To Amend Bylaw 3.1.6.2 to Allow Pastoral Circuit Meetings and Teacher Groups to Submit Overtures

Ov. 9-37

To Amend Bylaw 3.1.6.2 to Allow Pastoral Circuit Meetings and Teacher Groups to Submit Overtures

WHEREAS, The Synod specifies that c ongregations are encouraged to submit ideas, suggestions or overtures to their circuit forum (Bylaw 5.3.1); and c ongregations, boards of d irectors, professional church worker conferences, educator/teacher conferences, as well as c ircuit forums, may forward overtures for the consideration of the Synod convention; and

WHEREAS, Circuit forums and p rofessional church worker conferences are not designed for deliberation of complex and potentially divisive issues; and circuit forums and congregations are not wise settings for revealing serious issues in the Synod or districts; and

WHEREAS, In the past, pastoral circuits and teacher groups were allowed to submit overtures, and t hey had both the time and structure for extensive study and debate leading to wise proposals;

Therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod again allow p astoral circuits and educator/teacher groups to submit overtures to the Synod and districts; and be it further

Resolved, That Bylaw 3.1.6.2 be amended as follows:

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING Overtures 3.1.6.2 Overtures to a convention of the Synod may be submitted only by a member congregation of the Synod, a convention or board of directors of a district, an official district conference of ordained and/or commissioned ministers, the faculty of an educational institution of the Synod, the Board of Directors of the Synod, a board or commission of the Synod listed in Bylaws 3.2.2, 3.2.2.1, 3.2.3, and 3.2.3.1, a committee established by a prior convention, district pastoral circuits and educator/teacher groups, or a forum of a circuit.

… Circuit 3 (Baltimore East)

Southeastern District