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Constitution for the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod
Constitutional provisions are codified by two sets of numbers, as in S9.08. or S10.01. and are the only sections not printed in italics. Numbers preceded by "†" are Required Constitutional provisions which cannot be changed by the synod without churchwide approval. A few of these required provisions have sections where the synod is allowed some choice. These choices are indicated by a blank line in the Model Constitution for Synods.
A bylaw has an additional set of numbers, for example one related to S9.08. would be codified as S9.08.01., and to S10.01. as S10.01.01.
Continuing resolutions are also codified by three set of numbers, except that the third set begins with a capital letter and concludes with the year in which it was adopted. italics - indicate bylaws and continuing resolutions.
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Chapter 1. NAME AND INCORPORATION
†S1.01. The name of this synod shall be Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
†S1.02. For the purposes of this constitution and the accompanying bylaws, the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is hereafter designated as "this synod" or "the synod."
†S1.11. This synod shall be incorporated. Amendments to the articles of incorporation of this synod shall be submitted to the Church Council for ratification before filing.
†S1.21. The seal of this synod is a cross with three united flames emanating from the base of the cross and three entwined circles beside the cross. The name of this synod forms a circular outer edge of the seal.
Chapter 2. STATUS
†S2.01. This synod possesses the powers conferred upon it, and accepts the duties and responsibilities assigned to it, in the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA or "this church"), which are recognized as having governing force in the life of this synod.
†S2.02. No provision of this constitution shall be inconsistent with the constitution and bylaws of this church.
Chapter 3. TERRITORY
†S3.01. The territory of this synod, as determined by the Churchwide Assembly, shall be: the counties of Anderson, Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Chambers, Cherokee, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Freestone, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Robertson, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller, Washington, and Wharton in the state of TEXAS; the parishes of Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, LaFourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermillion, Vernon, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana in the state of LOUISIANA.
†S3.02. "Determined by the Churchwide Assembly," as stipulated by †S3.01., is understood to include the reported changes in synod relationship made by any congregation in a border area agreed under ELCA bylaws 10.01.11. and 10.02.02.
Chapter 4. CONFESSION OF FAITH
†S4.01. This synod confesses the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
†S4.02. This synod confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. a. Jesus Christ is the Word of God incarnate, through whom everything was made and through whose life, death, and resurrection God fashions a new creation. b. The proclamation of God's message to us as both Law and Gospel is the Word of God, revealing judgment and mercy through word and deed, beginning with the Word in creation, continuing in the history of Israel, and centering in all its fullness in the person and work of Jesus Christ. c. The canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the written Word of God. Inspired by God's Spirit speaking through their authors, they record and announce God's revelation centering in Jesus Christ. Through them God's Spirit speaks to us to create and sustain Christian faith and fellowship for service in the world.
†S4.03. This synod accepts the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith, and life.
†S4.04. This synod accepts the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds as true declarations of the faith of this synod.
†S4.05. This synod accepts the Unaltered Augsburg Confession as a true witness to the Gospel, acknowledging as one with it in faith and doctrine all churches that likewise accept the teachings of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession.
†S4.06. This synod accepts the other confessional writings in the Book of Concord, namely, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles and the Treatise, the Small Catechism, the Large Catechism, and the Formula of Concord, as further valid interpretations of the faith of the Church. †S4.07. This synod confesses the Gospel, recorded in the Holy Scriptures and confessed in the ecumenical creeds and Lutheran confessional writings, as the power of God to create and sustain the Church for God's mission in the world.
Chapter 5. NATURE OF THE CHURCH
†S5.01. All power in the Church belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ, its head. All actions of this synod are to be carried out under his rule and authority.
†S5.02. The Church exists both as an inclusive fellowship and as local congregations gathered for worship and Christian service. Congregations find their fulfillment in the universal community of the Church, and the universal Church exists in and through congregations. This church, therefore, derives its character and powers both from the sanction and representation of its congregations and from its inherent nature as an expression of the broader fellowship of the faithful. In length, it acknowledges itself to be in the historic continuity of the communion of saints; in breadth, it expresses the fellowship of believers and congregations in our day.
Chapter 6. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
†S6.01. The Church is a people created by God in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, called and sent to bear witness to God's creative, redeeming, and sanctifying activity in the world.
†S6.02. To participate in God's mission, this synod as a part of the Church shall: a. Proclaim God's saving Gospel of justification by grace for Christ's sake through faith alone, according to the apostolic witness in the Holy Scripture, preserving and transmitting the Gospel faithfully to future generations. b. Carry out Christ's Great Commission by reaching out to all people to bring them to faith in Christ and by doing all ministry with a global awareness consistent with the understanding of God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier of all. c. Serve in response to God's love to meet human needs, caring for the sick and the aged, advocating dignity and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, and standing with the poor and powerless, and committing itself to their needs. d. Worship God in proclamation of the Word and administration of the sacraments and through lives of prayer, praise, thanksgiving, witness, and service. e. Nurture its members in the Word of God so as to grow in faith and hope and love, to see daily life as the primary setting for the exercise of their Christian calling, and to use the gifts of the Spirit for their life together and for their calling in the world. f. Manifest the unity given to the people of God by living together in the love of Christ and by joining with other Christians in prayer and action to express and preserve the unity which the Spirit gives.
