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, There 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 convention 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, haveno 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 non- geographic 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 commissions 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.