Official Handbook Source Text
Handbook page 65
Source: LCMS Handbook 2023, page 65.
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.
(2) hold any elected or appointed office on the district or national Synod level that is assigned by the Bylaws of the Synod to “a pastor” or “an ordained minister” (although specific ministry pastors may serve in all other capacities, especially representing the ministerial contexts in which they serve);
(3) supervise vicars; or
(4) serve as a circuit visitor.
(c) The ministers of religion— ordained records maintained by district presidents as well as the official membership roster of the Synod shall distinguish between specific ministry pastors and other pastors.
Restricted Status and Limitations
2.13.2 An individual member of the Synod may be placed on restricted status by
the district president who has ecclesiastical supervision of the member.
2.13.2.1 The district president may take this action if information with respect to
such member provides a substantial basis to conclude that such member
(a) has engaged in conduct which could lead to expulsion from the Synod under Article XIII of the Constitution;
(b) is incapable of performing the duties of the office or position because of physical, mental, or emotional disability; or
(c) neglects or refuses to perform the duties of the office or position.
2.13.2.2 An individual member of the Synod on restricted status is ineligible to
(a) perform functions of ministry except in the position of service, if any, held at the inception of restricted status and otherwise only if approved by the district president; and
(b) accept a call to any other position of service in the Synod.
2.13.2.3 An individual member of the Synod shall be notified in writing as to the
specific reasons for having been placed on restricted status.
(a) Such restricted status shall continue for a period of one year or a lesser period if the matter is satisfactorily resolved.
(b) In order to extend the restricted status beyond one year, the district president shall annually thereafter notify the member in writing as to the reasons for such continuance of restricted status.
2.13.2.4 While a member is on restricted status, the district president shall minister
to that member either directly or through others, concern himself with the spiritual well-being of that member, and continue efforts to resolve those matters which led to the imposition of restricted status.
(a) The records maintained by the respective district president shall reflect the restricted status.
(b) The district president shall notify in writing the President of the Synod and all other district presidents of such restricted status.
Removal of Restricted Status and Limitations
2.13.3 An individual member of the Synod who is placed on restricted status shall
have the right to appeal the placement on or continuance of restricted status by filing a petition for removal of restricted status.
2.13.3.1 A party on restricted status may petition for removal therefrom no more
than once in a twelve-month period.
