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.
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 | 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.
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.
Articles of Incorporation | Article VIII | p. 217
Article VIII Amendments*
Amendments to these Articles of Incorporation may be made at any time at a
general or special meeting of this corporation by the affirmative vote of a two -thirds
majority of the delegates present and voting or by a simple majority of all delegates,
whichever is less, provided such amendments are not inconsistent with the
Constitutio
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 217 | p. 217
dealt with, or disposed of in a manner not in conflict with the laws of the State of
Missouri or of the laws of any state in which said property is located.
Article VII Bylaws
This corporation shall have such constitution and bylaws as may be necessary to
accomplish its purposes and shall have power to create such corporations, boards,
offices, and other sub
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Articles of Incorporation | Article II | pp. 215-216
Article II Objectives
The objectives and purposes of this corporation are:
a. To unite in a corporate body Evangelical Lutheran congregations that
acknowledge and remain true to the Book of Concord of the year of our Lord
1580 as a true exhibition of sound Christian doctrine.
b. To assist in the establishment of Evangelical Lutheran congregations and
preachi
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.
Constitution | Article II | p. 11
Article II Confession
The Synod, and every member of the Synod, accepts without reservation:
1. The Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament as the written Word of God
and the only rule and norm of faith and of practice;
2. All the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and
unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God,
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 | 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.
Articles of Incorporation | Article III | pp. 215-216
Article III Membership
Membership in this corporation is held and may be acquired by congregations,
ministers of religion— ordained and ministers of religion— commissioned, as defined
by the Constitution and Bylaws of this corporation, who confess and accept the
confessional basis of Article II of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church— Missouri
Synod. The
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Articles of Incorporation | Article VII | p. 217
Article VII Bylaws
This corporation shall have such constitution and bylaws as may be necessary to
accomplish its purposes and shall have power to create such corporations, boards,
offices, and other subordinate bodies as may be necessary to accomplish its general
and special objectives and in such bylaws assign responsibilities to those bodies.
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article XII | pp. 16-18
Article XII Districts of the Synod and Their Regulation
1. The Synod is divided into districts, the geographical boundaries of which are
determined by the Synod and are altered by it according to circumstances.
2. This Constitution is also the constitution of each district of the Synod;
however, each district is at liberty to adopt such bylaws and pass such
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article XIII | p. 18
Article XIII Expulsion from the Synod
1. Members who act contrary to the confession laid down in Article II and to
the conditions of membership laid down in Article VI or persist in an
offensive conduct, shall, after previous futile admonition, be expelled from
the Synod.
2. Expulsion shall be executed only after following such procedure as shall be
set fort
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 | 71 | p. 71
(b) The district president shall require the accuser to follow the correct
bylaw provision under the circumstance, if any, and shall provide
evangelical supervision, counsel, and care to the persons involved.
(c) If Bylaw section 2.14 applies, the district president shall ensure that
the accuser has met face -to-face with the accused in the manner
described
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article XV | pp. 19-20
Article XV Changes in, and Amendments to, the Constitution
1. Changes in the Constitution and amendments thereto may be made
provided they do not conflict with the provisions laid down in Article II and
in Article VI.
2. All proposed changes and amendments must be submitted in writing to the
Synod assembled in convention, and each proposed change shall be vo
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 | 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 | 68 | p. 68
terminated after previous futile admonition have acted contrary to the
confession laid down in Constitution Art. II or the conditions of
membership laid down in Constitution Art. VI or have persisted in offensive
conduct ( Constitution Art. XIII 1). For this reason the Synod establishes
procedures for such action including the identification of those who are
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article VIII | pp. 13-14
Article VIII Synodical Meetings
A. Time and Legality of Meetings
1. The Synod convenes every three years for its regular meeting.
2. For a legal convention a constitutional convocation of the meeting and the
presence of at least one- fourth of the constitutionally elected voting
representatives are necessary.
