Bylaws | 3 | pp. 100-195
3. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1 National Conventions
3.1.1 The national convention of the Synod shall afford an opportunity for
worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital
information. It is the principal legislative assembly, which amends the
Constitution and Bylaws, considers and ta kes action on reports and
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Bylaws | 2 | pp. 55-99
matters as advice and counsel as well as suspension of membership and
forfeiture of it for failure to continue to meet membership requirements. In
protecting the rights of members, provision has also been made for
challenging those decisions by ecclesiastical supervisors that result in
suspension or loss of membership and for restoration of membership when
n
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 228 | p. 228
roster, 59, 61, 62, 63, 65, 103, 117, 141,
165, 167, 171, 184, 199, 209
specific ministry pastor status and
limitations, 64– 65, 101, 103
standards for, 24, 54– 55
status, 61– 63, See also Membership
status
suspension, 67
voting, 12
Membership status, 61–63
active, 61–62
and district transfer, 57–64
inactive, 62–63
candidate, 12, 63
annual report, 63
emeritu
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Bylaws | 1 | pp. 21-54
1. RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN AND THROUGH THE SYNOD
1.1 Purpose of the Synod
1.1.1 Committed to a common confession and mission, congregations of The
Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod join with one another in the Synod to
support one another and to work together in carrying out their commonly
adopted objectives. The Synod is organized to work in support of and on
be
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 226 | p. 226
doctrinal review of published materials,
37
formation and realignment, 194
governing documents, 194
governing principles, 194–96
membership, 63– 64, 195
nominations and elections, 17, 197, 201
regional selections, 197
non-geographical, 64, 210
obligation to carry out Synod
resolutions, 25
officers, 16, 17, 197
ethical obligations, 33
officers, executives, pr
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Bylaws | 1.10 | pp. 39-54
1.10 Dispute Resolution of the Synod
Preamble
1.10.1 When disputes, disagreements, or offenses arise among members of the
body of Christ, it is a matter of grave concern for the whole church.
Conflicts that occur in the body should be resolved promptly ( Matt. 5:23–
24; Eph. 4:26 – 27). Parties to disputes are urged by the mercies of God to
proceed with one
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 224 | p. 224
ecclesiastical supervision of. See
Ecclesiastical supervision
election of the President by, 187
eligibility and application for
membership, 13, 55– 56
expulsion of, 18, 67– 79
members of, 24
membership in the Synod, 12– 13, 24– 25,
See further Membership in the Synod
nominations by, 186, 188
relation to circuit, 25, 203–7
relation to circuit visitor, 203–5
r
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 231 | p. 231
petition for removal of, 65
Roster. See under Membership in the
Synod
Schools
association (definition), 61
association, calling ministers of
religion, 61
calling ministers of religion, 56– 57
Secretary of the Synod, 14, 116– 17
convention duties, 16, 19, 35, 103, 105,
107, 109, 116
file of governing instruments, 126
file of minutes, 29
general duties, 16, 11
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 233 | p. 233
REFERENCES
Constitutional Provisions
Const. Preface .......................................... 178
Const. Art. II ....24, 32, 68, 113, 134, 167, 172,
180, 183, 184, 216
Const. Art. III .......... 21, 24, 134, 172, 198, 215
Const. Art. III 1, 6 ...................................... 151
Const. Art. III 3 .......................................... 157
Const.
