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ecclesiastical encouragement, service, coordination, resources, and counsel—all for the sake of greater congregational participation in God’s mission” (Bylaw 5.1.1); and

WHEREAS, Districts “establish visitation circuits according to geographical criteria” (Bylaw 5.1.2); and

WHEREAS, “Each circuit visitor shall assist the district president within the circuit” (Bylaw 5.2.3); moreover, “[the circuit visitor]

shall serve under the direction of and be accountable to the district president and shall serve as his spokesman when so authorized and directed and shall assist him in doctrinal and spiritual supervision” (Bylaw 5.2.3 [a]); and

WHEREAS, “The circuit visitor shall hold his position by virtue of his selection by the circuit forum and ratification by the district convention” (Bylaw 5.2.2); and

WHEREAS, “The [Synod] vice -presidents shall be elected advisors of the President and, upon the President’s request or as provided by the Synod, shall assist him in discharging his responsibilities or represent him” (Bylaw 3.3.2); and

WHEREAS, The filling of a vacancy in a regional vice-presidency is only made “in consultation with the district presidents within that region” (Bylaw 3.3.2.4); and

WHEREAS, Five Synod vice -presidents are designated “regional vice-presidents” (Bylaw 3.3.2.3); and

WHEREAS, Selection by regional groupings is deemed appropriate for circuit visitors and district presidents, each of whom serve under the direction of another, who is elected by a broader grouping; and

WHEREAS, Circuit visitors are selected in their regional grouping and ratified by the district in convention; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Synod develop an overture to be submitted to the 2029 Synod convention that provides for the needed changes, so that the five regional vice -presidents would be selected by their respective regions and ratified by the 2032 Synod convention.

Florida-Georgia District

Ov. 9-27

To Appoint Task Force to Improve District Representation on Synod Boards, Boards of Regents, and Commissions Preamble Given that synod in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) means “walking together ,” there should be equitable representation to ensure that as many districts as possible are included in the “walking together” leadership of the LCMS.

WHEREAS, T here were 69 elections at the 2023 Synod convention that included ordained ministers, commissioned ministers, and laypersons for the following offices, boards, and commissions: vice-presidents, Secretary, LCMS Board of Directors, Board for National Mission, Board for International Mission, Commission on Theology and Church Relations, Concordia Publishing House Board of Directors, Lutheran Church Extension Fund Board of Directors , Concordia University System Board of Directors, and boards of regents for the Seminaries and Concordia Universities; and

WHEREAS, Data analytics for the 2023 Synod c onvention show unequal district representation among those elected, including the following inequities:

• 57 percent of the districts have one or fewer representatives in the elected positions.

• Twelve districts (34 percent of districts), representing 1,292 congregations with 326,842 baptized members, have no one elected to any of the boards or commissions.

• Eight districts (23 percent of districts), representing 1,573 congregations with 416,004 baptized members, each have only one individual elected to either a board or commission.

• 12 percent of the districts have five or more representatives in the elected positions.

• One district (3 percent of districts), representing 158 congregations with 36,159 baptized members, has seven individuals elected to boards or commissions.

• Three districts (9 percent of districts), representing 777 congregations with 278,925 baptized members, each have five individuals elected to boards or commissions.

and

WHEREAS, There is also data to support inequities when looking at regions, with the East -Southeast Region having significantly fewer individuals elected than the other regions, and the nongeographic districts having significantly more representatives elected than the geographic districts; and

WHEREAS, With 69 elections and 35 districts, there should be a strong consideration to have on average two representatives from each district serving on Synod boards and commissions. While this may not always be possible, it is something that the Synod should be striving for. By improving district representation on Synod boards and commissions, the benefits for the Synod include, but are not limited to, the following:

• More district participation and perceived value • More opportunities to share differing perspectives based on specific regional/district concerns • Better decision-making therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention establish a task force to consider methods, procedures, parameters , and changes to any applicable Synod bylaws and policies to improve the representation of all districts on Synod boards, boards of regents, and commissions elected during conventions; and be it further

Resolved, That the task force prepare an overture or overtures to implement any changes to improve the representation of all districts on Synod boards, boards of regents, and c ommissions elected during conventions; and be it further

Resolved, That the task force be composed of the Secretary of Synod, three representatives from the Council of Presidents, three district secretaries, lay representatives from or appointed by three district boards of directors, the Commission on Handbook, and the Commission on Constitutional Matters; and be it finally

Resolved, That the task force issue its report, including any proposed overtures, twelve months before the next Synod convention.

Eastern District; Board of Directors, Eastern District 2026 Convention Workbook

482 STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION