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Resolution passed by 2021−2023 General Synod

RESOLVED: That General Synod direct the LCANZ General Church Board and the College of Bishops to:

a) Work through the theological, constitutional, and governance requirements to operate as one church with two different practices of ordination and establish a detailed framework through which this could be accomplished, such as one or more existing LCANZ Districts becoming Districts that teach and practice the ordination of both women and men to the office of the public ministry or by establishing a non-geographical LCANZ ‘District’ that does so.

b) Submit the fruit of this work in the form of a proposal that should be discussed by the LCANZ General Pastors Conference for Convention of General Synod 2024.

c) It is the expectation of this General Convention of Synod that both women and men will be ordained in a District of the LCANZ during the 2024-2027 synodical period.

Way Forward Homepage

Principles of Engagement

Framework: Confessional Communities

Framework: District Alignment

Framework: Congregations Decide

Resources

Webinar Recording

Questions?

It is not an overstatement to say that the resolution of the 2021–23 General Synod could have greater implications for the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand than any other since Church Union in 1966. Everyone in the church is likely to be impacted in some way by the decision that General Synod 2024 will make about the 'way forward' in the decades-long ordination debate. You are sure to have questions. If you can't find your question (and answer) below, feel free to submit your question via the contact form below.

‘One church, two practices’ (Way Forward)

How did the Way Forward project come about?

At the February 2023 in-person sessions of the 2021–2023 General Synod, a point of acceptance was reached; that is, we are not going to reach a consensus on the question of ordination and continuing the debate is likely to further fracture the church.

In an attempt to find a way forward that preserves the unity of our church, the General Synod asked the General Church Board and College of Bishops to work towards a framework that allows two practices of ordination: (1) men only and (2) both men and women. In essence, this proposal concedes that we will agree to disagree on the matter of ordination, but it also aspires that this disagreement is not a sufficient reason to divide us.

The exact wording of the resolution is:

RESOLVED: That General Synod direct the LCANZ General Church Board and the College of Bishops to:

a) Work through the theological, constitutional, and governance requirements to operate as one church with two different practices of ordination and establish a detailed framework through which this could be accomplished, such as one or more existing LCANZ Districts becoming Districts that teach and practice the ordination of both women and men to the office of the public ministry or by establishing a non-geographical LCANZ ‘District’ that does so, and
b) Submit the fruit of this work in the form of a proposal that should be discussed by the LCANZ General Pastors Conference for Convention of General Synod 2024.
c) It is the expectation of this General Convention of Synod that both women and men will be ordained in a District of the LCANZ during the 2024–2027 synodical period.

What is the Way Forward project, and what is it expected to achieve?

The project team's primary task is to deliver to the 2024 General Pastors Conference and Convention of General Synod a detailed framework through which the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand could function as 'one church with two different practices of ordination' – in accordance with the resolution of the 2021–2023 General Synod.

This process includes gathering possible frameworks from across the church, developing an evaluation matrix and using it to distil the multiple submissions down into a manageable shortlist (three) for further work by the eight working groups. Ultimately, one framework, which has been sufficiently researched and discussed, will be presented as a proposal to the Convention of General Synod 2024.

How will church members be kept informed about the progress of the Way Forward project?

There will be regular information and updates to all church members and a socialisation phase during which the proposed detailed framework will be shared with the wider church for broad discussion and feedback prior to the 2024 General Pastor Conference and the Convention of General Synod. To keep up to date, it is recommended that members subscribe to Way Forward eNews, which contains all news about the project.

What do the working groups do?

There are eight working groups, consisting mainly of volunteers and also including some LCA employees. All members were appointed on the nomination of the Standing Committee on Nominations after a call for expressions of interest across the whole church. The working groups are:

Together with a three-person reference group, the working groups contribute to the project, drawing on their subject matter experience and expertise.

Are the working groups evenly balanced regarding their views about women’s ordination?

No. Based on the expressions of interest to join working groups, we know there are more people on the working groups supporting the ordination of women than those who don’t. While this is not ideal, this imbalance is due simply to the fact that many more people supporting women’s ordination expressed interest in joining the project than those not supporting it and also that there is a majority of LCANZ members supporting the ordination of women, as shown by votes of over 50 per cent in favour of the ordination of women at multiple Conventions of General Synod. Nevertheless, the Nominations Committee worked very hard to ensure that there was sufficient representation on the project of people not supporting women’s ordination for their voice to be heard and considered in the deliberations and development of a framework to go to the Convention of General Synod.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The project team is not working to promote the ordination of women. It is working to develop a framework under which the LCANZ could operate as one church with two ordination practices. That is a critical distinction.

