Passed Continuing Resolution to the Synod Constitution - April 15, 2023

At its meeting on Saturday, April 15, 2023, the Sierra Pacific Synod Council passed the following continuing resolutions to the synod constitution:

S7.21.A23.

Congregations may determine the number of lay voting members to the Synod Assembly using one of the following formulae:

Formula A) Each congregation shall elect two lay voting members to the synod assembly. One additional voting member shall be elected by congregations having between 351 and 525 baptized members. Two additional voting members shall be elected by congregations having between 526 and 700 baptized members. Three additional voting members shall be elected by congregations having between 701 and 875 baptized members. Four additional voting members shall be elected by congregations having more than 875 baptized members. The number of baptized members shall be determined by the most recent parochial report on file with the synod office.

or

Formula B) Each congregation shall elect two lay voting members for every rostered minister serving the congregation under a letter of call or extended service. If there is no rostered minister serving the congregation, the congregation shall elect two lay voting members.

Congregations are encouraged to include persons of color, persons whose primary language is other than English, youth (confirmed to age 17), and young adults (age 18 to 30) among their lay voting members to the synod assembly. (see †S6.04. and †S6.04.01.)

Regardless of the formula used, for congregations sending an even number of lay voting members, no more than half of the congregation’s lay voting members should be of the same gender. For congregations sending one additional lay voting member (3 total), no more than two members should be of the same gender. For congregations sending three additional lay voting members (5 total), no more than three members should be of the same gender. (see †S6.04. and S6.04.A16.)

S7.21.B23.

A. Congregations may send one additional lay voting member who is a person of color or person whose primary language is other than English.

B. Congregations may send one additional lay voting member who is a youth (confirmed to age 17) or young adult (age 18 to 30, see †S6.04.01.). If a congregation is sending a youth as part of the Sierra Pacific Synod Youth Committee (see S7.21.04.), the congregation may send a young adult.

C. For any additional lay voting members, congregations should take gender balance into consideration.