January 13, 2010
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
A fellow pastor asked an interesting question a few nights ago that has captured my thoughts. The question quite simply asks, “Where do we want to be in five years?” The question was asked in regard to a number of congregations that were represented in that setting, and yet I tend to ask the very same question in regard to the ELCA. When I reflect on that question in regard to the ELCA, in five years I would like to see the ELCA solidly involved in the mission to which our Lord has called us. Painfully, we are at a pivotal point in our Church’s history and some congregations see a picture in five years consisting of a different shape of the ELCA. I have heard that stated in many settings through my visits around our synod over the past four months.
As we proceed through these weeks of January and February, many of our congregations will be having congregational meetings, and serious conversations will take place regarding the relationship of our congregations to the ELCA. As we proceed with our annual meetings, it is important that we take some matters into account. You may want to refer to your own constitution as we proceed. There seems to be some confusion in regard to the following items, so I am writing to help clarify the parameters of our governing documents.
According to C6.05.a, “A resolution indicating the desire of this congregation to terminate its relationship must be adopted at a legally called and conducted special meeting of this congregation by a two-thirds majority of the voting members present.”
· Important to note here is that a vote to leave the ELCA cannot take place at an annual meeting, it must take place at a special meeting called specifically for that purpose with all members notified according to the formula set up in the congregation’s constitution.
· The two-thirds majority vote must be a two-thirds majority of the voting members present at that meeting and not just those who cast ballots.
· A second vote of a two-thirds majority, must be taken following a 90 day period of consultation with the bishop
There are no provisions or bylaws in the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America that recognize any future dual roster Lutheran Church body relationships for congregations in the ELCA. At the formation of the ELCA there were a few congregations in the ELCA that also had ties to the LC-MS, but it provided no basis for any future dual membership relationships.
A reading of Chapter 9 of the ELCA constitution defines congregational membership in the ELCA. Section 9.21 of that chapter emphasizes the importance of both practice and governing documents as indications of membership in the ELCA. Section 9.21.c states that a congregation of the ELCA will “agree to the statement of purpose of this church,” and Section 9:21.f states that a congregation of the ELCA will “agree to support the life and work of this church.”
Neither is there provision in the ELCA for dual rostering of clergy. Churchwide bylaw 8.72.15.d specifies: Roster status in more than one church body is precluded in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
We have dealt with several concerns in our meetings through the synod, and there may be several questions not covered by this note. Please feel free to contact me for additional input if I can be of help.
So many dynamics have entered into the situation facing the ELCA since our August Churchwide Assembly, not the least of which is relationships and personal feelings. As I deal with these dynamics in the Office of Bishop, I recall the words of Paul in his letter to the Galatians. In the 5th chapter of that letter, Paul draws a clear distinction between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. My prayer for this church is that as, we proceed to a point five years from now and well beyond, with possible changes in the makeup of the ELCA, we do so pursuing our mission and exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, being mindful of the works of the flesh that only create deeper division and further pain.