration or for effectively carrying on the work of the Synod. These shall not conflict with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod.
(b) The bylaws and regulations of the district and any subsequent change therein shall be submitted to the Commission on Constitutional Matters of the Synod for review and approval.
4.1.1.3 The Synod decides when and whether a district shall be formed, divided,
realigned, or merged with another or other districts, or dissolved;
determines the boundaries of a district; and approves the name of a district.
(a) A proposal calling for the formation, division, realignment, merger, or dissolution of a district or districts may be initiated by a national convention of the Synod or the Board of Directors of the Synod.
(b) Such proposals shall
(1) be submitted to the President at least six months prior to a convention of the Synod;
(2) be produced in consultation with the Department of Rosters, Statistics, and Research Services;
(3) include a substantiated description of the nonviable aspects of the current district(s) on the basis of general principles of viability adopted from time to time by conventions of the Synod, and shall specify the problems or factors which make the adoption of the proposal advisable or necessary;
(4) provide evidence that the proposed change is the best of the options available;
(5) provide a specific and realistic development plan for the proposed district(s), including detailed proposals for staff personnel and financial operations; and
