Official Handbook Source Text
Handbook page 54
Source: LCMS Handbook 2023, page 54.
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) An individual member of the panel may, through the hearing facilitator, also request resource materials and personal assistance from the executive director of the CTCR or from a theologian recommended by the executive director, this to provide an opportunity to read about, discuss with a knowledgeable person, and better comprehend doctrina l matters associated with the dispute. The dispute resolution case itself shall not be discussed.
(i) Any member participating in this bylaw procedure who intentionally and materially violates any of the requirements in this bylaw or is persistent in false accusations is subject to the disciplinary measures as set forth in the appropriate Bylaw sections 2.14 – 2.17. Any member of the Synod who has personal factual knowledge of the violation shall inform the appropriate district president as the ecclesiastical supervisor. Violations of the prohibition against publicity while a matter is still undecided or while an appeal is contemplated or pending (Bylaw 1.10.18.1 [d] above) by any persons involved are specifically included as a violation subject to the same disciplinary measures set forth in the Bylaws.
(j) In consultation with the Secretary of the Synod and the Council of Presidents, the Commission on Constitutional Matters shall amend as necessary the Standard Operating Procedures Manual that serves as a comprehensive procedures manual for Bylaw section 1.10, Dispute Resolution of the Synod.
2. MEMBERSHIP
2.1 Overview
2.1.1 Included in the objectives of the Synod as stated in its Constitution are,
under Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, to “provide evangelical supervision, counsel, and care for pastors, teachers, and other professional church workers in the performance of their official duties” and to “provide protection for congregations, pastors, teachers, and other church workers in the performance of their official duties and the maintenance of their rights” (Constitution Art. III 8, 9). In view of this, it is clear that membership in The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod, whether individual or congregational, is viewed as a valuable asset to be carefully monitored and managed. In order for this to occur, it is necessary for standards to be developed and maintained for the benefit of all members so that its value is not diminished or destroyed. Consequently, it is important for the Synod to establish the standards and qualifications it believes necessary for acquiring and maintaining the status of membership as well as procedures for protecting those who attain it.
2.1.2 In achieving these goals the Synod has identified certain standards which
must be met before membership, whether individual or congregational, is granted and has identified those responsible for determining that such standards have been met before ap proving their inclusion on the official membership rosters of the Synod. Furthermore, it has identified those responsible for ecclesiastical supervision of its members, including such
