Synod Council Summary from July 15, 2023

The Synod Council gathered at the Synod Center for Ministry on Saturday, July 15 for a regular meeting. The council heard reports of roster updates and reports from the treasurer and bishop, approved roster management actions, and financial actions. The education session of the meeting was on the topic of gun violence and gun control in preparation for acting on the resolution referred from the 2023 Synod Assembly. 

In considering the referred resolution (find the resolution here), the synod council also looked at a resolution adopted by the 2018 Synod Assembly and a memorial submitted to the 2016 Churchwide Assembly as well as a list of resources developed by the ELCA and referenced in the memorial. The Synod Council continues to work toward having resolutions submitted no less than 45 days before the assembly that include background information, time for pre-assembly study and conversation, and an action plan of how the resolution will be carried out if adopted. The Synod Council voted against adopting the 2023 resolution. Bishop Current will provide further information related to the robust synod council conversation in enews later this summer. 

The Bishop’s report included news that Leon Schwartz, nominee from this synod to the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church, was named a co-chair. Pastor Erika Uthe soon begins a twelve-week sabbatical for rest and renewal with encouragement for all congregations to adopt a sabbatical policy. Iglesia Camino de Emaus, the new Latino Ministry in the Davenport area, has begun gathering for worship with Pastor Jose Pilar Alvarez. Pastor Kuckuck provided a report on the congregations and rostered ministers in transition. Deacon Schuman shared words of gratitude for the council’s leadership and presence at the synod assembly and synod revival. Bishop Current shared plans for a Synod Leadership Day on February 10, 2024, and an update on RAGBRAI.