To Strengthen Advisory Delegate Participation at Synod Conventions

WHEREAS, Currently, there are 12,010 ministers of religion— commissioned (Church Worker Update system, March 2021) in our Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) who serve the mission and ministry of congregations, schools, child development centers, camps, compassion centers, and mission work throughout the national and global mission fields; and

WHEREAS, The current structure of the Synod does not allow ministers of religion—commissioned to serve as voting delegates for their congregations or electoral circuits at district and Synod conventions (Constitution Articles IX; XII 10 B); and

WHEREAS, The Synod highly values commissioned ministers for their eagerness and effectiveness in serving the Lord and His Church (2019 Resolution 9-17, “To Study Voting Privilege in the LCMS,” Proceedings, 201); and

WHEREAS, Ministers of religion—commissioned are considered advisory members with representation, voice, but no vote at conventions of districts and are represented by advisory delegates (Bylaw 3.1.3)with representation, voice, but no vote at conventions of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, The limited time of debate and a quick call of the question on many resolutions doesn’t allow the advisory delegates to actually advise the convention; and

WHEREAS, At least two districts(Michigan and Northern Illinois) utilize the voice and guidance of their commissioned workers in district convention through an advisory poll; and

WHEREAS, This honors the by law and structure of the convention while allowing the advisory delegate voice to be heard and recognized; therefore be it

Resolved, That the LCMS enable advisory delegates to provide an advisory poll during its regular convention; and be it further

Resolved, That the results of the advisory poll be shared prior to the vote of the voting delegates.