†S6.03. To fulfill these purposes, this synod, in partnership with the churchwide organization, shall bear primary responsibility for the oversight of the life and mission of this church in the territory of this synod. In fulfillment of this role, this synod shall: a. Provide for the pastoral care of congregations, ordained ministers, associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers of this church in this synod, including: 1) approving candidates for the ordained ministry in cooperation with the appropriate seminaries of this church, which may be done through multi‑synodical committees; 2) authorizing ordinations and ordaining on behalf of this church; 3) approving associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers of this church, which may be done through multi‑synodical committees; 4) authorizing the commissioning of associates in ministry, the consecration of deaconesses, and the consecration of diaconal ministers of this church; and 5) consulting in the calling process for ordained ministers, associates in ministry, deaconesses, and diaconal ministers. b. Provide for leadership recruitment, preparation, and support in accordance with churchwide standards and policies, including: 1) nurturing and supporting congregations and lay leaders; 2) seeking and recruiting qualified candidates for the rostered ministries of this church; 3) making provision for pastoral care, call or appointment review, and guidance; 4) encouraging and supporting persons on the rosters of this church in stewardship of their abilities, care of self, and pursuit of continuing education to undergird their effectiveness of service; and 5) supporting recruitment of leaders for this church's colleges, universities, seminaries, and social ministry organizations. c. Provide for discipline of congregations, ordained ministers, and persons on the official lay rosters; as well as for termination of call, appointment, adjudication, and appeals consistent with the procedures established by this church in Chapter 20 of the ELCA constitution and bylaws. d. Foster organizations for youth, women, and men, and organizations for language or ethnic communities. e. Plan for the mission of this church in this synod, initiating and developing policy and implementing programs, consistent with churchwide policy, including: 1) ecumenical guidance and encouragement; 2) development of new ministries, redevelopment of existing ministries, and support and assistance in the conclusion, if necessary, of a particular ministry; 3) leadership and encouragement of congregations in their evangelism efforts; 4) development of relationships to and participation in planning for the mission of social ministry organizations and ministries; 5) encouragement of financial support for the work of this church by individuals and congregations; 6) provision for resources for congregational life; 7) assistance to the members of its congregations in carrying out their ministries in the world; and 8) interpretation of social statements in a manner consistent with the interpretation given by the churchwide unit which assisted in the development of the statement, and suggestion of social study issues through (a) Synod Assembly memorials to the Churchwide Assembly or (b) resolutions for referral from the Synod Assembly through the Synod Council to the Church Council and (c) Synod Council resolutions addressed to the Church Council or for referral to a unit of the churchwide organization through the Church Council's Executive Committee. f. Promote interdependent relationships among congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization, and enter into partnership with other synods in the region. g. Participate in churchwide programs and develop support for the ministry of the churchwide organization. h. Foster the grouping of congregations in conferences, clusters, coalitions, or other area subdivisions for mission purposes. i. Support relationships with and provide partnership funding on behalf of colleges, universities, and campus ministries. j. Foster relationships with and provide partnership funding on behalf of social ministry organizations. k. Maintain relationships with and provide partnership funding on behalf of seminaries and continuing education centers. l. Foster supporting relationships with camps and other outdoor ministries. m. Foster supporting relationships with preschools, elementary schools, and secondary schools operated by congregations of this synod. n. Interpret the work of this church to congregations and to the public. o. Respond to human need, work for justice and peace, care for the sick and the suffering, and participate responsibly in society. p. Provide for archives in conjunction with other synods. q. Cooperate with other synods and the churchwide organization in creating, using, and supporting regions to carry out those functions of this synod which can best be done cooperatively with other synods and the churchwide organization. r. Elect members of the Churchwide Assembly in accordance with bylaw 12.41.11. of the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and according to procedures specified in the bylaws of this constitution.
†S6.04. Except as otherwise provided in this constitution and bylaws, the Synod Council shall establish processes that will ensure that at least 60 percent of the members of the synod assemblies, councils, committees, boards, and other organizational units shall be laypersons; and that, as nearly as possible, 50 percent of the lay members of assemblies, councils, committees, boards, or other organizational units shall be female and 50 percent shall be male; and that, where possible, the representation of ordained ministers shall be both male and female. This synod shall establish processes that will enable it to reach a minimum goal that 10 percent of its assemblies, councils, committees, boards, or other organizational units be persons of color and/or persons whose primary language is other than English.
†S6.04.A01. It is the goal of this synod that 10 percent of the membership of synod assemblies, councils, committees, boards and/or other organizational units be persons of color and/or persons whose primary language is other than English.
S6.04.B87. It is the goal of this synod that the clergy membership of synod assemblies, councils, committees, board, and/or other organizational units reflect at least the percentage of female clergy on the current roster of this synod.
