The resolutions process enables individuals or recognized groups within the synod to bring a request for action or a request for a statement to be made by the Synod Assembly. For information about the differences between a “resolution” and a “memorial,” please visit the ELCA Office of the Secretary webpage found here.
Resolutions and memorials may be submitted by a congregation of the Synod, a Ministry Team, an ELCA institution or agency, a conference, or the Synod Council and must be signed by the appropriate leadership (i.e., president, chair, dean, etc.). Individuals may submit a resolution/memorial with the signatures of 10 other members of the Synod. The maker(s) of the resolution/memorial must be identified separately from the required signers.
Resolutions/memorials are to be submitted in writing 90 days in advance of the Synod Assembly (by February 4, 2023) for review by the Resolutions Committee and for placement in the preassembly materials. They may be mailed or emailed to the synod office at CarolYoungman@pacificasynod.org to the attention of the Resolutions Committee.
Resolutions/memorials submitted are reviewed by the Resolutions Committee for proper form, appropriateness of subject, appropriateness of desired action, inclusion of a plan of implementation, and for elimination of duplication. The Resolutions Committee has the responsibility to ensure that resolutions/memorials brought before the Assembly are grammatically correct and factually correct as to existing church policies or structure. Therefore, the Resolutions Committee has the responsibility to edit resolutions/memorials if necessary, so that the Assembly can deal with the substance of the issues presented. The Committee shall report its action to the makers of the resolution/memorials and to the Synod Council, to which the makers can appeal the decision.
The Resolutions Committee shall report its action on each resolution/memorials to the group submitting it and to the Synod Council who can overrule the committee’s decision.
Any resolutions received after the 90-day deadline are to be submitted to the Synod Secretary (via the synod office) who will immediately refer them to the Resolutions Committee. These resolutions can be introduced at the Assembly if permitted by a two-thirds vote of the members.
All resolutions not voted on at the Assembly will be placed on the next Synod Council meeting agenda for action.
