To Adopt Dual Title of Bishop and President for District Presidents

WHEREAS, The English District, Atlantic District, and Southeastern District of the Synod have adopted the dual title of bishop and president utilizing president in administrative and board settings and bishop in congregational and pastoral contexts; and

WHEREAS, The Greek term ep is co pos, often translated as bishop appears in scriptural passages such as 1 Timothy 3; 6 and Titus 1, describing one who watches over and provides care for the flock of Christ; and

WHEREAS, Theroleof abishop has traditionally been understood as the pastor to pastors, serving as spiritual care giving and shepherd to those entrusted with the care of Christ’s people; and

WHEREAS, The historical use of the term bishop dates back to the Council of Nicaea and has been regularly applied to men serving as leaders within the Christian church; and

WHEREAS, The designation of bishop emphasizes the spiritual and pastoral nature of the office in contrast to the corporate title president, which aligns with legal and administrative functions; and

WHEREAS, The term bishop carries significant weight and is recognized as a respected spiritual office by many in our church communities and broader Christian world, facilitating a contextual understanding that is both spiritually grounded and relational; and

WHEREAS, The title bishop is associated with a pastoral, caring approach distinguishing from more administrative connotations associated with the term president; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod strongly encourage districts to adopt and implement the title bishop for the district president when serving in spiritual and pastoral capacities among congregations, while retaining president for administrative and corporate purposes;

and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod strongly encourage districts to adopt and implement the title bishop and president emeritus for former district presidents.