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 227 | p. 227
duties established by President, 115
expulsion of president, 91
member of
Administrative Team, 124
Board of Directors (nonvoting), 16,
117
colloquy committees (chair), 156, 157
Commission on Theology and
Church Relations (advisory), 151
Council of Presidents, 155
Praesidium, 23
performance of presidential duties, 16,
114, 115
submission of report by, 105
suc
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 5 | p. 5
2.3 Application by Congregations ............................................................................. 55
2.4 Continued Eligibility of Congregations ............................................................. 56
2.5 Calling Ministers of Religion ............................................................................... 56
Calls and multi-congr
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 222 | p. 222
appointed members, 174
as board of the Synod. See Boards of
the Synod
qualifications and their verification,
175, 191, 192
removal of member, 32
training, 176
closure or sale, 177
Concordia University System, 133– 40
consolidation, 177
coordination and collaboration, 178
doctrinal review, 37
president, 182
faculty, 157, 183– 84
academic freedom, 183
appointm
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 230 | p. 230
Placement of ministers of religion, initial,
60
Position of the Synod. See Confessional
position of the Synod
Powers of the Synod, 12
Praesidium, 23, 155
appointments by, 175
presidential consultation, 80, 106, 115,
146, 150, 151, 152
President of the Synod, 14–15, 15– 16, 112–
16
appointments by, 106, 123, 146, 148,
150, 151, 157, 193
convention report, 115
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Bylaws | 6 | pp. 208-214
6. AUXILIARY AND RECOGNIZED
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
6.1 Auxiliaries
6.1.1 An auxiliary exists as an arm of the Synod and has as its primary function
aiding the Synod, specifically in programs that extend the ministry and
mission of the Synod. Auxiliary status is presently limited to the
International Lutheran Laymen’ s League and the Lutheran Women’ s
Missiona
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 225 | p. 225
as agency of the Synod. See Agency of
the Synod
concurrence on standard operating
procedures, 70, 79, 86, 91, 99
designation of coordinative roles for
Office of National Mission, 144
policies
non-member congregational service,
61
presidential consultation, 106, 113
records retention and transfer, 127
Deaconesses. See Ministers of religion—
commissioned
Defin
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 223 | p. 223
submission of report by, 105
terms of office, 110– 12
Committee for Convention Nominations,
189–92
preliminary work by Secretary, 116
subcommittee (“3.2.5”) for vacancy
nominations, 112
Committee on Elections, 193–94
Committee, Colloquy, for Commissioned
Ministry, 156– 57
Committee, Colloquy, for Pastoral
Ministry, 156
Committee, convention, 106
directed rep
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Bylaws | 2.14 | pp. 67-77
2.14 Expulsion of Congregations or Individuals
from Membership in the Synod
Preamble
2.14.1 Termination of membership in the Synod is a serious matter involving both
the doctrine and life of those to whom it has been granted. Such action
should only be taken as a final step when it is clear that those who are being
terminated after previous futile admonitio
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 232 | p. 232
of district officers, board and
commission members, 201
of hearing facilitator, 48
of members of Commission on
Constitutional Matters, 146
of members of Commission on
Handbook, 150
of reconciler, 47
of synodwide corporate entity chief
executive, 125
Theology and Church Relations,
Commission on. See Commission on
Theology and Church Relations
Treasurer. See C
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Bylaws | 3.12 | pp. 186-194
3.12 Nominations and Elections
Regional Elections
3.12.1 For all elections requiring regional representation, the Board of Directors
of the Synod and the Council of Presidents acting jointly shall designate five
geographic regions.
(a) Regions shall be designated 24 months prior to conventions of the
Synod and shall take into consideration geogra phical and
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 221 | p. 221
amendments to, 214
Calls
assignment of first (placement) by
Board of Assignments, 60
assisting capacity, 57
by association schools, 56– 57
by congregations, 13, 56– 57
installation forms and practices, 198
multi-congregation parish, 57
of candidates, 59–60
qualification for first, 60–61
role of district president in, 31, 56– 57,
198, 208, 212
Candidate membe
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 229 | p. 229
representation at Synod convention,
104
Model Operating Procedures Manual, 134,
184
Multi-congregation parish. See Parish,
multi-congregation
Name of the Synod, 11, 215
National inter-Lutheran entities, 25
executives, professional staff, 62
formation, 25
National Mission, Board for. See under
Mission Boards of the Synod
National Mission, Office of. See under
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 9 | p. 9
Foreword
The Handbook of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod contains the body of
laws that our member congregations have set out to order our life together— a body of
laws in service of the Gospel . This edition incorporates changes made by the 68 th
Regular Convention of the Synod , meeting in Milwaukee, Wisc., July 29– August 3,
2023, to the Bylaws of th
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 133 | p. 133
3.6.5.3.1 The Foundation shall distribute designated funds in accordance with the
contractual instructions of the donor. The distribution of undesignated
funds shall be determined by its board of trustees in consultation with the
Board of Directors of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod.
3.6.5.3.2 The Foundation shall be audited annually by independent certi
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 7 | p. 7
3.6 Synodwide Corporate Entities ........................................................................... 124
General Principles ........................................................................................... 124
Concordia Historical Institute ....................................................................... 127
Concordia Publishing Hous
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Bylaws | 3.3 | pp. 112-124
3.2.4.2 All members of all boards and commissions of the Synod shall be ineligible
for re-election or re -appointment to the same board or commission after
serving a total of two successive six -year elected terms or three successive
appointed or elected three -year terms, unless otherwise provided in the
Bylaws.