†S6.05. Each assembly, council, committee, board, commission, task force, or other body of this synod or any synodical units shall be conclusively presumed to have been properly constituted, and neither the method of selection nor the composition of any such assembly, council, committee, board, commission, task force, or other body may be challenged in a court of law by any person or be used as the basis of a challenge in a court of law to the validity or effect of any action taken or authorized by any such assembly, council, committee, board, commission, task force, or other body.
Chapter 7. SYNOD ASSEMBLY
†S7.01. This synod shall have a Synod Assembly, which shall be its highest legislative authority. The powers of the Synod Assembly are limited only by the provisions in the Articles of Incorporation, this constitution and bylaws, the assembly's own resolutions, and the constitutions and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
†S7.11. A regular meeting of the Synod Assembly shall be held at least biennially.
S7.12. Special meetings of the Synod Assembly may be called by the bishop with the consent of the Synod Council, and shall be called by the bishop at the request of one‑fifth of the voting members of the Synod Assembly.
a. The notice of each special meeting shall define the purpose for which it is to be held. The scope of actions to be taken at such a special meeting shall be limited to the subject matter(s) described in the notice. b. If the special meeting of the Synod Assembly is required for the purpose of electing a successor bishop because of death, resignation, or inability to serve, the special meeting shall be called by the bishop of the ELCA in cooperation with the Synod Council.
S7.13. Notice of the time and place of all meetings of the Synod Assembly shall be given by the secretary of this synod.
S7.13.01. The Synod Council shall appoint, from the members of the Assembly, persons to serve the Assembly as a Committee on Credentials, a Committee on Minutes, and a Committee for Reference and Counsel.
S7.13.02. The Synod Council shall appoint a Committee on Elections from the active members of congregations of this synod.
S7.14. One‑half of the members of the Synod Assembly shall constitute a quorum.
†S7.21. The membership of the Synod Assembly, of which at least 60 percent of the voting membership shall be composed of laypersons, shall be constituted as follows: a. All ordained ministers under call on the roster of this synod in attendance at the Synod Assembly shall be voting members. b. All associates in ministry, deaconesses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and diaconal ministers, under call, on the official lay rosters of this synod shall have both voice and vote as lay voting members in the Synod Assembly, in addition to the voting membership of lay members of congregations provided in item †S7.21.c. c. A minimum of one lay member elected by each congregation with fewer than 175 baptized members and a minimum of two lay members elected by each congregation with 175 or more baptized members related to this synod, normally one of whom shall be male and one of whom shall be female, shall be voting members. The Synod Council shall establish a formula to provide additional lay representation from congregations on the basis of the number of baptized members in the congregation. The Synod Council shall seek to ensure that, as nearly as possible, 50 percent of the lay members of the assembly shall be female and 50 percent shall be male. Additional members from each congregation normally shall be equally divided between male and female. d. Voting membership shall include the officers of this synod.
S7.21.A97 Additional lay member representation from each congregation shall be as follows: 350-700 baptized members - 1 additional; 701-1,400 baptized members - 2 additional; 1,401-2,000 baptized members - 3 additional; and over 2,000 baptized members - 4 additional voting members in accordance with S.7.21.c.
S7.22. This synod may establish processes that permit retired ordained ministers, retired associates in ministry, retired deaconesses, and retired diaconal ministers on the roster of this synod to serve as voting members of the Synod Assembly, consistent with †S7.21.c. above.
S7.23. All ordained ministers on the roster of this synod shall have voice and vote at all meetings of the Synod Assembly. All associates in ministry on leave from call or retired who are not elected as members, all deaconesses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on leave from call or retired, and all diaconal ministers of this church on leave from call or retired, all of whose names appear on the rosters of this synod, shall have the privilege of voice but not vote at all meetings of the Synod Assembly. The bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and such other official representatives of this church as may be designated from time to time by the Church Council shall also have voice but not vote in the meetings of the Synod Assembly. Like privileges shall be accorded to those additional persons whom the Synod Assembly or the Synod Council shall from time to time designate.
S7.24. Ordained ministers shall remain members of the Synod Assembly so long as their names appear on the roster of ordained ministers of this synod. Associates in ministry, deaconesses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and diaconal ministers of this church serving under call on the roster of this synod shall remain as members of the Synod Assembly so long as they remain under call and so long as their names appear on the official lay roster of this synod. Lay members of the Synod Assembly representing congregations shall continue as such until replaced by the election of new members or until they have been disqualified by termination of membership. Normally, congregations will hold elections prior to each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly.
†S7.25. Except as otherwise provided in this constitution or in the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, each voting member of the Synod Assembly shall be a voting member of a congregation of this synod.
S7.26. This synod may establish processes through the Synod Council that permit representatives of mission settings formed with the intent of becoming chartered congregations and authorized worshiping communities of the synod, which have been authorized under ELCA bylaw 10.02.03., to serve as voting members of the Synod Assembly, consistent with †S7.21. Authorized worshiping communities, acknowledged under criteria, policies, and procedures approved by the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, shall accept and adhere to the Confession of Faith and Statement of Purpose of this church, shall be served by leadership under the criteria of this church, and shall be subject to the discipline of this church.
