Resolution No. 6
ELCA CONSTITUTIONAL BYLAW AMENDMENT

WHEREAS, the ELCA has established a full communion relationship with the Episcopal Church; and

WHEREAS, the Church Council of the ELCA has voted to recommend the following action to the 2001 Churchwide Assembly:

To amend the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the ELCA by adding churchwide bylaw 7.31.17 to permit a synodical bishop to authorize an ordination in unusual circumstances by a pastor other than a pastor holding the office of synodical bishop:

      7.31.1

            Ordination in Unusual Circumstances

For pastoral reasons in unusual circumstances, a synodical bishop may provide for the ordination by another pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America of an approved candidate who has received and accepted a properly issued, duly attested letter of call for the office of ordained ministry.  Prior to authorization of such an ordination, the bishop of the synod of the candidate's first call shall consult with the presiding bishop as this church's chief ecumenical officer and shall seek the advice of the Synod Council.  The pastoral decision of the synodical bishops shall be in accordance with policy developed by the Division for Ministry, reviewed by the Conference of Bishops, and adopted by the Church Council;  therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Western North Dakota Synod in assembly expresses affirmation and support for the bylaw amendment 7.31.17 to the ELCA  Constitution.

SUBMITTED BY:
WND Synod Council.