Responsibilities of delegates
for the 2024–27 synodical term
Essential
- You must be a voting member of an LCA congregation.
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- You must be prepared to serve as your parish’s elected delegate for the full synodical term (up to the 2027 Convention). You will be your parish’s point of contact for pre- and post-Synod communications. As such you will receive and pass on to parish members information relating to General Convention business and opportunities for them to engage with the topics. As a General Synod delegate, you are a servant of the wider church, not only of your parish.
- You are required to have and maintain at least Level 1 Safe Church Training or equivalent, and a Working with Children type check both when you are elected and at the commencement of Convention of General Synod in October 2024. (The body electing or approving your appointment must attest to compliance with these requirements and ensure that you are aware of your obligations in this respect.)
- Your details are recorded in LAMP2.
- Voting at Convention will be done electronically. If you must have a smartphone or similar device and are comfortable using it, we recommend you bring it with you. If you do not have a device or are uncomfortable using one, don’t worry, we will be working with delegates to provide the needed support in the lead-up to Convention.
Highly recommended
- You are able to attend the 2024 General Convention of Synod, 4-7 October. If you are unable to do this, your parish should appoint an alternate delegate to attend in your stead, but you retain your role as delegate for the remainder of the synodical term.
- Delegate feedback after the 2021-23 General Convention noted that some delegates unnecessarily interrupted the flow of business (eg by confusing clarification questions with points of order). It is important that delegates are well-versed in the rules of transacting business at a convention. Regardless of your experience as a delegate, you are urged to attend pre-Convention training. We anticipate there will be a comprehensive training webinar for new delegates and refresher training for experienced delegates.
- It is anticipated that the Way Forward team will bring to Convention a proposal for a framework that the LCANZ can operate as ‘one church with two different practices of ordination’. Delegates should take every opportunity to learn about the project’s progress and be well-prepared to engage in this critical conversation at the Convention.
For your consideration
- Feedback from 2021-23 delegates indicated some displeasure when a parish’s pastor is a pastor delegate and his wife attended as the lay delegate. Also, when a parish is entitled to two lay delegates, the parish elects a husband-and-wife combination. While there may be efficiency considerations and while By-Laws do not preclude these practices, you are encouraged to consider the perceptions of your fellow delegates and to do everything possible to ensure your parish is properly represented.
Delegates and other members of the church have sought clarification on a number of specific issues in relation to the responsibilities of delegates. Guidance from the Secretary of the Church follows.
Compliance with LCA policies
As the highest-level decision-makers in the LCANZ, delegates need to be aware of and comply with all the policies of the church. The Conflict of Interest Policy may have particular application for delegates.
Abstaining from voting
1. Proposals are only passed by votes in favour.
Proposals are passed by the counting of votes 'in favour' of the proposal. The percentage required for passing of a proposal is described in the by-laws according to the matter (eg on constitutional matters, a two-thirds majority of registered delegates). Abstentions are not counted as a vote against or in favour of a proposal.
2. The chair may determine the significance of the number of any abstentions in a vote.
In Section 7.3 of the by-laws the following section describes how the chairperson of the Convention guides delegates in voting on matters, with particular reference to abstentions:
7.3.26 The Chairperson may determine when a vote is to be taken.
7.3.26.1 During a debate the Chairperson may seek an indication of readiness to vote. If there is an indication of a significant or high number of possible abstentions from voting by reason of indecision or by absence from the meeting, the Chairperson may decide to continue the discussion or defer the motion.
Subsequently, during the sessions of a convention, the Chairperson receives information on possible abstentions as described in this section of the By-laws. It is up to the Chairperson to determine the “significant number” or “high number” of abstentions. Abstentions do not prevent a matter from proceeding but the matter may be deferred. (This is the only guidance given regarding abstentions in the Constitution and By-laws of the Church.)
3. Delegates elected to vote are not to abstain from voting.
Delegates are elected to participate in the deliberation on proposals before the Convention. After listening to a debate, delegates are expected to vote either in favour or against a proposal. Abstentions are therefore understood to be the exception rather than the norm for voting.
Registering apologies
As a delegate you are expected to attend all sessions of the convention. If you are arriving late or leaving early or absent for a session or unable to attend the convention you need to submit a written apology to the Secretary of the Church soc@lca.org.au. The relevant by-law is:
7.2.7 All delegates and consultants shall attend all sessions regularly until the close of the convention. Delegates who arrive late or leave early or who are absent or unable to attend shall submit a written apology to the Secretary.
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