S7.26.B97 Lay representatives of authorized worshipping communities may serve as voting members of the Synod Assembly in accordance with †S7.21.c.
S7.27. This synod may establish a process through the Synod Council to grant an ordained minister from a church body with which a relationship of full communion has been declared and established by the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America the privilege of both voice and vote in the Synod Assembly during the period of that ordained minister’s service in a congregation of this church.
S7.28. Duly elected voting members of the Synod Council who are not otherwise voting members of the Synod Assembly under †S7.21. shall be granted the privilege of both voice and vote as members of the Synod Assembly.
†S7.31. Proxy and absentee voting shall not be permitted in the transaction of any business of this synod.
S7.32. Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern parliamentary procedures of the Synod Assembly, unless otherwise ordered by the assembly.
S7.33. "Ex-officio" as used herein means membership with full rights of voice and vote unless otherwise expressly limited.
S7.34. Any proposal to appropriate funds, whether by amendment to the budget or otherwise, which is presented to a meeting of the Synod Assembly without the approval of the Synod Council, shall require a two-thirds vote for adoption.
†S8.01. The officers of this synod shall be a bishop, a vice president, a secretary, and a treasurer. S8.10. Bishop
†S8.11. The bishop shall be elected by the Synod Assembly. The bishop shall be a pastor who is an ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
S8.11.01. For the purposes of this constitution, "pastor" is understood to mean an ordained minister.
†S8.12. As this synod's pastor, the bishop shall be an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament who shall: a. Preach, teach, and administer the sacraments in accord with the Confession of Faith of this church. b. Have primary responsibility for the ministry of Word and Sacrament in this synod and its congregations, providing pastoral care and leadership for this synod, its congregations, its ordained ministers, and its other rostered leaders. c. Exercise solely this church's power to ordain (or provide for the ordination by another synodical bishop of) approved candidates who have received and accepted a properly issued, duly attested letter of call for the office of ordained ministry (and as provided in the bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). d. Commission (or provide for the commissioning of) approved candidates who have received and accepted a properly issued, duly attested letter of call for service as associates in ministry; consecrate (or provide for the consecration of) approved candidates who have received and accepted a properly issued, duly attested letter of call for service as deaconesses; and consecrate (or provide for the consecration of) approved candidates who have received and accepted a properly issued, duly attested letter of call for service as diaconal ministers of this church. e. Attest letters of call for persons called to serve congregations in the synod, letters of call for persons called by the Synod Council, and letters of call for persons called by the Church Council on the rosters of this synod. f. Install (or provide for the installation of): 1) the pastors of all congregations of this synod; 2) ordained ministers called to extra parish service within this church; and 3) persons serving in the other rostered ministries within this synod. g. Exercise leadership in the mission of this church and in so doing: 1) Interpret and advocate the mission and theology of the whole church; 2) Lead in fostering support for and commitment to the mission of this church within this synod; 3) Coordinate the use of the resources available to this synod as it seeks to promote the health of this church's life and witness in the areas served by this synod; 4) Submit a report to each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly concerning the synod's life and work; and 5) Advise and counsel this synod's related institutions and organizations.
h. Practice leadership in strengthening the unity of the Church and in so doing: 1) Exercise oversight of the preaching, teaching, and administration of the sacraments within this synod in accord with the Confession of Faith of this church; 2) Be responsible for administering the constitutionally established processes for the resolution of controversies and for the discipline of ordained ministers, other rostered leaders, and congregations of this synod; 3) Be the chief ecumenical officer of this synod; 4) Consult regularly with other synodical bishops and the Conference of Bishops; 5) Foster awareness of other churches throughout the Lutheran world communion and, where appropriate, engage in contact with leaders of those churches; 6) Cultivate communion in faith and mission with appropriate Christian judicatory leaders functioning within the territory of this synod; and 7) Be ex officio a member of the Churchwide Assembly.
i. Oversee and administer the work of this synod and in so doing: 1) Serve as the president of the synod corporation and be the chief executive and administrative officer of this synod, who is authorized and empowered, in the name of this synod, to sign deeds or other instruments and to affix the seal of this synod; 2) Preside at all meetings of the Synod Assembly and provide for the preparation of the agenda for the Synod Assembly, Synod Council, and the council's Executive Committee; 3) Ensure that the constitution and bylaws of the synod and of the churchwide organization are duly observed within this synod, and that the actions of the synod in conformity therewith are carried into effect; 4) Exercise supervision over the work of the other officers; 5) Coordinate the work of all synodical staff members; 6) Appoint all committees for which provision is not otherwise made; 7) Be a member of all committees and any other organizational units of the synod, except as otherwise provided in this constitution; 8) Provide for preparation and maintenance of synodical rosters containing: a) the names and addresses of all ordained ministers of this synod and a record of the calls under which they are serving or the date on which they become retired or disabled; and b) the names and addresses of all other rostered persons of this synod and a record of the positions to which they have been called or the date on which they become retired or disabled; 9) Annually bring to the attention of the Synod Council the names of all rostered persons on leave from call or engaged in approved graduate study in conformity with the constitution and bylaws of this church and pursuant to prior action of this synod through the Synod Council; 10) Provide for prompt reporting to the secretary of this church of: a) additions to and subtractions from the rosters of this synod and the register of congregations; b) the issuance of certificates of transfer for rostered persons in good standing who have received and accepted a properly issued, duly attested, regular letter of call under the jurisdiction of another synod; and c) the entrance of the names of such persons for whom proper certificates of transfer have been received; 11) Provide for preparation and maintenance of a register of the congregations of this synod and the names of the laypersons who have been elected to represent them; and
12) Appoint a statistician of the synod, who shall secure the parochial reports of the congregations and make the reports available to the secretary of this church for collation, analysis, and distribution of the statistical summaries to this synod and the other synods of this church.
