RESOLUTION 11-10
Overture L11-58 (TB, pp. 34–35 )
Rationale
The nominations/elections processes leading up to Synod conventions have undergone significant changes during the past decade with the introduction of presidential elections prior to the conventions, regional board positions with a ballot nominations process, increased interest in the qualifications of Concordia University System board members leading to required background and skill set assessments, and more—all incorporated into what had largely been a nominating committee process, at times creating confusion and difficult time frame expectations for national convention preparations.
The Commission on Handbook therefore proposes, a number of issues having been brought to its attention, that it is time for the Synod in convention to authorize a thorough review of the procedures and 1 expectations of Bylaw section 3.12 “Nominations and Elections” and related bylaws throughout the Handbook. The creation of a task force composed of individuals most familiar with the current nominations and elections processes will provide opportunity for an informed review of current bylaw requirements and submission of well-conceived recommendations to the 2019 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) convention.
Proposed Action
Therefore be it
Resolved, That the 2016 LCMS convention authorize the creation of a task force to review existing nominations bylaw procedures in the interest of combining them into a comprehensive process with appropriate time frames to facilitate convention preparations; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of this task force be the Secretary of the Synod, the Chief Administrative Officer of the Synod, single representatives of the Commission on Handbook and Commission on Constitutional Matters (chosen by the commissions), the chairman of the 2016 Committee for Convention Nominations, the chairman of the 2016 Committee on Elections, one district secretary and one district president appointed by the Council of Presidents, and up to three additional persons appointed by the LCMS Board of Directors; and be it further
Resolved, That this task force review the procedures and expectations of Bylaw section 3.12 and all related bylaws; and be it finally
Resolved, That the task force make public its recommendations at least one year prior to the 2019 Synod convention, thereafter receiving input and submitting its final report with proposed bylaw changes in time for inclusion in the 2019 Convention Workbook and action by the 2019 convention.
[The estimated cost to implement this proposed resolution appears in the Report of the Finance Floor Committee – found in Sunday’s issue of Today’s Business.]