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Northeastern Iowa Synod, ELCA

Strengthening the Witness and Service of the Whole Church

2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly –What You Need to Know

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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:

  • Hear reports and review the work of churchwide officers, leaders and units;

  • Receive and consider proposals from synod assemblies;

  • Elect officers, board members and other leaders as specified by the constitution or bylaws;

  • Establish ELCA churchwide policy;

  • Worship together;

  • Adopt a budget; and

  • Conduct other business related to the ELCA churchwide organization

This year in particular voting members will:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Consider and vote on Report and Recommendations of the Entrance Rite Discernment Group that recommends ordination for Ministers of Word and Service.

  • 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.

  • Consider and vote on proposed amendments to the ELCA Constitution and Bylaws.

  • Consider and vote on memorials from synod assemblies.

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Who are the Voting Members from the Northeastern Iowa Synod?

  • Sydney Brinkman

  • Rev. Hillary E. Burns-Kite

  • Sue Cira

  • Rev. Judith Converse

  • Stephen Converse

  • Rev. Anne Edison-Albright

  • Daniel Grainger

  • Sthela Hanitrinirina

  • Tyler Hoey

  • Nicole Kiefer

  • Sam Lubs

  • Rev. Joshua Martyn

  • Menzi Nkambule

  • Douglas Poppen

  • Rev. Linda Johnson Prestholt

  • Rev. Kristen Rod

  • Bishop Steven Ullestad

How can I be involved?