S8.14. The bishop may have such assistants as this synod shall from time to time authorize.
S8.14.01. The term of the bishop of the synod shall normally begin January 1 of the year following his/her election or may begin earlier upon approval of the Synod Assembly or the Synod Council.
†S8.15. The presiding bishop of this church, or the appointee of the presiding bishop, shall install into office, in accord with the policy and approved rite of this church, each newly elected synodical bishop.
S8.20. Vice President
†S8.21. The vice president shall be elected by the Synod Assembly. The vice president shall be a layperson. The vice president shall be a voting member of a congregation of this synod. The vice president shall not receive a salary for the performance of the duties of the office.
S8.21.01. The vice president shall be a voting member of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
S8.22. The vice president shall chair the Synod Council.
S8.23. In the event of the death, resignation, or disability of the bishop, the vice president shall convene the Synod Council to arrange for the conduct of the duties of the bishop until a new bishop shall be elected or, in the case of temporary disability, until the bishop resumes full performance of the duties of the office.
S8.23.01. The term of the vice president of the synod elected by the Synod Assembly shall begin immediately following the adjournment of the assembly at which he/she was elected.
S8.30. Secretary
†S8.31. The secretary shall be elected by the Synod Assembly. The secretary shall be a voting member of a congregation of this synod. The secretary may be either a layperson or an ordained minister.
†S8.32. The secretary shall: a. Keep the minutes of all meetings of the Synod Assembly and Synod Council, be responsible for the printing and distribution of such minutes, and perform such other duties as this synod may from time to time direct. b. Be authorized and empowered, in the name of this synod, to attest all instruments which require the same, and which are signed and sealed by the bishop. c. In consultation with the bishop, classify and arrange all important papers and documents and deposit them in the archives of this synod. d. Submit to the secretary of this church at least nine months before each regular Churchwide Assembly a certified list of the voting members elected by the Synod Assembly.
S8.32.01. The term of the secretary of the synod shall begin immediately following the adjournment of the Synod Assembly at which he/she is elected.
S8.40. Treasurer
†S8.41. The treasurer shall be elected by the Synod Assembly. The treasurer shall be a voting member of a congregation of this synod. The treasurer may be either a layperson or an ordained minister.
S8.42. The treasurer shall provide and be accountable for: a. Management of the monies and accounts of this synod, its deeds, mortgages, contracts, evidences of claims and revenues, and trust funds, holding the same at all times subject to the order of this synod. b. Investment of funds upon the authorization of the Synod Council. c. Receipt and acknowledgement of offerings, contributions, and bequests made to this synod, collecting interest and income from its invested funds, and paying regular appropriations and orders on the several accounts as approved and directed by the Synod Council. The treasurer shall transmit each month to the treasurer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America the funds received by this synod for the general work of this church. d. Maintenance of a regular account with each congregation of this synod and informing the congregation, at least quarterly, of the status of this account. e. Rendering at each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly a full, detailed, and duly audited report of receipts and disbursements in the several accounts of this synod for the preceding fiscal year, together with the tabulation, for record and publication in the minutes, of the contributions from the congregations. f. Giving of corporate surety in the amount determined by the Synod Council, which shall be in the custody of the secretary, and the premium therefore shall be paid by this synod. Fidelity coverage provided by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America shall be deemed a fulfillment of this requirement.
S8.42.01. The term of the treasurer of the synod shall normally begin February 1 of the year following the election or may begin earlier upon approval of the Synod Assembly or Synod Council.
S8.50. General Provisions
†S8.51. The terms of office of the officers of this synod shall be: a. The bishop of this synod shall be elected to a term of six years and may be reelected. b. The vice president, secretary, and treasurer of this synod shall be elected to a term of four years and may be reelected.
S8.52. The terms of the officers shall begin as specified in the bylaws.
†S8.53. Each officer shall be a voting member in a congregation of this synod, except that the bishop need not be a member of a congregation of this synod at the time of election.
†S8.54. Should the bishop die, resign, or be unable to serve, the vice president shall convene the Synod Council to arrange for the appropriate care of the responsibilities of the bishop until an election of a new bishop can be held or, in the case of temporary disability, until the bishop is able to serve again. Such arrangements may include the appointment by the Synod Council of an interim bishop, who during the vacancy or period of disability shall possess all of the powers and authority of a regularly elected bishop. The term of the successor bishop, elected by the next Synod Assembly or a special meeting of the Synod Assembly called for the purpose of election, shall be six years with the subsequent election to take place at the Synod Assembly closest to the expiration of such a term and with the starting date of a successor term to be governed by constitutional provision S8.52.