(a) Such persons may become eligible again fo
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 89 | p. 89
(c) prepare a written memorandum describing the manner in which
there was compliance with the guidelines provided in Matthew 18:15–
16 and “previous futile admonition” ( Constitution Art. XIII), as well as
all of the provisions of Bylaws 2.16.3– 2.16.5; and
(d) provide to the President of the Synod a written notification that he
has 15 days from the date of
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 136 | p. 136
work or the sessions of the board as they relate to the ecclesiastical
visitation of any individual college or university.
3.6.6.2.1 Persons elected or appointed to the Concordia University System Board of
Directors should have demonstrated familiarity with and support of Synod
colleges and universities , shall strongly and demonstrably articulate and
suppo
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 220 | p. 220
Assignment of first calls, 60
Assistants, parish. See Ministers of
religion— commissioned
Assisting capacity call. See under Ministers
of religion— ordained
Assisting capacity call designation. See
under Ministers of religion—ordained
Association school. See Schools,
association (definition)
Auxiliary organizations, 208– 10
archival requirements, 128
calling
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 88 | p. 88
the above provision (paragraph 2.16.3). In commencing such action, the
chairman of the Council of Presidents:
(a) Shall determine whether Bylaw 2.16.3 provisions have been carried
out and shall thoroughly investigate the matter to determine whether
the facts learned from his investigation form a basis for expulsion of the
President of the Synod under Article
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 90 | p. 90
unanimous consent by the panel members for a short delay beyond such 45
days for reasons the panel deems appropriate.
2.16.7.5 The chairman of the Council of Presidents shall forward to the Hearing
Panel the statement of the matter together with the written memorandum
describing the manner in which there was compliance with the guidelines
provided in Matthew
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 91 | p. 91
congregations of the Synod for a written vote in order to terminate the
membership of the President of the Synod.
(d) If the result of the vote is not the required 75 percent of the total
number of district presidents, the chairman of the Council of Presidents
shall so inform the accuser and the President of the Synod, which shall
terminate the matter, vacat
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 219 | p. 219
INDEX
Organization of this Index: Please note that many of the entries are “chained” so that the item
sought can be considered in context; for example, the entry for “Board for International Mission”
leads you to the entry for “Mission Boards of the Synod” to give the reader the opportunity to find
not only the adjacent “Mission Offices of the Synod” but als
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 6 | p. 6
Decision by Congregations .............................................................................. 91
General Regulations ......................................................................................... 91
2.17 Expulsion of Individuals from Membership in the Synod
as a Result of Sexual Misconduct or Criminal Behavior ..........................
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Bylaws | 1.6 | pp. 34-36
1.6 Confessional Position of the Synod
1.6.1 The confessional position of the Synod is set forth in Article II of its
Constitution, to which all who wish to be and remain members of the
Synod shall subscribe.
Doctrinal Resolutions and Statements
1.6.2 The Synod, in seeking to clarify its witness or to settle doctrinal
controversy, so that all who seek to par
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 131 | p. 131
extension activities, such as knowledge of real estate, management, and
financial planning.
3.6.4.4 The Lutheran Church Extension Fund — Missouri Synod shall raise funds
primarily through the issuance of corporate notes and other debt
instruments.
3.6.4.4.1 The assets of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund — Missouri Synod shall
be used exclusively to provide
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 135 | p. 135
(e.g., as in Bylaw 3.12.3.4 [c]) and suggesting for appointment those
suitably qualified;
(m) serve as a resource for regents’ development of and mandatory
training in governance skills, especially as they relate to the carrying
out of the mission of the Synod’s colleges and universities within the
mission of the church, and foster regents’ growth in aspects
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 178 | p. 178
that the ratio of elected to appointed regents is not decreased and that
all members of the resulting board of regents are members of member
congregations of the Synod. Such plan must indicate a definite plan of
no more than six years’ duration to bring the composition of the board
of regents of the institution into compliance with Bylaw 3.10.6.2, and
contin
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Bylaws | 1.5 | pp. 27-34
1.5 Regulations for Corporate Synod and Agencies of the Synod
General
1.5.1 Board and commission members of all agencies shall be members of
member congregations of the Synod.
1.5.1.1 Unless otherwise specified or permitted by the Bylaws, chief executives and
executive directors, faculty, staff, and all other employees on either the
national or district lev
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 44 | p. 44
If the secretary of the Synod or district is a party to the matter in dispute,
has a conflict of interest, or serves as a witness, then the President of the
Synod or the district president, as appropriate, shall appoint an
administrator of the process in the matter.