B. Special Sessions of the Synod
1. The Synod ma
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 | 216 | p. 216
confessional basis of Article II of the Constitution of The Lutheran Church— Missouri
Synod. The member congregations of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod shall be
the voting members of this corporation. Congregations shall exercise their voting
power through clergy and lay delegates representing the member congregations in
such number as may be determine
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Articles of Incorporation | Article V | p. 216
Article V Officers
This corporation shall have a board of directors of such number and
qualifications and who shall be elected in such manner and for such terms of office as
shall be set forth in the Constitution or Bylaws of The Lutheran Church— Missouri
Synod. In addition, this corporation shall have other officers having such
qualifications and who shall
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article III | pp. 11-12
Article III Objectives
The Synod, under Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, shall—
1. Conserve and promote the unity of the true faith (Eph. 4:3 –6 ; 1 Cor. 1:10 ),
work through its official structure toward fellowship with other Christian
church bodies, and provide a united defense against schism, sectarianism
(Rom. 16:17), and heresy;
2. Strengthen co
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article VII | p. 13
Article VII Relation of the Synod to Its Members
1. In its relation to its members the Synod is not an ecclesiastical government
exercising legislative or coercive powers, and with respect to the individual
congregation’s right of self -government it is but an advisory body.
Accordingly, no resolution of the Synod imposing anything upon the
individual congre
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 | 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 | 13 | p. 13
Article VI Conditions of Membership
Conditions for acquiring and holding membership in the Synod are the following:
1. Acceptance of the confessional basis of Article II.
2. Renunciation of unionism and syncretism of every description, such as:
a. Serving congregations of mixed confession, as such, by ministers of the
church;
b. Taking part in the services a
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article XI | pp. 15-16
Article XI Rights and Duties of Officers
A. In General
1. The officers of the Synod must assume only such rights as have been
expressly conferred upon them by the Synod, and in everything pertaining
to their rights and the performance of their duties they are responsible to the
Synod.
2. The Synod at all times has the right to call its officers to account an
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Bylaws | 1.2 | pp. 21-24
1.2 Definition of Terms
1.2.1 The following definitions are for use in understanding the terms as used in
the Bylaws of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod:
(a) Agency: An instrumentality other than a congregation or corporate
Synod, whether or not separately incorporated, which the Synod in
convention or its Board of Directors has caused or authorized to be
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article VI | p. 13
Article VI Conditions of Membership
Conditions for acquiring and holding membership in the Synod are the following:
1. Acceptance of the confessional basis of Article II.
2. Renunciation of unionism and syncretism of every description, such as:
a. Serving congregations of mixed confession, as such, by ministers of the
church;
b. Taking part in the services a
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article XIV | p. 18
Article XIV Bylaws
The Synod in convention may adopt bylaws that are consistent with and do not
contradict the Constitution of the Synod, which controls and supersedes such bylaws
and all other rules and regulations of the Synod. Bylaws, which may be adopted,
revised, or eliminated by a simple majority vote of a national convention, are binding
regulations f
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 80 | p. 80
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 a
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 148 | p. 148
3.9.2.2.3 The Commission on Constitutional Matters shall examine the articles of
incorporation, bylaws, and policy manuals of every agency of the Synod to
ascertain whether they are in harmony with the Constitution, Bylaws, and
resolutions of the Synod.
(a) Agencies intending to make amendments to articles of
incorporation or bylaws shall make such intention
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Articles of Incorporation | Article IV | p. 216
Article IV Meetings
This corporation shall have general meetings, called conventions, at least once
every three years, or as often as may be determined by resolution of the Synod in
convention. Special meetings may be called in such manner as may be provided by the
Constitution or Bylaws of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod. All officers and
agencies of t
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article V | pp. 12-13
Article V Membership
Membership in the Synod is held and may be acquired by congregations and
individuals, ministers of religion — ordained and ministers of religion —
commissioned, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church who confess and accept the
confessional basis of Article II.
A. Voting Members
All organized congregations that have joined the Synod hold vot
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 92 | p. 92
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 2.16.
2.17 Expulsion of Individuals from Membership in the Synod
as a Result of Sexual Misconduct or Criminal Behavior
2.17.1 The action to commence expulsion of an individual from membership i
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 172 | p. 172
(b) govern the institution at all times according to the commitment of
the institution, in its mission and otherwise, to carry out its affairs as
part of the Concordia University System and in accordance with the
Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod;
(c) govern the institution with consistent attention to specific ways
that the institution is c
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 215 | p. 215
AMENDED AND RESTATED
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH—M ISSOURI SYNOD
Article I Name, Duration, Registered Office, and Agent
a. The name of this corporation shall be “The Lutheran Church— Missouri
Synod.”
b. The period of duration of this corporation is perpetual.
c. The address of the registered office of this corporation is 120 S. Central A
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 | 11 | p. 11
CONSTITUTION OF
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH—M ISSOURI SYNOD
Preamble
Reason for the Forming of a Synodical Union
1. The example of the apostolic church. Acts 15:1– 31.
2. Our Lord’s will that the diversities of gifts should be for the common profit.
1 Cor. 12:4– 31.
Article I Name
The name of the synod organized under this constitution shall be: The Lutheran
Church—
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 18 | p. 18
11. The districts, when legally incorporated, are represented before the State by
a board of directors composed of the president, the secretary, and the
treasurer of the district, which board, however, may be constituted
otherwise.