S8.55. Should the vice president, secretary, or treasurer die, resign, or be unable to serve, the bishop, with the approval of the Executive Committee of the Synod Council, shall arrange for the appropriate care of the responsibilities of the officer until an election of a new officer can be held or, in the case of temporary disability, until the officer is able to serve again. The term of the successor officer, elected by the next Synod Assembly, shall be four years.
†S8.56. The Executive Committee of the Synod Council shall determine whether an officer is unable to serve; the officer may appeal the decision of the Executive Committee by requesting a hearing before the Synod Council. A meeting to determine the ability of an officer to serve shall be called upon the request of at least three members of the Executive Committee and prior written notice of the meeting shall be given to the officer in question at least ten calendar days prior to the meeting.
†S8.57. The recall or dismissal of an officer may be effected in accordance with the procedure established by the Committee on Appeals of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
†S8.58 If the bishop is to be temporarily absent from the synod for an extended period, the bishop, with the consent of the Synod Council, may appoint as acting bishop for such period an ordained minister of this church. Except as limited by action of the Synod Council, an acting bishop shall possess all of the powers and authority of a regularly elected bishop other than authority to authority to ordain or to authorize the ordination of properly approved candidates for ordination.
Chapter 9. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
†S9.01. The Synod Assembly shall elect such officers of this synod and such other persons as the constitution and bylaws may require, according to procedures set forth in the bylaws.
S9.01.01. The Synod Assembly shall elect: a bishop, vice president, secretary, treasurer, all other members of the Synod Council, allotted voting members of the Churchwide Assembly, members of the Discipline and Consultation Committees, and other such committees, groups, or representatives as required in the constitution or bylaws.
†9.02. In all elections by the Synod Assembly, other than for the bishop, a majority of the legal votes cast shall be necessary for election.
S9.03. There shall be a Nominating Committee of seven members appointed by the Synod Council to serve for each regular meeting of the Synod Assembly. Nominations may be made by individuals, congregations, and other components of this synod. Additional nominations may be made from the floor for all elections for which nominations are made by the Nominating Committee.
S9.03. A02 Each year at the first meeting following the Synod Assembly, the Synod Council will appoint three people on odd numbered years and four people on even numbered years to the Nominating Committee for a two-year term. Appointments shall assure that Synod guidelines (S6.04) and geographical balance are followed.
S9.03.A03 Except where stated otherwise in the constitution and bylaws, the Nominating Committee will nominate at least one qualified candidate for each position available. Qualification will be based on a comparison of stated required or preferred skills, abilities, gifts, and experience with those possessed by the candidate(s). Qualifications for each posting will normally be listed on the candidate form for each position. Additional nominations may be made from the floor.
S9.03.B02 Following appointment of new members by the Synod Council, the Nominating Committee will elect a chairperson from their number.
S9.03.C02 Committee appointments will be for a two-year term with a maximum of two terms.
S9.03.B03 It is the responsibility of the Nominating Committee to select and nominate the candidate or candidates who are the best qualified for each position. S9.04. The bishop shall be elected by the Synod Assembly by ecclesiastical ballot. Three‑fourths of the legal votes cast shall be necessary for election on the first ballot. If no one is elected, the first ballot shall be considered the nominating ballot. Three‑fourths of the legal votes cast on the second ballot shall be necessary for election. The third ballot shall be limited to the seven persons (plus ties) who received the greatest number of legal votes on the second ballot, and two‑thirds of the legal votes cast shall be necessary for election. The fourth ballot shall be limited to the three persons (plus ties) who receive the greatest number of votes on the third ballot, and 60 percent of the legal votes cast shall be necessary for election. On subsequent ballots a majority of the legal votes cast shall be necessary for election. These ballots shall be limited to the two persons (plus ties) who receive the greatest number of legal votes on the previous ballot.
S9.05. The Nominating Committee shall nominate at least two persons for vice president; additional nominations may be made from the floor.
S9.06. The Synod Council shall nominate two persons for secretary; additional nominations may be made from the floor.
S9.07. The Synod Council shall nominate one person for treasurer.
S9.08. In all elections, except for the bishop, the names of the persons receiving the highest number of legal votes, but not elected by a majority of the legal votes cast on a preceding ballot, shall be entered on the next ballot to the number of two for each vacancy unfilled. On any ballot when only two names appear, a majority of the legal votes cast shall be necessary for election.
S9.09. The result of each ballot in every election shall be announced in detail to the assembly.
S9.09.01. Synod voting members of the Churchwide Assembly shall be elected at the Synod Assembly in compliance with 12.41.11-13 of the ELCA Constitution from a slate of nominees presented by the synod Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall present nominations for these positions. Additional nominations may be made from the floor.
S9.11. The Synod Council shall elect or appoint representatives to the steering committee of its region.
