Election of Bishop

ELCA-Southeastern Synod

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America-

Southeastern Synod

Click here to sign up for our E-News Network

ELCA-SOUTHEASTERN SYNOD

2007 ELECTION OF BISHOP

The 2007 Synod Assembly, June 1, 2 & 3, will be convened at the Sheraton Midtown at Colony Square in Atlanta, GA. A new bishop will be elected during our time together.

The newly elected bishop will assume office on September 1, 2007 for a six-year term until August 31, 2013. The following materials regarding the election were presented and approved at the January 2007 meeting of the Synod Council. If you have difficulty accessing the materials, please contact the synod office at 404-589-1977, ext 220 to request hard copies.

1. SYNOD STAFF TRANSITION TEAM TIMELINE

Since late in 2006 the synod staff has diligently been working as a Transition Team in preparation for the new bishop, who will take office September 1, 2007. This timeline outlines the overall transition process.

2. HOW IS A BISHOP ELECTED IN THE SOUTHEASTERN SYNOD? WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF THE BISHOP OF THE SOUTHEASTERN SYNOD?

This document describes, in detail, how election by ecclesiastical ballot takes place and the duties of the bishop, as outlined in the Constitution of Southeastern Synod.

3. SAMPLE BIOGRAPHICAL FORM: OFFICE OF THE BISHOP OF THE SOUTHEASTERN SYNOD

By action of the Synod Council (SC95.1.15SA) the ecclesiastical ballot process was further defined so "that prior to the third ballot, biographical data on all remaining candidates (is to) be printed and distributed to all voting members of the Assembly.” The third ballot for the Office of Bishop of the Southeastern Synod will take place during the third plenary session of the 2007 Southeastern Synod Assembly, Saturday morning, June 2, 2007. This is a sample of the form to be completed by the nominees listed on the third ballot for bishop.

4. CHOOSING A BISHOP: QUESTIONS TO ASSIST IN PREPARATION

Leaders Guide

Participants Guide

These Official Guidelines have been prepared by the ELCA Office of the Secretary to assist small groups in the study of the process of choosing a bishop in the ELCA. This study guide comes with Leader and Participant Guides and can be used in adult Sunday School, church council meetings or conference meetings.

5. ASSEMBLY RULES OF ORGANIZATION AND PROCEDURE

At its January 2007 meeting, the Synod Council adopted a continuing resolution by unanimous vote that reads: By action of the Synod Council (S9.01.A07), “Elections shall be conducted in a manner that encourages the Synod Assembly to be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, without overt campaigning or electioneering tactics by nominees, potential nominees and others in attendance at the assembly.” This continuing resolution was incorporated as part of the Assembly Rules of Organization and Procedure adopted by the Synod Council for 2007. These Rules will be brought to the Synod Assembly for adoption prior to the election.

DOS AND DON’TS OF CHOOSING A BISHOP

In addition to these documents, the synod staff, in a combination of seriousness and good humor, makes the following “suggestions” as we prepare to elect a new bishop.

	Pray
	Look at "Questions to Assist in Preparation" for "Choosing a Bishop" and discuss in conferences and congregations
	Talk about hopes, dreams, priorities, challenges and possibilities related to the election
	Talk about good questions to ask candidates at synod assembly
	Talk with others about characteristics needed in a bishop
	Talk with others about the gifts of potential candidates
	Talk to potential candidates about your discernment of their gifts
	Talk about all potential candidates with respect

DON’T

	Distribute resumes
	Pressure others to vote in a particular way
	Rent a skywriting plane
	Participate in e-mail or snail mail campaigns for a particular candidate
	Have your candidates initials embroidered on the hotel towels
	Distribute “campaign materials” at assembly—This includes handing out any type of flyers or placing materials on tables in or outside the plenary hall.

A prayer of discernment for the Southeastern Synod:

Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

We praise you for the abundant and extravagant grace you shower

upon us in Christ through baptism and in living the Christian life;

We adore you for adopting us into the body of Christ, the Church, and calling us together to live the Great Commission of Jesus always in the Spirit of the Great Commandment of love;

As we prepare to gather for our June 2007 Assembly in Atlanta,

may your Holy Spirit guide us in worship of you and in celebrating your love;

In your providence give us the gift of discernment as we make important decisions and elect a new bishop and new treasurer for this Great Commission Synod;

May our lives continue to grow as disciples and reflect the face of the living Lord Jesus

as we share Him with those who do not know Him here and around the world.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.