2002 Synod Assembly

Resolution 2002-01 - Fair Representation

Failed

WHEREAS, the Southeastern Minnesota Synod (or "this synod") has adopted a new "team structure" in 1999 that divides the fifteen member Synod Council into three teams of five persons for specific purposes (see ++S10.01.A99); and

WHEREAS, the concept of equal representation is valued and appreciated by members of the Blue Earth River Conference as an important part of the shared ministry of this synod; and

WHEREAS, there is no mechanism in place to ensure these positions are represented equally by the five conferences of this synod for the Synod Council, the Leadership Development Committee (the nominating committee for the Synod Council), or other synod committees and task forces; and

WHEREAS, in the year 2000-1, the makeup of the Synod Council was far from being equal in representation, as the following numbers show: (# members: conference)

6 Zumbro River Conference (Austin, Stewartville, Rochester)

4 Cannon River Conference (Northfield, Red Wing, Faribault)

2 Root River Conference (Winona, Spring Valley, Houston)

2 Minnesota River Conference (Mankato, Waseca, Owatonna)

1 Blue Earth River Conference (Fairmont, Blue Earth, Albert Lea)

(the Leadership Development Committee did have one representative from each conference for 2000, but there is no requirement for this in the synod's constitution); and 

WHEREAS, the current team structure offers the possibility of a simple solution with each of the five conferences having one member on each team or committee of five members; and

WHEREAS, the Southeastern Minnesota Synod has not made any attempt to provide for equal representation by the conferences on the Synod Council or Leadership Development Team (nominating committee);

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Synod Council bring the required constitutional amendments for consideration to the next Synod Assembly that will ensure proper and equal representation by the conferences of this synod on the various teams of the Synod Council, the Leadership Development Team (nominating committee), and other committees or teams that serve in this synod as needed or possible; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following proposed constitutional changes be considered at the earliest possible time for action by the next Synod Assembly.

Possible Constitutional Amendments (italics are changes or additions)

S9.03. (Beginning with the second sentence) The Synod Leadership Development Committee of five members shall be nominated by the Conference Deans and elected by the Synod Council to serve for one three year term. The Conference Deans and Synod Council shall seek to make allowances for representation by each of the conferences of this synod when composing the committee. (The rest remains unchanged.)

++S11.01.02.B99. The Leadership Development Committee shall nominate members of each team, allowing for equal representation by each conference of this synod, and the Synod Assembly shall elect the members of each team.

++S11.01.A99. The Synod Council shall organize teams and task forces, with the consideration for representation by each of the conferences of this synod, to accomplish specific work to be defined by the entity to which the team or task force directly reports.

Submitted by Pastor Daniel D. Baker, Bethlehem and Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Churches, February 10, 2002. Brought forth by the Blue Earth River Conference - passed by the Blue Earth Conference Assembly February 10, 2002.