1.10.6.1 The administrator shall within 15 days select the reconciler in the manner
hereinaft
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Bylaws | 3.1 | pp. 100-112
3.1 National Conventions
3.1.1 The national convention of the Synod shall afford an opportunity for
worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital
information. It is the principal legislative assembly, which amends the
Constitution and Bylaws, considers and ta kes action on reports and
overtures, and handles appropriate appeals. It
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 130 | p. 130
(b) Amendments shall be reported to the next convention of the
Synod.
3.6.4.1 The assets and liabilities of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund —
Missouri Synod are separate and distinct from those of the Synod and its
assets cannot be used to satisfy the liabilities and obligations of the Synod.
3.6.4.1.1 In the event the Lutheran Church Extension Fund— Miss
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 184 | p. 184
3.10.6.9.3 A formal procedure shall be in place to carry out performance reviews for
all faculty on a regular basis.
3.10.6.9.4 Other than honorable retirement, termination of faculty employment may
only be the result of the following:
(a) professional incompetency;
(b) incapacity for the performance of duty;
(c) insubordination;
(d) neglect of or refusal to
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 8 | p. 8
4.3 District Officers ................................................................................................... 197
4.4 District President................................................................................................. 197
4.5 District Boards of Directors .............................................................................
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 127 | p. 127
of its members, or the procedure for amending its governing
instruments shall require a two-thirds affirmative vote of its members,
if any, who are appointed by the Board of Directors of the Synod; and
(d) a provision that upon dissolution of a synodwide corporate entity,
its remaining assets shall be transferred to the Synod. Any amendment
to this provision
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 4 | p. 4
1. RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN AND THROUGH THE SYNOD ................................................ 21
1.1 Purpose of the Synod ............................................................................................ 21
1.2 Definition of Terms ............................................................................................... 21
1.3 Synod Relation
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 47 | p. 47
(3) Discretionary acts: The Appeal Panel may approve an appeal if
there was a clear abuse of discretion impacting the decision of the
Dispute Resolution Panel, resulting in a gross miscarriage of justice,
or that involves an obvious and inappropriate bias or prejudice.
1.10.8.3 Within 30 days after its formation, the Appeal Panel shall issue its written
deci
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 86 | p. 86
(d) be publicized as deemed appropriate under the circumstances by
the President of the Synod.
General Regulations
2.15.10 The President of the Synod shall take those steps necessary to assure that
the spiritual needs of the respective members (accuser and accused) are
attended to and shall continue efforts to resolve those matters which led to
the commencem
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 87 | p. 87
Consultation
2.16.3 When a district president of the Synod is aware of information which could
lead to the expulsion of the President of the Synod from the Synod under
Article XIII of the Constitution, prior to any formal written complaint or
accusation, the district president shall consult with the Council of
Presidents to seek advice and also so that it ca
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 166 | p. 166
(e) The board of regents shall maintain standards of good practice that
provide uniform procedures for renewing faculty employment
contracts.
(f) Each seminary shall state policies regarding faculty appointments,
employment contracts, contract renewal, and contract termination for
all employees.
3.10.5.7.4 A formal procedure shall be in place to carry out pe
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 48 | p. 48
as the SOPM) by the secretary of the district to serve as reconciler in the
following situations arising in the district:
(a) Procedural questions involved in excommunication cases;
(b) Cases in which a member of the Synod shall have been removed
from the position that such member holds in a congregation that is a
member of the Synod;
(c) Cases in which a pe
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 66 | p. 66
2.13.3.2 Such petition for removal of restricted status shall be addressed solely to
the Council of Presidents through the office of the President of the Synod.
The Council of Presidents shall rule on such petition within six months
from the date of receipt.
(a) A hearing on the petition for removal of restricted status shall be
conducted by a hearing panel
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 124 | p. 124
3.5.1.1 The Administrative Team shall consist of the President, the First Vice -
President, the Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Mission
Officer, and the Chief Administrative Officer and shall be under the
leadership of the President.
