Southeast Michigan Synod Assembly Resolution defeated

Resolution D

RATIONALE

One of Martin Luther's greatest gifts to the church was the reawakening of the belief in the Priesthood of all Believers.  We must continue to be champions of Luther's gift in today's church.  As we continue down the road to full unity with the Episcopal Church we need to ensure that our practice of ordaining pastors and installing bishops fully supports the belief in the Priesthood of All Believers.  Ordained leaders of the church are called to be servants following the example of our Lord.

1     Resolved,

2     That the Southeast Michigan Synod request that the Evangelical Lutheran

3     Church in America see that the following sentence be included in the service

4     notes of the Rite of Ordination and in the services notes for the Rite of 

5     Installation of a Bishop: "This rite is no way bestows upon the individual being

6     ordained or installed any superior moral or spiritual qualities."

7     Resolved,

8     That this assembly directs the Southeast Michigan Synod Council to forward this 

9      resolution to the Church Council's Executive Committee for proper referral and

10   disposition under the bylaws and continuing resolutions of this church.

Respectfully Submitted,

Pastor Mark Evans

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION-RESOLUTION D

The committee recommends defeat of this resolution.

Rationales for Recommendation

While on the surface the proposed sentence to be put into the service notes seems obvious and reasonable, the issue being addressed is of such great depth that it needs to be considered and discussed in places other than on the floor of the assembly.  This resolution deals with not only doctrine and confessional teaching, but also with the self understanding of those called to the Office of Word and Sacrament and the Office of Bishop.  The committee feels these issues are better addressed in forums where the education, formation, and continuing education of rostered leaders takes place and in congregations especially during the calling and installing of a pastor and before the election and installation of a synodical bishop.