Our Responsibilities

 
Responsibility for Synodical Relations (15.11.G05, Constitutions, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the ELCA)

Responsibility for synodical relations shall be exercised by the Office of the Presiding Bishop to coordinate the relationships between the churchwide organization and synods, develop and implement synodical / churchwide consultations and services, render support for synodical bishops and synodical staff, and provide staff services for the Conference of Bishops. To fulfill these responsibilities, an executive for synodical relations, appointed by the presiding bishop, shall:

  1. relate to the Conference of Bishops in fulfillment of the conference’s assigned responsibilities and provide staff services for development of programs and other needs;
  2. relate to the Bureau for Federal Chaplaincy Ministries and the assistant to the presiding bishop of this church for federal chaplaincy ministries;
  3. plan and coordinate synodical-churchwide consultations and churchwide participation in synodical assemblies;
  4. provide for synodical services, including assistance to synods for organizational concerns, long-range planning, and ongoing evaluation;
  5. direct efforts for growth and strength in mission-support contributions from congregations for synodical and churchwide ministries;
  6. coordinate the interaction of churchwide units with synodical responsibilities and programs; and
  7. oversee churchwide participation in regions.