Official Workbook overture source text
Overture: 7-17
Workbook page: Contents page x; overture page 429
Source pages: Contents page x; overture page 429
Source status: source checked / public
7-17 To Amend Bylaws to Support and Clarify Prior Approval Process 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 there has been growing desire to understand how candidates are being evaluated by the prior approval panels. In the hopes of building trust and re ducing undue criticism of the panels and the process, the following overture aims to increase transparency for the process and guidelines used by the panels, as well as ensuring clear communication between the panels, the candidates, the institutions, and the broader 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 2026 Convention Workbook 429UNIVERSITY EDUCATION