Official Handbook Source Text
Handbook page 80
Source: LCMS Handbook 2023, page 80.
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.
seek advice and also so that it can be determined whether this is the appropriate bylaw procedure (Bylaw section 2.15) or whether the matter falls under Bylaw sections 2.14, 2.17, or 1.8, or dispute resolution under Bylaw section 1.10. In regard to this consultation:
(a) If and when the accuser’s district president (if the district president is not the one accused or if the accused is an officer of the Synod) is the one consulted, the district president shall consult with the President of the Synod. Whether the President o f the Synod is the one consulted directly by the accuser or by the district president, the President of the Synod may consult with the vice -presidents of the Synod, with the district president of the accused (if an officer of the Synod), with the chairman of the Council of Presidents, or with the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR). The President of the Synod may also ask an opinion of the Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM). The President of the Synod must follow any opinion received from either the CCM or the CTCR, which shall be rendered within 30 days or such additional time as the President of the Synod may allow.
(b) The district president or the President of the Synod shall require the accuser to follow the correct bylaw provision under the circumstance, and shall provide for evangelical supervision, counsel, and care to the persons involved.
(c) If this Bylaw section 2.15 applies, the district president or the President of the Synod shall ensure that the accuser has met face -toface with the accused in the manner described in Matthew 18:15. Even if the alleged violation of Article XIII of the Constitution is considered to be “public,” this provision of Matthew 18:15 shall be followed. The reputation of all parties to the matter is to be protected as commanded in the Eighth Commandment.
(d) The district president of the accuser or the President of the Synod may appoint a small committee to assist in reconciliation efforts. The goal throughout is always one of admonition and reconciliation, of repentance and forgiveness (even if the following proceedings result in expulsion from membership).
(e) The requirement of the Synod of previous admonition called for in
Article XIII of the Constitution commences at this stage if applicable.
(f) Within 45 days after all of the requirements of the consultation provided in this bylaw (Bylaw 2.15.3) have been followed the accuser may bring the matter to the President of the Synod for action under the correct bylaw provision determined by the accuser’s ecclesiastical supervisor (paragraph [b] above).
Commencing an Action
2.15.4 Under this bylaw, the President of the Synod shall commence the following
action when he becomes aware of information or allegations that could lead to expulsion of a member from the Synod under the provisions of
Article XIII of the Constitution. The President of the Synod may become
aware of such information by his own personal knowledge. Such information or allegations may also be conveyed to him in a formal written complaint or accusation made by a member of the Synod who has carried
