To Amend Bylaw 3.1.2 to Reduce Electoral Circuit Confirmed Membership Requirement

WHEREAS, The declining membership of congregations has led to increased number of electoral circuits that fail to meet the minimum number of aggregate confirmed membership; and

WHEREAS, There has been an increase in electoral circuit exceptions requested prior to the 2023 Synod convention; and

WHEREAS, A significant number of the exceptions would not be necessary if the minimum number of aggregate confirmed membership were reduced slightly; therefore be it

Resolved, That Bylaw 3.1.2 be amended as follows:

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING Voting Delegates

3.1.2 Electoral circuits shall meet as required by the Bylaws of the Synod to elect circuit voting delegates to the Synod’s national conventions.

(a) An electoral circuit shall consist either of one or two adjacent visitation circuits, as shall be determined by the district board of directors on the basis of the following requirements: each pair of delegates shall represent from 7 to 20 member congregations, involving an aggregate confirmed membership ranging from 1,5001,250 to 10,000. …