Official Handbook Source Text
Handbook page 99
Source: LCMS Handbook 2023, page 99.
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.
housing, and insurance of individual members until the final decision is rendered.
2.17.10.2 Any member participating in this bylaw procedure that violates any of the
requirements or procedures in this bylaw or is persistent in false accusations is subject to the disciplinary measures as set forth in Bylaw section 2.14 or Bylaw section 2 .15. Violations of the prohibition against publicity while a matter is still undecided or while an appeal is contemplated or pending (Bylaw 2.17.7.8 above) by any of the persons involved are specifically included as a violation subject to the same disciplinary measures set forth in Bylaw sections 2.14 or 2.15.
2.17.10.3 In consultation with the Secretary of the Synod and with the concurrence
of 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 the bylaw provisions set forth in Bylaw section 2.17.
2.17.10.4 Any pending criminal or civil court proceedings permit exceptions to any
of the time limits specified in this Bylaw section 2.17 at the discretion of the ecclesiastical supervisor.
2.18 Reinstatement of Individuals into Membership
2.18.1 Any person who at any time has held membership in the Synod but has
resigned that membership, or whose membership in the Synod has been terminated, is eligible to seek reinstatement into membership. However, there is no inherent right to membership in the Synod, and the decision as to whether to accept or deny a request for reinstatement shall be at the sole discretion of the Council of Presidents.
Applications
2.18.2 Procedures for investigating and processing requests for reinstatement
shall be the responsibility of the Council of Presidents.
(a) All applications by individuals for reinstatement into membership in the Synod shall be addressed to the president of the district in which the applicant last held membership.
(b) The president of the district shall review the matter and shall ordinarily make a recommendation to the Council of Presidents but may be excused by the Council from making such a recommendation where circumstances warrant.
(c) A decision to reinstate shall require an affirmative vote of at least 75 percent of the Council of Presidents present and voting, and shall be by written ballot.
(d) If the applicant is reinstated, the district president shall publish this fact in an official periodical of the Synod.
(e) A decision not to reinstate shall be unappealable, but the individual may reapply for reinstatement three or more years after his or her last preceding application has been denied.
