To Support and Clarify Prior Approval Process for Theological Faculty and Presidential Candidates for Concordia University System

Official Workbook overture source text

7-20 
To Support and Clarify Prior Approval Process  
for Theological Faculty and Presidential 
Candidates for Concordia University System 
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 questions as to the 
standards used to evaluate candidates as well as the process utilized 
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 in crease feedback for the process and 
standards used by the panels as well as ensuring clear 
communication between the panels, the candidates, their 
ecclesiastical supervisors, and the Synod. 
WHEREAS, One of the expressed purposes of the Synod is to 
“recruit and train pastors, teachers, and other professional church 
2026 Convention Workbook
431UNIVERSITY EDUCATION