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Ov. 9-43

To Amend Const. Art. VIII A 1 to Change to Four-Year Convention Cycle

WHEREAS, It has been studied and discussed for several years to move from a three‑year district and Synod convention cycle to a four‑year cycle; and

WHEREAS, Such a change would save millions of dollars in district and Synod convention expenses; and

WHEREAS, Moving to a four‑year convention cycle would demonstrate a sensitivity to the financial challenges facing many congregations and a commitment to practice wise stewardship; and

WHEREAS, In response to the COVID‑19 pandemic some districts and the Synod moved to a four‑year convention cycle without great difficulty; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention adopt a four‑year convention cycle, effective upon completion of the 2026 Synod convention; and be it further

Resolved, That Article VIII of the Constitution be amended as follows:

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING

A. Time and Legality of Meetings 1. The Synod convenes every three four years for its regular meeting.

… and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct each district to adopt a four‑year convention cycle, coordinated with the Synod’s four‑year convention cycle.

Southeastern District

Ov. 9-44

To Amend Bylaw 4.2.2 to Grant Lay Vote to Every Congregation at District Conventions

WHEREAS, The Synod Constitution Article V A deals with voting members of the Synod and states: “All organized congregations that have joined the Synod hold voting membership.” At the meetings of the districts of the Synod every congregation or parish is “entitled to two votes, one of which is to be cast by the pastor and the other by the lay delegate” (Const. Art. XII 10 A); and

WHEREAS, Multi-congregation parishes are presently represented by one voting pastoral delegate (if not vacant) and one voting lay delegate, plus an advisory lay delegate for each congregation that does not supply a voting delegate (Bylaw 3.1.2.1 [c]); and

WHEREAS, The emphasis of our polity on the representation of congregations is intrinsically connected to the scriptural and confessional understanding of a congregation’s bearing all the characteristics of the Church; and

WHEREAS, Every individual congregation is a member of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, Few, if any, district conventions have had an equal number of lay and clergy delegates present and has never resulted in a domination of either lay or clergy; and

WHEREAS, All congregations are created equal: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matt .

18:20); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give all organized congregations that hold membership in the Synod the opportunity to be represented by a lay delegate and a pastoral delegate at district conventions, noting that Bylaw 3.1.2.1 (c) allows such representation at circuit forums and regional caucuses; and be it further

Resolved, That Bylaw 4.2.2 be amended as follows:

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING

4.2 District Conventions … 4.2.2 The delegates of a voting congregation or multi - congregation parish to a district convention shall be accredited.

… (d) Each member congregation of the Synod shall be entitled to representation at its district convention by one voting lay delegate elected and deputed by that congregation. Congregations served in multi-congregation parishes shall, in addition, be represented collectively by one voting pastoral delegate in accordance with

Constitution Article XII 10 , so that every organized member

congregation has its own lay vote at district conventions.

Southeastern District

Ov. 9-45

To Permit Majority Voting in Electronic Decisions for Synod Boards and Agencies

WHEREAS, Electronic voting is a valuable tool for the Synod’s boards and agencies, enabling prompt and efficient decision - making when in-person meetings are not feasible; and

WHEREAS, The current requirement of agencies of the Synod for unanimous consent in electronic voting can delay essential decisions, potentially hindering the responsiveness and effectiveness of Synod governance; and

WHEREAS, A majority or supermajority voting requirement for electronic decisions provides flexibility while still ensuring a strong consensus, which may be sufficient for most governance matters;

and

WHEREAS, Missouri Nonprofit Corporation Law (§ 355.286)

allows majority voting in electronic decisions unless a greater requirement is specified in an organization’s articles of incorporation or bylaws, thereby providing a legal foundation for this practice; and

WHEREAS, The need for discussion and deliberation is a valid concern in electronic voting, and the adoption of asynchronous communication practices can support meaningful dialogue without delaying decision timelines; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Nebraska District in convention memorialize the Synod to amend its policies to permit majority or supermajority voting in electronic decisions conducted by its boards and agencies, in accordance with Missouri Nonprofit Corporation Law; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage boards and agencies to facilitate asynchronous discussions prior to electronic votes, using secure and accessible online platforms (such as forums or dedicated 2026 Convention Workbook

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