2004 Synod Assembly

Resolution 2004-09: Clergy Moving

Passed

WHEREAS, when a congregation calls a pastor, the congregation usually pays for the move of the pastor to the congregation; and

WHEREAS, when a pastor retires, the congregation usually does not pay for the move of the pastor to a different location; and

WHEREAS, the ELCA has adopted a policy that "A retired pastor should not remain a member of the congregation served at the time of retirement … and should transfer one's membership to another congregation"; and

WHEREAS, many pastors live in a parsonage and must move to a new location to live upon retirement; and

WHEREAS the presence of a retired pastor in a former congregation, or even in a smaller community where the former congregation is located, may either intentionally or unintentionally cause problems for the new pastor in the former congregation; and

WHEREAS, a precedent has been established by the military of paying the final move upon retirement of the military personnel to a new location;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly direct the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Council to look into the possibility of establishing a fund which would assist pastors in paying the cost for moving to a new location immediately following their retirement.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon review of this resolution, the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Council forward this resolution to the ELCA Church Council for consideration and possible action.

Submitted by Pastor Arthur Thorstensen, Minnesota River Conference, April 24, 2004.

Passed by the Minnesota River and Zumbro River Caucuses

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