Chapter 10. SYNOD COUNCIL
†S10.01. The Synod Council consisting of the four officers of the synod, 10 to 24 other members, and at least one youth shall be elected by the Synod Assembly. a. Each person elected to the Synod Council shall be a voting member of a congregation of this synod, with the exception of ordained ministers on the roster of this synod who reside outside the territory of this synod. The process for election and the term of office when not otherwise provided shall be specified in the bylaws. A member of the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America from this synod, unless otherwise elected as a voting member of the Synod Council, may serve as an advisory member of the Synod Council with voice but not vote. b. The term of office of members of the Synod Council, with the exception of the officers and the youth member, shall be three years.
S10.01.A92. The Executive Committee of the Synod Council shall determine whether a Synod Council member is unable to serve. A member judged unable to serve may appeal the decision of the Executive Committee by requesting a hearing before the Synod Council. A meeting to determine the ability of a Synod Council member to service shall be called upon the request of at least three members of the Executive Committee and prior notice of the meeting shall be given to the Synod Council member in question.
S10.01.01. The synod Nominating Committee shall present nominees with attention given to inclusivity goals. The Synod Council shall have on it at least one member from each of the five Sectors of the synod.
S10.01.02. Except as otherwise stated in the constitution and bylaws, each member of the Synod Council may serve a three-year term and shall not serve more than two full terms in succession, or more than seven years. A period of one year shall lapse before being eligible for re-nomination.
S10.01.03. Synod Council meetings, except when in executive session, are open to all members of the synod, including persons from agencies, institutions, and organizations related to the synod. Such persons may be granted voice and a place on the agenda by majority vote of the Synod Council.
S10.01.04. A youth member of the Synod Council shall be nominated by the synod Nominating Committee, elected by the Synod Assembly, and shall not be more than twenty-five years old at the time of election or re-election. The term of office for the youth member of the Synod Council shall be two years.
S10.01.05. One more than half the number of the voting members of the Synod Council shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of official business.
S10.01.07. The terms of Synod Council members shall commence immediately following the adjournment of the Synod Assembly in the year of their election.
†S10.02. The Synod Council shall be the board of directors of this synod and shall serve as its interim legislative authority between meetings of the Synod Assembly. It may make decisions which are not in conflict with actions taken by the Synod Assembly or which are not precluded by provisions of this constitution or the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
S10.03. The Synod Council will have done its work when it has: a. Exercised trusteeship on behalf of this synod, including setting policy and providing oversight for the synod's finance, assets, and personnel. b. Prepared and recommended long range and intermediate program goals and budgets to regular meetings of the Synod Assembly. c. Seen that resolutions of the Synod Assembly have been carried out. d. Provided for an annual review of the roster of ordained ministers and of other official rosters, received and acted upon appropriate recommendations regarding those persons whose status is subject to reconsideration and action under the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and make a report to the Synod Assembly of the Synod Council's actions in this regard. e. Provided for the issuance of letters of call to ordained ministers and letters of call to associates in ministry, deaconesses and diaconal ministers as authorized by Chapter 7 of the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. f. Acted on requests from congregations for transfer to another Sector of the synod. g. Filled vacancies until the next regular meeting of the Synod Assembly except as otherwise provided in the constitution or bylaws of this synod, and it has acted on appeals regarding the ability of a Synod Council member to serve. h. Reported its work to the regular meetings of the Synod Assembly. i. Accomplished such other work as set forth in the bylaws of this constitution or delegated to it by the Synod Assembly.
S10.05. No elected member of the Synod Council shall receive compensation for such service.
S10.06. The position of any lay member of Synod Council shall at once become vacant if that person ceases to be a voting member of a congregation of this synod. The position of any pastor serving on Synod Council shall at once become vacant if that pastor ceases to be an ordained minister on the synod roster.
S10.07. The composition of the Synod Council, the number of its members, and the manner of their selection, as well as the organization of the Synod Council, its additional duties and responsibilities, and the number of meetings to be held each year shall be as set forth in the bylaws.
S10.07.01. The Synod Council shall meet three times a year. Other meetings shall be held at the call of the bishop or vice president of this synod after consultation with the executive officers.
S10.07.02. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the Bishop, the vice president, the secretary, and the treasurer of this synod. The Executive Committee will have done its work when: a. The Synod Council's meetings are conducted in a timely and efficient manner, following an agenda provided to Council members in advance of the meeting with appropriate data and information needed by Council members to make good and wise decisions. b. Meetings of the Executive Committee and the Synod Council are planned and conducted with accomplishments and decisions in mind. c. The Team chairs and program units of the synod are provided with current financial information in order to operate within cash flow restraints. d. Teams can attend to their respective responsibilities without being drawn into other areas. e. The synod staff is fairly compensated, regularly evaluated, and effectively deployed in the best interests of the synod and its mission statement.
