Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026Committee 10Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution
To Amend Bylaw 1.10.7.4 to Allow Advisors to Represent Parties in Dispute Resolution Process
- Committee
- 10. Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution
- Submitted by(2)
- Circuit 3 (Baltimore East)circuitSoutheastern Districtdistrict
- Workbook page
- 513
Preamble Bylaw1.10.7.4(a) states that“The hearing shall be private, attended only by the parties to the dispute and one advisor of each party’s choice, should any party desire one. This advisor shall not address the panel or participate in the discussion at the hearing.”
WHEREAS, The Lord of Scripture recognizes the need for advocates, identifying the Holy Spirit as our advocate before the Father; and
WHEREAS, All secular and religious history recognizes the need for advocates; and
WHEREAS, This is disastrous when there is an issue between unequal parties; a normal dispute resolution process is unequal, that iswhen acomplaint is made about the actions of an authority figure; and
WHEREAS, A common result is a wounded person, left without reconciliation, harmed again; therefore be it
Resolved, That each party may have an advisor who may take a lead position, directing the testimony and presenting the issues to be resolved, and the complainant is not required to speak other than answering the questions they are asked; and be it further
Resolved, That Bylaw 1.10.7.4 be amended as follows: PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING Procedure of a Dispute Resolution Panel … 1.10.7.4 The following rules for the Dispute Resolution Panel shall apply: (a) The hearing shall be private public, attended only by the parties to the dispute and one advisor of each party’s choice, should any party desire one. This advisor shall not address the panel or participate may take a leading position, directing the testimony and presenting the issues to be resolved. The complainant is not required to speak other than answering the questions they are asked in the discussion at the hearing. Witnesses who can substantiate the facts relevant to the matter in dispute may be called before and address the panel. The administrator of the process shall not attend the hearing or serve as a witness. The panel shall establish the procedure to be followed in the hearing and the relevancy of evidence so that each party shall be given an opportunity fully to present its respective position. In performing its duty, the panel shall continue efforts to reconcile the parties to the dispute on the basis of Christian love and forgiveness. …