Constitution of the Lutheran Science Institute

LSI CONSTITUTION

Article I- NAME
The name of the organization shall be Lutheran Science Institute, Inc.

Article II - STATEMENT OF BELIEF
1. We accept the Lutheran Confessions, namely the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, Luther's Small and Large Catechisms, and
the balance of the Book of Concord, as the correct interpretation of Holy Scripture. We firmly believe that the Holy Bible is perfect
and inerrant in all matters, including those that relate to science.

2. We believe and teach that the account of origins as recorded in the book of Genesis is a presentation of actual historical events.
We believe and teach that time, the origin of matter, the forms of energy, the concept of space, and all basic types of life, including
human life, came about through direct creative acts of God during the six days of creation as described in Genesis.

3. We believe and teach the account of the special creation of Adam and Eve as the first man and woman. We believe and teach
that they fell into sin by disobedience of God's direct command and that they pass this sinful nature on to all of their descendants.
We believe and teach that God promised and sent a Savior for all humankind in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. We believe and
teach that Jesus Christ is our Lord and only Savior and that personal acceptance of this fact is necessary for salvation.

4. We believe and teach that faith is created and nourished by the Holy Spirit through the means of grace, the Gospel in Word and
Sacraments (Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper).

5. We believe and teach that the great flood described in Genesis, commonly referred to as the Noachian Flood, was a historic
event, worldwide in its extent and effect.

6. We believe and teach that there is only one final coming and Judgment of Christ at the end of the world.

Article III - OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this institute shall be:
1. to encourage an appreciation of the blessings of God in the areas of science that have informational, vocational, and
recreational value, and
2. to provide aid in understanding Scripture when it speaks of scientific matters.

Article IV - MEMBERSHIP
1. Membership is restricted to members of congregations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and those church bodies
in doctrinal fellowship with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
2. Members must be 18 years of age to vote.
3. An individual less than 18 years of age shall be considered a student member.
4. A congregation may have membership to receive benefits or share in the services of the Institute.
5. Associate non-voting patronship is available by action of the Board of Directors.

Article V - OFFICERS
The officers of the organization shall be president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.

Article VI - BOARDS
1. The Board of Directors shall consist of the aforementioned officers and five (5) additional members elected at large from the
current membership, one of whom shall be an ordained pastor. The executive director shall be an advisory member of the Board.
The Board shall, in general, be responsible for the execution of the business of the organization.
2. The executive committee shall consist of the president, secretary, two (2) members of the Board of Directors chosen by the
Board, and the executive director. This committee shall be responsible to the Board of Directors.

Article VII - MEETINGS
1. There shall be an annual meeting of the membership for the purpose of elections and reports. The time and place of the
meeting shall be determined by the executive committee.
2. The Board of Directors shall meet quarterly at such a time and place as it deems suitable.
3. The executive committee shall meet prior to each Board of Directors meeting and at such other times as the executive
committee deems necessary.

Article VIII - AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
1. An amendment must be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors accompanied by supporting reasons.
2. The Board of Directors shall mail to the membership a wording of the amendment together with its evaluation and a ballot prior
to the annual meeting.
3. The amendment can be passed only by 2/3 majority of the votes cast.
4. Article II of the Constitution shall not be subject to amendment.
5. All changes must be consistent with the Constitution and By-laws of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.