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Ninth Biennial Convention
Augustana University College, Cambros AB
June 12 - 15, 2003

Sing to the Lord a New Song
Home » In Convention » 2003 Camrose » Convention Reports » Synodical Responsibilities Send to a friend     print

ELCIC National and Synodical Responsibilities

(Adapted from 1995 Convention Resolution NC-95-11)

  1. That the NATIONAL CHURCH STRUCTURE serves and relates to SYNODS and to STRUCTURES BEYOND THE ELCIC;

    1. That the NATIONAL CHURCH has the responsibility to nurture the IDENTITY, UNITY AND VISION of the ELCIC;

    2. That the PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR DECISION-MAKING resides with the NATIONAL CHURCH in the following areas:

      1. Policies and standards for rostered leaders
      2. Mission in the world
      3. Public policies for the church in society
      4. Development of stewardship resources
      5. Policies, standards and resources for worship
      6. Ecumenical and cooperative relationships with other churches
      7. Relationships with ELW, special interest conferences and other Lutheran organizations
      8. Pension and benefit programs
      9. GHDA
      10. Colleges and church schools

    3. That the NATIONAL CHURCH has additional responsibilities:
      1. To facilitate communication, consultation and cooperative programming among synods (e.g. Conference of Bishops, relationships with synod councils, communication to synod conventions, Rasmus, publications).
      2. To provide national support, where agreed, in areas of synod responsibility (e.g. youth gatherings, stewardship, seminary curricula, CECF).

  2. That SYNODICAL STRUCTURES relate to the CONGREGATIONS and to the NATIONAL CHURCH STRUCTURE;

    1. That EACH SYNOD COOPERATES AND COLLABORATES with the National Church and other synods for the following purposes:

      1. To nurture the identity, unity and vision of ELCIC
      2. To support the mission of the church
      3. To coordinate common standards
      4. To address common concerns
      5. To develop covenants for partnership in specific areas of mission

    2. That PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR DECISION-MAKING resides with the SYNODS in the following areas:
      1. Theological education and leadership (seminaries, candidates, continuing education)
      2. Addressing issues of church and society on the territory of the synod
      3. Resource development and fundraising
      4. Mission in Canada
      5. Establishing and supporting specialized ministries (e.g. camps, chaplaincies, outdoor ministries)
      6. Supporting existing congregations and leaders in mission and ministry (e.g. worship, learning, witness, service, support, youth)
In full communion with The Anglican Church of Canada
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