2004 Synod Assembly: "Called Into God's Marvelous Light"

Live update added 3:10 p.m., Saturday, April 24, 2004

Resolutions Completed in Third Plenary as Assembly Comes to a Close

Discussion of resolutions continued Saturday afternoon at the 17th annual Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly.

Attendants resumed discussion of resolution 2004-05, titled "New Mission Starts." One person asked the resolution be amended to read that "in revitalizing congregations we create a study to learn why membership is declining in our ELCA congregations." One person spoke against the amendment because other ELCA groups are already studying the loss of congregation membership. That amendment failed.

One person moved to refer the resolution to the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Council. One person spoke against the motion because it would delay implementation of the resolution. The motion to refer resolution 2004-05 passed.

The sixth item considered was resolution 2004-06, titled "Minimum Compensation and Benefits Guidelines." The resolution would adopt a document titled "2005 Compensation and Benefits Guidelines for Pastors, Associates in Ministry, Lay Professionals and Support Staff." No one spoke against resolution 2004-06, and it passed.

Resolution 2004-07, titled "The Strategic Plan for the Southeastern Minnesota Synod," was approved Friday.

The seventh item considered was resolution 2004-08, titled "Invitation to Bishop Sigifredo Buitrago, IELCO." The resolution would invite Evangelical Lutheran Church of Columbia Bishop Sijifredo Buitrago to the 2005 Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly. No one spoke against resolution 2004-08, and it passed.

The eighth item considered was resolution 2004-09, titled "Retirement Moving." The resolution would direct the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Council to "look into the possibility" of establishing a fund to assist retiring pastors in paying moving costs. One person spoke against the resolution because basing decisions on military precedent could start a "slippery slope." The resolution passed.

The ninth item considered was resolution 2004-10, titled "Call Young People Into Assembly." Among other things, the resolution would encourage congregations to bring at least one voting member, age 30 or under, to future Southeastern Minnesota Synod assemblies. No one spoke against resolution 2004-10, and it passed.

The assembly concluded shortly before 3 p.m.

To see full text of resolutions, click here.

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