To Amend the Bylaws to Require Sixty-Percent Affirmative Vote for All Non-Election Matters

WHEREAS, The Synod is united in doctrine and practice by a commitment to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, requiring a high degree of consensus on matters of significance; and

WHEREAS, Decisions adopted by a narrow simple majority (50 percent plus one) may not reflect the broad consensus of the Synod’s delegates, leading to perceived institutional instability, division, or resistance to implementation among the congregations and workers of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, The adoption of major resolutions, particularly those impacting the Synod’s structure, mission priorities, or financial commitments, benefits from a stronger mandate to ensure unity of purpose and widespread support; and

WHEREAS, A requirement for a greater majority margin for non- election decisions would promote more robust discussion, encourage amendments that build broader consensus, and increase the Synod’s institutional unity in its adopted positions; and

WHEREAS, The Synod’s Constitution and Bylaws already require a two-thirds majority for certain significant actions (e.g., changes to the Constitution, doctrinal resolutions), demonstrating that a higher threshold is appropriate for consequential votes; therefore be it

Resolved, That Bylaw 3.1.1 be amended as follows: PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 3.1 National Conventions 3.1.1 The national convention of the Synod shall afford an opportunity for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and the communication of vital information. It is the principal legislative assembly, which amends the Constitution and Bylaws, considers and takes action on reports and overtures, and handles appropriate appeals. It establishes general positions and policies of the Synod, provides overall program direction and priorities, and evaluates all such positions, programs, policies, directions, and priorities in order to provide responsible service for and on behalf of its members. Only a national convention of the Synod shall authorize affiliation or association and the discontinuance of such affiliation or association of the Synod with other church bodies, synods, or federations. Except as otherwise provided in the Constitution or Bylaws (e.g., Constitution Article XV for constitutional amendments), a resolution or motion shall be adopted by a majority of the delegates voting, the majority being more than one-half of the votes cast (ie., greater than 50 percent). However, for all resolutions and motions on the convention floor, except for elections for office, the majority of adoption shall be 60 percent or more of the votes cast, unless a higher threshold is already required by the Constitution or Bylaws.

and be it further

Resolved, That this super majority requirement shall not apply to procedural motions, the adoption of minutes, or other routine, non- substantive business as determined by the chair; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Synod ensure that voting procedures and electronic systems are configured to apply this requirement appropriately; and be it further

Resolved, That the Commission on Handbook and the Commission on Constitutional Matters be directed to make all necessary and corresponding amendments, cross-references, and editorial adjustments throughout the Bylaws to maintain consistency with this provision; and be it finally

Resolved, That this bylaw amendment take effect at the close of the 2026 Synod convention.