12. The districts are independent in the administration of affairs which concern
their district only, it being understood, howev
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Articles of Incorporation | Article I | p. 215
Article I Name, Duration, Registered Office, and Agent
a. The name of this corporation shall be “The Lutheran Church— Missouri
Synod.”
b. The period of duration of this corporation is perpetual.
c. The address of the registered office of this corporation is 120 S. Central Ave.,
Clayton, Missouri.
d. The name of the registered agent of this corporation is CT
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Articles of Incorporation | Article VI | pp. 216-217
Article VI Property
This corporation shall have power to acquire by gift, grant, demise, devise,
bequest, purchase, or otherwise, property of every kind and description, real, personal,
or mixed; to hold and use such property and deal with, or dispose of, any or all such
property by sale, exchange, or gift, when necessary or expedient to carry out the
object
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article I | p. 11
Article I Name
The name of the synod organized under this constitution shall be: The Lutheran
Church— Missouri Synod.
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 | 56 | p. 56
shall submit the application and a full report concerning its denial to
the next regularly scheduled convention of the district, which shall
determine whether to grant the application or to affirm the denial.
2.3.2 A copy of the signed constitution shall be forwarded to the secretary of the
district. Acceptance by the district board of directors shall be rep
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.
Bylaws | 4 | pp. 196-202
(b) The ecclesiastical supervision of a new church start, satellite
worship site, or any ministry established by a congregation in another
district shall be decided by the affected district presidents.
4.1.7 Officers of the district shall have primary responsibility for district
implementation of decisions of the Synod at the national level as they apply
at
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article X | pp. 14-15
Article X Officers
—A—
The officers of the Synod are:
1. A President
2. Vice-presidents, in line of succession, as prescribed by the Bylaws
3. A Secretary
4. A Board of Directors
5. Other officers, as specified in the Bylaws
—B—
1. The President, the vice- presidents, and the Secretary must be ministers of
religion— ordained of The Lutheran Church— Missouri
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 24 | p. 24
Bylaws, the “synodwide corporate entities” of the Synod are the
following corporations:
(1) Concordia Historical Institute
(2) Concordia Publishing House
(3) Lutheran Church Extension Fund— Missouri Synod
(4) Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod Foundation
(5) Concordia University System
The term “synodwide corporate entity” is not used in these Bylaws to
include
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 79 | p. 79
(c) be carried out by the district president or the President of the
Synod; and
(d) be publicized as deemed appropriate under the circumstances by
the district president or the President of the Synod.
General Regulations
2.14.10 The district president of the accused/suspended member and the district
president of the accuser shall take those steps necessary t
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 121 | p. 121
3.3.4.10.1 Although the Board of Directors does not have supervisory authority over
the Synod’s colleges and universities and therefore cannot control or direct
the management, administration, and governance decisions of the Synod’s
colleges and universities, it does have responsibilities under Article XI E 2
of the Constitution and these Bylaws. In carryin
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article IX | p. 14
Article IX Representation
The synodical meetings are composed of regularly elected and delegated
representatives and of certain individual persons, as specified in the Bylaws, to wit:
1. R epresentatives of congregations, entitled to vote . A number of
congregations shall form a group which shall be represented by two voting
delegates, one a pastor and one a
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 19 | p. 19
Article XV Changes in, and Amendments to, the Constitution
1. Changes in the Constitution and amendments thereto may be made
provided they do not conflict with the provisions laid down in Article II and
in Article VI.
2. All proposed changes and amendments must be submitted in writing to the
Synod assembled in convention, and each proposed change shall be vo
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 | 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 | 147 | p. 147
(c) Thereafter, the appointments shall become effective upon
ratification by a majority vote of the members of the Council of
Presidents.
(d) Vacancies in appointed positions shall be filled by following the
procedure set forth above.
3.9.2.2 The Commission on Constitutional Matters shall interpret the Synod ’s
Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions upon the
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 150 | p. 150
Lutheran Confessions, and withdraw the publication until such
agreement is reached.
(g) The panel will appoint one of its members to be the doctrinal
reviewer for the recycling of the revised material to assure the item ’s
agreement with Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions if republished.
