The 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is meeting next week, August 5-10, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Here are some things you need to know.
What is a Churchwide Assembly?
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly is the highest decision-making body in the ELCA. It meets every three years and consists of voting members from every synod. Voting members of the Assembly:
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Hear reports and review the work of churchwide officers, leaders and units;
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Receive and consider proposals from synod assemblies;
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Elect officers, board members and other leaders as specified by the constitution or bylaws;
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Establish ELCA churchwide policy;
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Worship together;
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Adopt a budget; and
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Conduct other business related to the ELCA churchwide organization
This year in particular voting members will:
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Elect the presiding bishop and secretary. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, elected in 2013, is open to serving another six-year term. Secretary Chris Boerger, elected in 2013, is retiring after this term. The secretary is elected to a six-year term.
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Consider and vote on Faith, Sexism and Justice: A Lutheran Call to Action. The recommended proposed social statement covers a range of issues in which the ELCA is called to action, including gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, economic inequality and more. A user’s guide is available to help members explore the statement.
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Consider and vote on Report and Recommendations of the Entrance Rite Discernment Group that recommends ordination for Ministers of Word and Service.
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Consider and vote on A Declaration of Inter-Religious Commitment A Policy Statement of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This proposed declaration reflects the realities of our long-standing inter-religious relations as a church, while giving us a framework for a common articulation of our context, our calling and our commitments to this vocation.
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Consider and vote on proposed amendments to the ELCA Constitution and Bylaws.
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Consider and vote on memorials from synod assemblies.
Who are the Voting Members from the Northeastern Iowa Synod?
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Sydney Brinkman
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Rev. Hillary E. Burns-Kite
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Sue Cira
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Rev. Judith Converse
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Stephen Converse
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Rev. Anne Edison-Albright
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Daniel Grainger
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Sthela Hanitrinirina
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Tyler Hoey
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Nicole Kiefer
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Sam Lubs
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Rev. Joshua Martyn
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Menzi Nkambule
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Douglas Poppen
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Rev. Linda Johnson Prestholt
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Rev. Kristen Rod
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Bishop Steven Ullestad
How can I be involved?
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Livestream will be available at https://elca.org/cwa
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Follow the Hashtag #CWA19 on Social Media
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Pray for the Assembly using Daily Prayer During the Assembly from Six Weeks of Prayer
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Download Assembly Guide
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Churchwide Assembly Resources