To Clarify Prior Approval Process and Provide Appropriate Transparency

Official Workbook overture source text

7-15 
To Clarify Prior Approval Process  
and Provide Appropriate Transparency 
Preamble 
Since the 2013 Synod c onvention, appointments to theological 
faculties at all universities and seminaries, as well as all college, 
university, and seminary presidential appointments, have been 
subject to the prior approval process. While the  2013 Synod 
convention amended the B ylaws to delegate the responsibility for 
prior approval to specific groups (as referenced below) the Bylaws 
did not, and still do not, stipulate how the process of prior approval 
should be carried out. Over time this has led to questio ns as to the 
standards used to evaluate candidates as well as the process used by 
the prior approval panels. In the hopes of building trust and 
relieving any undue criticism of the panels and the process, the 
following overture aims to increase transparency for the process and 
standards used by the panels as well as ensuring clear 
communication between the panels, the candidates, and the Synod. 
WHEREAS, One of the expressed purposes of the Synod is to 
“recruit and train pastors, teachers, and other professional church 
workers and provide opportunity for their continuing growth” 
(Const. Art. III 3); and 
WHEREAS, The Synod has the responsibility to oversee that 
training; and 
WHEREAS, The Synod has designated that responsibility to the 
prior approval panels outlined in various bylaws ( Bylaws 3.6.6.1; 
3.10.5.7.3; 3.10.6.8.2; 3.10.6.9.2); and 
WHEREAS, Those panels not only have responsibility to work on 
behalf of the Synod but are also responsible to the Synod; and 
WHEREAS, Those under consideration for theological 
professorships and other positions  requiring prior approval have 
ordinarily been ordained into the Office of the Holy Ministry or 
have been commissioned and/or consecrated into an auxiliary office 
of the Church; and 
2026 Convention Workbook
428 UNIVERSITY EDUCA TION