To Create Process for Initiatives and Referenda

Official Workbook overture source text

9-40 
To Create Process for Initiatives and Referenda 
WHEREAS, The Michigan District is organized under the laws of 
the state of Michigan; and 
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is organized 
under the laws of the state of Missouri; and 
WHEREAS, Our church body is based on a common constitution; 
and 
WHEREAS, The laws of Missouri (and Michigan) recognize the 
constitutional power of initiative and referendum; and 
WHEREAS, Under these constitutional principles, the people 
reserve to themselves the power to propose laws and to enact and 
reject laws —called the initiative —and the power to approve or 
reject laws enacted by the legislature—called the referendum; and 
WHEREAS, Under these constitutional principles, our 
congregations reserve to themselves all constitutional powers not 
previously granted, including the power to propose laws and to 
enact and reject laws —called the initiative —and the power to 
approve or reject laws enacted by the legislature—called the 
referendum; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod shall, within six months from the close 
of this convention, submit bylaw provisions to the congregations , 
setting forth procedures by which congregations can submit 
initiatives and referendums to the Secretary of Synod for approval 
by the congregations. 
Huntington Woods, Huntington Woods, MI;  
Circuit 18 (Birmingham), Michigan District 
Ov.