To Amend Bylaw 3.1.6.2 to Allow Pastoral Circuit Meetings and Teacher Groups to Submit Overtures

WHEREAS, The Synod specifies that congregations are encouraged to submit ideas, suggestions or overtures to their circuit forum (Bylaw 5.3.1); and congregations, boards of directors, professional church worker conferences, educator/teacher conferences, as well as circuit forums, may forward overtures for the consideration of the Synod convention; and

WHEREAS, Circuit forums and professional church worker conferences are not designed for deliberation of complex and potentially divisive issues; and circuit forums and congregations are not wise settings for revealing serious issues in the Synod or districts; and

WHEREAS, In the past, pastoral circuits and teacher groups were allowed to submit overtures, and they had both the time and structure for extensive study and debate leading to wise proposals; Therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod again allow pastoral circuits and educator/teacher groups to submit overtures to the Synod and districts; and be it further

Resolved, That Bylaw 3.1.6.2 be amended as follows: PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING Overtures 3.1.6.2 Overtures to a convention of the Synod may be submitted only by a member congregation of the Synod, a convention or board of directors of a district, an official district conference of ordained and/or commissioned ministers, the faculty of an educational institution of the Synod, the Board of Directors of the Synod, aboard or commission of the Synod listed in Bylaws 3.2.2, 3.2.2.1, 3.2.3, and 3.2.3.1, a committee established by a prior convention, district pastoral circuits and educator/teacher groups, or a forum of a circuit. …