Commission on Handbook
3.9.4 The Commission on Handbook provides fo
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Constitution | Article IV | p. 12
Article IV Powers
The Synod in convention is empowered to and has formed corporate entities
which shall have legal powers:
1. To purchase, hold, administer, and sell property of every description in the
interest of the Synod;
2. To accept, hold, administer, and, if deemed advisable, dispose of legacies,
donations, commercial papers, and legal documents of ev
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 16 | p. 16
by presidential letter and has been published in an official periodical of the
Synod. If such matters are related to the business affairs of the Synod, such
a vote shall be conducted only after the President has consulted with the
synodical Board of Directors. In all cases at least one -fourth of the member
congregations must register their vote.
C. Duties
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 114 | p. 114
oversight over their administration as it relates to adherence to the
Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod.
(1) With regard to Synod’s colleges and universities, regular
visitation shall be conducted through the Concordia University
System as described in Bylaw 3.6.6.4 and following.
(2) He may in addition and at any time specially visit or cau
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 | 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 | 12 | p. 12
7. Encourage congregations to strive for uniformity in church practice, but also
to develop an appreciation of a variety of responsible practices and customs
which are in harmony with our common profession of faith;
8. Provide evangelical supervision, counsel, and care for pastors, teachers, and
other professional church workers of the Synod in the performan
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 22 | p. 22
(3) Commission on Handbook
(4) Commission on Theology and Church Relations
(d) Concordia Plan Services : Concordia Plan Services is a controlled
entity of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod created to manage the
Concordia Plans.
(e) Concordia Plans: The Concordia Plans, while operating under the
supervision of the Synod Board of Directors, are trust agencie
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 74 | p. 74
of their respective right to choose one Hearing Panel member and direct
that the identity of their selection be transmitted to the Secretary of the
Synod within 15 days from the date of such notice. If either party declines
to make a selection within 15 da ys, the Secretary of the Synod shall then
make such selection within five days.
2.14.7.4 The Secretary
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 83 | p. 83
there is unanimous consent by the panel members for a short delay beyond
such 45 days for reasons the panel deems appropriate.
2.15.7.7 The Secretary of the Synod 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 18:1
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 | 120 | p. 120
property of the Synod as is generally vested in and imposed upon a board
of directors of a corporation.
(a) It shall, however, delegate to district boards of directors the
authority to buy, sell, and encumber real and personal property in the
ordinary course of performing the functions which the district carries
on for the Synod in accord with general polic
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 55 | p. 55
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 | 70 | p. 70
notice, including information that results in public notice, whether or
not the person or persons delivering it gave approval to the bringing of
the information to public notice.
(r) Reconciliation committee: A small committee appointed by the
ecclesiastical supervisor (prior to the determination whether or not to
proceed) to assist in reconciliation efforts
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 134 | p. 134
appointments to theology faculties of Synod colleges and universities
(Bylaw 3.10.6.9.2);
(d) create and maintain a Model Operating Procedures Manual for
Faculty and Administration Complaints and Appeal of Termination:
Colleges and Universities, subject to approval by the Commission on
Constitutional Matters, regarding the handling of faculty and staff
compl
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 168 | p. 168
(1) The president of the seminary shall assist in this attempt.
(2) If the president himself is the respondent, the chairman of the
board shall act in his stead.
(b) Should allegations involve information that could lead to the
expulsion of the member from the Synod under Article XIII of the
Constitution, the member’s ecclesiastical supervisor is to be infor
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 26 | p. 26
appropriate bylaws. Primary responsibility is given to each officer, to the
extent of his jurisdiction, for implementing specific decisions of the
appropriate conventions, boards, and commissions and for supervising
and coordinating the day -to-day activities of the respective staffs. Elected
officers are to report their activities and recommendations to the
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 29 | p. 29
meetings. Unless otherwise specified in the Bylaws, each agency is free to
select a manner of meeting, consistent with Board of Directors policy, that
best enhances its ability to accomplish its mission, taking into
consideration fostering the open exchang e of ideas, availability of
technology to all members, stewardship of resources, perception of
fairness
Verify in official Handbook before formal use.
Page | 67 | p. 67
Suspended Status and Limitations
2.13.4 When formal proceedings have been commenced against a member of the
Synod (individual or congregation) under the procedures set forth in Bylaw
sections 2.14 – 2.17 which may lead to expulsion from the Synod under
Article XIII of the Constitution, the member shall have suspended status. If
such member was on restricted
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.