12/16/2011

Congregations Encouraged to Update Constitutions to Include 2011 Churchwide Assembly Amendments

As a reminder, congregations are encouraged to add to their upcoming Congregational Council agendas the adoption of amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations that were adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in Orlando. Those amendments are available on the ELCA Office of the Secretary Web pages.

In a December 12, 2011 message from David Swartling, ELCA Secretary, Swartling writes, "Please note how these can be adopted in accordance with required constitutional provision *C17.04 in the Model Constitution for Congregations: 'This constitution may be amended to bring any section into conformity with a section or sections, either required or not required, of the Model Constitution for Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as most recently amended by the Churchwide Assembly. Such amendments may be approved by a simple majority vote of those voting members present and voting at any legally called meeting of the congregation without presentation at a prior meeting of the congregation, provided that the Congregation Council has submitted by mail notice to the congregation of such an amendment or amendments, together with the council's recommendation, at least 30 days prior to the meeting. . . .'"

A copy of the amendments is attached here for your convenience: 2011 Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations

As always, if you have questions about the process or the amendments, please contact the Assistant to the Bishop assigned to your area. He or she will be happy to assist you.

See previous story related to this post.