To Amend the Bylaws to Require Sixty-Percent Affirmative Vote for All Non-Election Matters

Official Workbook overture source text

9-38 
To Amend the Bylaws to Require Sixty-Percent 
Affirmative Vote for All Non-Election Matters 
WHEREAS, The Synod is united in doctrine and practice by a 
commitment to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, 
requiring a high degree of consensus on matters of significance; and 
WHEREAS, Decisions adopted by a narrow simple majority (50 
percent plus one) may not reflect the broad consensus of the 
Synod’s delegates, leading to perceived institutional instability, 
division, or resistance to implementation among the congregations 
and workers of the Synod; and 
WHEREAS, The adoption of major resolutions, particularly those 
impacting the Synod’ s structure, mission priorities, or financial 
commitments, benefits from a stronger mandate to ensure unity of 
purpose and widespread support; and 
WHEREAS, A requirement for a greater majority margin for non-
election decisions would promote more robust discussion, 
encourage amendments that build broader consensus, and increase 
the Synod’s institutional unity in its adopted positions; and 
WHEREAS, The Synod’s Constitution and Bylaws already require 
a two-thirds majority for certain significant actions (e.g., changes to 
the Constitution, doctrinal resolutions), demonstrating that a higher 
threshold is appropriate for consequential votes; therefore be it 
Resolved, That Bylaw 3.1.1 be amended as follows: 
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 
3.1 National Conventions 
3.1.1 The national convention of the Synod shall afford an 
opportunity for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the 
communication of vital information. It is the principal legislative 
assembly, which amends the Constitution and Bylaws, considers and 
takes action on reports and overtures, and handles appropriate 
appeals. It establishes general positions and policies of the Synod, 
provides overall program direction and priorities, and evaluates all 
such positions, programs, policies, directions, and priorities in order 
to provide responsible service for and on behalf of its members. Only 
a national convention of the Synod shall authorize affiliation or 
association and the discontinuance of such affiliation or association 
of the Synod with other church bodi es, synods, or federations.  
Except as otherwise provided in the Constitution or Bylaws (e.g., 
Constitution Article XV for constitutional amendments), a 
resolution or motion shall be adopted by a majority of the delegates 
voting, the majority being more than one -half of the votes cast (ie., 
greater than 50 percent). However, for all resolutions and motions 
on the convention floor, except for elections for office, the majority 
of adoption shall be 60 percent or more of the votes cast, unless a 
higher threshold is already required by the Constitution or Bylaws. 
and be it further 
Resolved, That this supermajority requirement shall not apply to 
procedural motions, the adoption of minutes, or other routine, non-
substantive business as determined by the chair; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Synod ensure that voting 
procedures and electronic systems are configured to apply this 
requirement appropriately; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Commission on Handbook and the 
Commission on Constitutional Matters be directed to make all 
necessary and corresponding amendments, cross -references, and 
editorial adjustments throughout the B ylaws to maintain 
consistency with this provision; and be it finally 
2026 Convention Workbook
487STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION