R-3

Resolution Requiring Ratification of Amendments to ELCA Constitution

WHEREAS amendments to the ELCA Constitution are matters of great importance to the church in its congregational and synodical expressions, though it is the churchwide expression alone that enacts the amendments; and

WHEREAS under the former systems of Lutheran bodies constituting the present ELCA, voters who enacted constitutional amendments were considered delegates rather than voting members, and therefore proceeded with a greater sense of representing the views of congregations and districts or synods; and

WHEREAS ELCA research bears out the wisdom of a greater voice for congregations and synods: “The primary opinion expressed in the comments of pastors and council presidents...is the perception that a relatively small group of ELCA members is currently setting the agenda in the ELCA,” (A Report of the Findings on the Questionnaire on Decision-Making, Department of Research and Evaluation, ELCA, April 28, 2004); and

WHEREAS 50% of the respondents to the Questionnaire on Decision-Making expressed support for a “congregational or synodical system of approval of churchwide actions,” a significant percentage in that almost all churchwide and synodical leaders received this questionnaire, but proportionately very few congregational leaders; and

WHEREAS requiring ratification by synod assemblies or congregations of amendments to the ELCA Constitution would promote better communication and better relationships between congregations, synods, and the Churchwide Assembly, and would only slow the decision-making process for matters of the greatest importance so that all may have a voice; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Northern Illinois Synod memorializes the 2005 Churchwide Assembly to amend Chapter 22 of the ELCA Constitution (strikethrough indicates deletion and underline indicates new language) to the following provisions:

22.11. The constitution of this church may be amended only through either of the following procedures: Any amendment to the constitution of this church shall be amended in accordance with 22.12 of this constitution and through the following procedures:

a. The Church Council may propose an amendment, with an official
notice to be sent to the synods at least six months prior to the next
regular meeting of the Churchwide Assembly. The adoption of
such an amendment shall require a two-thirds vote of the
members of the next regular meeting of the Churchwide
Assembly present and voting.
b. An amendment may be proposed by 25 or more members of the
Churchwide Assembly. The proposed amendment shall be
referred to the Committee of Reference and Counsel for its
recommendation, following which it shall come before the
assembly. If such an amendment is approved by a two-thirds vote
of members present and voting, such an amendment shall become
effective only if adopted by a two-thirds vote of the members
present and voting at the next regular Churchwide Assembly.


22.12. Any amendment to the ELCA Constitution, in addition to approval by a regular meeting of the Churchwide Assembly, as required by the ELCA Constitution, must be ratified by two-thirds of ELCA synods at duly called synod assemblies or a majority of ELCA congregations within one calendar year of the final approval by the Churchwide Assembly

Submitted by St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Galena, Illinois
Contact Person: Reverend Fred Baltz
Date Submitted: April 12, 2005
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Action of the Resolution Committee

Date of Action: June 6, 2005
Action Taken: Forward the Resolution without Recommendation