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Building an evangelical, confessional Lutheran future in America.
Transcript from Western Iowa Synod Assembly, 2001
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Below is an interesting transcript. This exchange took place just before the final Western Iowa Synod Bishop ballot. The tellers were lined up on one side of the assembly hall, ready to distribute the ballots when someone steps to the mic with the following question. The answer to the floor question is provided by Curt Miller (the incumbent bishop), who read it as a prepared statement. These words were ringing in the ears of the delegates as the ballots are distributed. |
Q: Point of information please.
A: Yes.
Q: What could be the ramifications if the Bishop-elect would not be installed under the historical episcopate?
A: Just a moment.
A: The question was what would be the consequences of electing someone who would not be installed in the historic episcopate.
You’re faced with a decision between two very fine pastors, but there is one dynamic in this election that deserves some comment and explanation. This is not simply an election for Bishop of the Western Iowa Synod, but superimposed on this election is an issue that the whole ELCA is working on. That issue is the meaning of full communion with the Episcopal Church. In this ecumenical agreement, the ELCA has agreed that the Bishop elected here will be installed so that they are in the historic episcopate.
Some in the ELCA would prefer that the Bishop elected here would refuse to be installed according to our constitution which describes how we live together in this church.
Now I want you, as members of this Assembly, to vote as the Holy Spirit leads you. But as you seek the Spirit’s leading, understand that electing a pastor who will not be installed will have at least two consequences.
First, it will involve this synod in a controversy that we may not want. And of course, electing someone who will be installed may involve us in controversy as well. The transition of leadership will be significantly more complicated. And you may conclude that is worth the risk and the price.
Second, the ELCA Church Council has proposed a bylaw that would allow, in unusual circumstances, a pastor other than the Bishop to preside when a seminary graduate is ordained. The bylaw is a proposal that seeks to address the concerns of some seminary graduates about the historic episcopate. It also adds to the constitution of this church a clear statement of our shared conviction that valid ministry does not depend on the presence of a Bishop at ordination.
This election is in effect a referendum on that bylaw. I believe that electing a Bishop who will not be installed will send a clear message to this church that this bylaw is not a helpful step. The result is that this bylaw will not pass at the Churchwide Assembly.
Again, I seek the Spirit’s leading as you consider your vote on this last ballot.