To Amend Bylaw 4.2.2 to Grant Lay Vote to Every Congregation at District Conventions

WHEREAS, The Synod Constitution Article VAdealswithvoting members of the Synod and states: “All organized congregations that have joined the Synod hold voting membership.” At the meetings of the districts of the Synod every congregation or parish is“entitled to two votes, one of which is to be cast by the pastor and the other by the lay delegate” (Const. Art. XII 10 A); and

WHEREAS, Multi-congregation parishes are presently represented by one voting pastoral delegate (if not vacant) and one voting lay delegate, plus an advisory lay delegate for each congregation that does not supply a voting delegate (Bylaw 3.1.2.1 [c]); and

WHEREAS, The emphasis of our polity on the representation of congregations is intrinsically connected to the scriptural and confessional understanding of a congregation’s bearing all the characteristics of the Church; and

WHEREAS, Every individual congregation is a member of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, Few, if any, district conventions have had an equal number of lay and clergy delegates present and has never resulted in a domination of either lay or clergy; and

WHEREAS, All congregations are created equal: “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matt. 18:20); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give all organized congregations that hold membership in the Synod the opportunity to be represented by a lay delegate and a pastoral delegate at district conventions, noting that Bylaw 3.1.2.1 (c) allows such representation at circuit forums and regional caucuses; and be it further

Resolved, That Bylaw 4.2.2 be amended as follows: PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 4.2 District Conventions … 4.2.2 The delegates of a voting congregation or multi- congregation parish to a district convention shall be accredited. … (d) Each member congregation of the Synod shall be entitled to representation at its district convention by one voting lay delegate elected and deputed by that congregation. Congregations served in multi-congregation parishes shall, in addition, be represented collectively by one voting pastoral delegate in accordance with Constitution Article XII 10, so that every organized member