Chapter 11. COMMITTEES AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL UNITS
†S11.01. There shall be an Executive Committee, a Consultation Committee, a Committee on Discipline, a Mutual Ministry Committee, and such other committees as this synod may from time to time determine. The duties and functions of such committees, or any other organizational units created by this synod, and the composition and organizational structure of such units, shall be as set forth in this constitution or in the bylaws or continuing resolutions, and shall be subject to any applicable provisions or requirements of the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
†S11.02. The Consultation Committee of this synod shall consist of at least six persons and not more than12 persons, of whom half shall be ordained ministers and half shall be laypersons, who shall each be elected by the Synod Assembly for a term of six years without consecutive reelection. The functions of the Consultation Committee are set forth in Chapter 20 of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and in Chapter 17 of this constitution.
†S11.03. The Committee on Discipline of this synod shall consist of 12 persons of whom six shall be ordained ministers and six shall be laypersons, who shall each be elected by the Synod Assembly for a term of six years without consecutive reelection. a. The functions of the Committee on Discipline of this synod are set forth in Chapter 20 of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. b. The terms of committee members shall be staggered so that the terms of four committee members (two clergy and two lay) expire every two years. c. The Synod Council shall fill vacancies on the Committee on Discipline for any unexpired term.
†S11.04. The Mutual Ministry Committee shall be appointed by the Executive Committee of the Synod Council to provide support and counsel to the bishop.
S.11.04.01. The Mutual Ministry Committee of this synod shall be appointed by and accountable to the Executive Committee. The committee shall seek to give encouragement and support for the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of the Bishop and staff of the synod.
S11.07. This synod shall establish committees, task forces, and other groups as needed from time to time to assist the synod in accomplishing its mission and ministry. Their duties and functions shall be as set forth in the bylaws or in guidelines provided by the Bishop or Synod Council and shall be subject to any applicable provisions or requirements of the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
S11.10. General Provisions
S11.11. This synod shall in its bylaws or by continuing resolution establish a process to ensure that the members of its committees and other organizational units will be persons possessing the necessary knowledge and competence to be effective members of such units, and to meet the requirements of †S6.04. With the exception of ordained ministers on the roster of this synod who reside outside the territory of this synod, each member of a committee of this synod, or any other organizational unit created by this synod, shall be a voting member of a congregation of this synod.
Chapter 12. THE MINISTERIUM, CLUSTERS, AND COALITIONS
†S12.01. This synod shall establish conferences, clusters, coalitions, or other area subdivisions within its territory as specified in the bylaws. The purpose of such groupings shall be to foster interdependent relationships among congregations, institutions, and synodical and churchwide units for mission purposes.
S12.01.01. Congregations may cluster or form coalitions in order to accomplish their ministry more effectively. Such clusters or coalitions, as well as ministeriums, may have their own treasury and receive and disburse funds for purposes consistent with the objectives of the synod's mission and ministry.
S12.01.02. There shall be five non-legislative Sectors in the synod for the purpose of geographical distribution in nominations, appointments, and programming. Requests from congregations for assignment to a different Sector may be granted by the Synod Council.
S12.01.03. One or more Ministeriums composed of clergy and other rostered persons shall form in each Sector. The number of Ministeriums and their composition will be determined by the persons in them at an initial organizational meeting. Thereafter changes may be made by majority vote of the clergy and other rostered persons at a duly called meeting and with the consent of the Bishop.
S12.01.04. Each Ministerium shall annually elect a Dean, whose function will be to convene regular meetings of the Ministerium for the purpose of studying and discussing theological and ecclesial matters. Each Dean will also be a member of a Cabinet of Deans, which shall confer with the Bishop several times a year.
S12.01.05. The congregations and rostered persons of the synod are assigned to the following Sectors:
COASTAL SECTOR Alvin, Alvin Angleton, St. John Dickinson, Faith Freeport, St. Paul Galveston, First Galveston, St. Paul's Galveston, Zion La Marque, Trinity Lake Jackson, Christ Santa Fe, St. John Texas City, Memorial
EASTERN SECTOR Baton Rouge, Church of Our Saviour Baton Rouge, St Paul Chalmette, Gethsemane Harvey, House of Prayer Kenner, Christ the King La Place, Lutheran Church of the Galilean Lafayette, First Mandeville, Hosanna Marrero, Good Shepherd Metairie, St Mark New Orleans, Bethlehem New Orleans, Grace New Orleans, Love Slidell, Peace
PINEY WOODS/GOLDEN TRIANGLE SECTOR Beaumont, Bethlehem Bridge City, St. Mark Cleveland, Friendship Conroe, Grace Conroe, Tree of Life Lake Charles, St. Paul Liberty, Trinity Lufkin, Angel of Joy Onalaska, Lake Livingston Orange, Trinity Port Arthur, St. John
METRO SECTOR Baytown, St. Paul's Bellaire, Faith Cypress, Messiah Houston, Advent Houston, Augustana Houston, Chinese Houston, Christ the King Houston, Christ the Servant Houston, Covenant Houston, Good Shepherd Houston, Grace Houston, Holy Cross Houston, Holy Trinity Houston, Hosanna Houston, House of Prayer Houston, Iglesia Luterana El Buen Pastor Houston, King of Glory Houston, Kinsmen |