Operations Team
3.5.2 The Operations Team shall assist the President and the Board of Directors
of the Synod
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Bylaws | 3.9 | pp. 145-154
3.9 Commissions
3.9.1 The commissions of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod are the
following:
1. Commission on Constitutional Matters
2. Commission on Doctrinal Review
3. Commission on Handbook
4. Commission on Theology and Church Relations
Commission on Constitutional Matters
3.9.2 The Commission on Constitutional Matters exists to interpret the
Constitut
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 174 | p. 174
(v) effect the removal from office of the institution’s president upon a
finding, under the procedure of Bylaw 3.10.6.8.3 or Bylaw 3.10.6.8.1 (e)
or (f) , that he is unfit to serve as the spiritual head of the college or
university;
(w) effectively and intentionally govern the institution and its
president so that administration and faculty carry out their
m
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 176 | p. 176
3.10.6.2.2 Persons elected or appointed to a board of regents shall undergo training
for such service.
(a) The Concordia University System and Synod Board of Directors
shall provide for training of elected and appointed regents concerning
their responsibilities under the Synod Constitution, Bylaws, and
resolutions, to advance the Synod’s confession and missi
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 177 | p. 177
and have ultimate authority and independence in the operation of the
institution subject to appropriate pre -established policies and rules (e.g.,
Synod Bylaws), under no circumstances shall a board delegate its authority
to, nor commingle its authority wit h, any other body that includes non-
board members. Boards of regents may meet with advisory groups (e
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 183 | p. 183
(b) Should the action or inaction prove, to the satisfaction of the
Concordia University System Board of Directors and with the
concurrence of the President of the Synod, to violate the doctrine and
practice of the Synod (Const. Art. II) or to have caused the institution to
be not in good standing with the Synod (Bylaw 3.6.6.4.1 [e]), the
Concordia Universit
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 191 | p. 191
candidates from the list of nominees gathered by the nominations
process.
(d) In the case of boards of directors of synodwide corporate entities,
the committee shall consult with the governing boards of each
synodwide corporate entity, through their chief executive, to receive
input for the committee’s consideration.
(e) In the case of the boards of regents
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 195 | p. 195
(6) be the object of an evaluation prepared by the Board of
Directors of the Synod and submitted to the convention.
4.1.1.4 Transfer of congregations between districts is completed upon approval of
the respective district boards of directors at the request of the
congregation.
4.1.1.5 Transfer of congregations between partner churches requires the
additional
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 208 | p. 208
6. AUXILIARY AND RECOGNIZED
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
6.1 Auxiliaries
6.1.1 An auxiliary exists as an arm of the Synod and has as its primary function
aiding the Synod, specifically in programs that extend the ministry and
mission of the Synod. Auxiliary status is presently limited to the
International Lutheran Laymen’ s League and the Lutheran Women’ s
Missiona
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 3 | p. 3
Contents
FOREWORD ....................................................................................................... 9
CONSTITUTION OF
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH—M ISSOURI SYNOD
PREAMBLE R EASON FOR THE FORMING OF A SYNODICAL UNION .............................11
ARTICLE I N AME ..................................................................................
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 34 | p. 34
(1) Incapacity
(2) Breach of fiduciary responsibilities to the Synod or a district
(3) Neglect or refusal to perform duties of office
(4) Conviction of a felony
1.5.8.1 Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, the procedure for removal of an
officer of the Synod or a district from office shall be as follows:
(a) Action for removal of an officer of a distr
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 39 | p. 39
(l) Should any problem arise between an author, the reviewer(s), the
publisher, or any other party involved with respect to the material
submitted for review, the sponsoring group shall endeavor to resolve it
to the satisfaction of the reviewer(s). If it cannot do so, the problem
shall be submitted to the Commission on Doctrinal Review which shall
follow the
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 43 | p. 43
Matthew 18:15 and may involve the informal use of a reconciler. And
further, before any matter is submitted to the formal reconciliation
process, the complainant must meet and consult with the appropriate
ecclesiastical supervisor to seek advice and also so that it can be
determined whether this is the appropriate bylaw procedure (Bylaw
section 1.10) or whet
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 57 | p. 57
admitted to their respective ministries in accordance with the rules and
regulations set forth in these Bylaws and have thereby become members of
the Synod; (2) candidates for the pastoral ministry who have satisfied the
qualifications and requirements for assignment of first calls by the Council
of Presidents acting as the Board of Assignments; or (3) ordai
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 58 | p. 58
2.6.1.1 The roster of commissioned ministers shall admit eligible teachers,
directors of Christian education, directors of Christian outreach, directors
of family life ministry, directors of parish music, deaconesses, parish
assistants, and directors of church ministries.
2.6.2 Individuals who have been declared qualified for a first call and assigned
first
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 62 | p. 62
(d) An officer, executive, or professional staff member of the Synod,
district, or other agency of the Synod.
(e) An executive or professional staff member serving a national inter-
Lutheran entity referred to in Bylaw 1.3.8.
(f) A missionary serving under a call by the Synod, including a call by
a district.
(g) A person serving on the faculty or profession
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 73 | p. 73
under Article XIII of the Constitution, in commencing the formal
proceedings he shall
(a) provide to the member a written notification of the member’s
suspended status under Bylaw 2.13.4;
(b) provide to the member a written statement of the matter which
sets forth the facts and states that he is requesting expulsion of the
member from the Synod in accord wit
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 81 | p. 81
out the above provision (Bylaw 2.15.3). In commencing such action, the
President of the Synod:
(a) Shall determine whether Bylaw 2.15.3 provisions have been carried
out and shall thoroughly investigate the matter to determine whether
the facts learned from his investigation form a basis for expulsion of the
member under Article XIII of the Constitution. He m
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 82 | p. 82
Hearing Panel
2.15.7 If the request for hearing as granted in Bylaw 2.15.6 (c) is made, the
suspending ecclesiastical supervisor shall inform the Secretary of the
Synod who shall initiate the formation of a Hearing Panel, such formation
to be accomplished within 30 days of the request in accordance with the
provisions in this bylaw.
2.15.7.1 At the time tha
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 94 | p. 94
and the matter shall thereafter proceed as set forth in Bylaws 2.16.4 –
2.16.10.4.
2.17.5 If the determinati on is not to initiate formal proceedings, the district
president shall in writing so inform the accuser, any other district
president involved, and the involved member, which shall terminate the
matter, subject to the following:
(a) If a matter of doc
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 105 | p. 105
(b) If the district has no executive staff, it may select two members of
its board of directors.
3.1.4.6 Each district may be represented by two youth representatives at
conventions of the Synod.
(a) Youth representatives may be selected as a district may specify.
(b) They may speak at the request of a floor committee and with the
permission of the chair.
Re
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 125 | p. 125
3.6.1.4 Each governing board of a synodwide corporate entity shall elect its own
chair, vice -chair, and secretary and such operating officers as may be
necessary.
3.6.1.5 Synodwide corporate entities may create chief executive positions (who
may be designated as an officer of the corporation) pursuant to Bylaw 1.2.1,
and fill them in accordance with the Byl
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 126 | p. 126
(a) It is vested with the supervision of the business, financial,
property, personnel, and legal affairs of the Synod assigned to that
synodwide corporate entity.
(b) It shall develop policies governing its operations.
(c) It shall have an independent audit.
(d) It shall provide for insurance and fidelity bonding.
(e) It shall use common policies with other
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 138 | p. 138
(d) Concordia University System may, upon finding a church work
preparation program to be in breach of the Standards, either on the
basis of a regular visitation report or of a focused review, place the
program on probation for up to a one -year period. If Conc ordia
University System determines that substantial progress has been made
and that verifiable pla
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 146 | p. 146
Mission. Through the Chief Mission Officer, it shall also receive direction
from the President of the Synod on all aspects of its responsibilities.
3.8.3.6 The President’s supervisory responsibilities under Constitution Art. XI B
and Bylaws 3.3.1 .1– 3.3.1.3 will assure that the Office of International
Mission incorporates the doctrine, mission, and vision o
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 151 | p. 151
(c) It shall maintain a complete file of succeeding handbooks so that
comparison can be made between current provisions and those
preceding.
(d) It shall carry out assignments by conventions of the Synod relating
to the Handbook.
(e) It shall respond to requests from agencies of the Synod to propose
new provisions to address specific Handbook-related issues
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 160 | p. 160
conflict with the laws of the domicile of the seminary or its Articles
of Incorporation. In such event the board of regents shall have
power to perform such acts as may be required by law to effect the
corporate existence of the seminary.
(6) Establishing and placing a priority on the capital needs of the
seminary and determining the plans for the maintenanc
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 161 | p. 161
situation, the president shall report the matter to the board of regents
with his recommendation for action.
(g) He shall delegate or reassign one or more of his functions to a
member of the faculty or staff, although standing administrative
assignments shall be made by the board of regents upon his
recommendation.
(h) He shall be responsible for the provisi
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 162 | p. 162
3.10.5.6.2 As soon as an impending vacancy in the office of president is known, the
board of regents, with prior consent of the President of the Synod, shall
issue in an official periodical of the Synod a call for the nomination of
candidates for the presidency of the seminary. The call for nominations
shall describe the office and qualifications desired to
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.