It may also be helpful to read these principles of engagement to which all members of the project team, including the working groups, are expected to adhere:

We will choose words and actions that acknowledge the other as a brother or sister in the body of Christ committed to the word of God.
As God helps us, we will put our personal views on ordination or on any other issue to one side, as we actively listen and earnestly strive to understand the point of view of the other.
If we feel aggrieved or agitated, we will pause and reflect – and perhaps take time out to pray or seek the counsel of others – before we respond.
We will strive to be faithful to the Eighth Commandment, speaking well of others and putting the best construction on their words or actions.

Which side of the ordination issue do the proponents of the three frameworks represent?

All the models offered by members of the church were considered and evaluated by all the workings groups, and the working groups jointly made the recommendations for the three frameworks. The working groups represent the full range of views about ordination (although there are more people on the working groups who support the ordination of women than those who don’t; refer to the question ‘Are the working groups evenly balanced regarding their views about women’s ordination?’ above.)

Since General Synod asked for a proposal for ‘one church with two different practices of ordination’, those models that proposed ‘two synods’ were deemed to be outside the scope of General Synod’s direction.

Why isn’t the Way Forward team considering a framework to present to General Synod that allows for two synods to be formed (or for one group of Lutherans to ask for a peaceful dismissal from the LCA)?

The resolution passed by the 2021-23 General Synod directed the General Church Board and College of Bishops to bring a proposal to the next General Synod that would allow the LCANZ to function as ‘one church with two different practices of ordination’. General Synod’s direction is quite clear: we are to work towards retaining ‘one church’, not dividing into two. As such, the Way Forward team would be working outside the express direction of General Synod if it considered or promulgated a proposal for the formation of two synods or for dismissing a part of the church.

How many of the Way Forward models and feedback responses called for two synods rather than two districts?

Might the wording of the call for expressions of interest to join working groups (requiring a personal commitment to ‘one church with two different practices of ordination’) have precluded people supporting two synods from applying for positions on the working groups?

Given that there are people in the church favouring a ‘two synods’ framework, is there any possibility for the working groups to be expanded to include people supporting that approach?

Isn’t this entire process splitting the church apart?

Quite the opposite; we are trying hard to maintain the unity of the church. The alternative to finding a way to stay united is splitting into two or more synods; Lutheran churches that doesn’t commune together (a repeat of history). This is not to mention the enormous financial toll on congregations involved in dividing the LCANZ and forming two or more churches. The Way Forward team is working hard to avoid such a split. We are working towards keeping the church together.

Three Frameworks

Why were the three frameworks being presented to the church deemed better than all the others? Who made these decisions?

The three frameworks are those that best fit the list of criteria agreed upon by the General Church Board and College of Bishops. That criteria was used in a rigorous assessment process to evaluate all submissions received. Based on the outcomes of that process, a shortlist was prepared for General Church Board and College of Bishops, and they also confirmed not only numerical analysis but also that the team’s comments and discussions on the frameworks were in alignment with the criteria. Ultimately, GCB and CoB approved each of three frameworks for consultation across the church.

Will all three frameworks be submitted to General Synod or only one?

The current intention is that only one framework will be submitted to 2024 General Synod. The 2021-23 General Synod resolution asks for ‘a’ framework. At this stage we don’t know which one that will. The consultation process with the church will help us to determine the framework that as many people as possible can support. It’s important to get feedback from all parts of the church. Once the Book of Reports is published, with the preferred framework in it, there will be no opportunity to change it. So now is the time to give us your feedback so we can factor that in to our deliberations and so that we can put the best possible framework forward.

What happens if the framework presented to General Synod is defeated?

Impact of changes

If the Convention of General Synod decides that the Way Forward is ‘one church, two practices’, how quickly would women be ordained?

There is no definitive answer to that question – at least, not yet. The frameworks received from across the church have been evaluated via a robust and accountable process. The next phase will see three frameworks selected for a shortlist, and then they will be further refined to develop one preferred framework to be put to the Convention of General Synod in October next year. Until that work is done, it is not possible to say how quickly women might be ordained should the Convention of General Synod pass the Way Forward proposal. Updates will be provided as the project progresses.

If the Convention of General Synod doesn’t pass the Way Forward proposal, will some districts or congregations ordain women anyway?

Under the authority of the General Church Board/College of Bishops, the task of the Way Forward project team is to faithfully follow the direction of the Convention of General Synod 2021–2023 to present to the Convention of General Synod in October 2024 a framework to consider as per the resolution. The Way Forward team is not pre-supposing how Synod will vote on the proposal in 2024. What Synod has asked the Way Forward team to do is to ‘work through the theological, constitutional, and governance requirements to operate as one church with two different practices of ordination and establish a detailed framework through which this could be accomplished’. If Synod does not support the proposal, it is outside the scope of the Way Forward project to presuppose what congregations might or might not do after the Convention of General Synod 2024.

What would happen to a congregation if their district decides to ordain women and the congregation doesn’t agree?

An important criterion in ranking the frameworks was minimal disruption to congregations. However, it is impossible to answer this question until the final framework to go to General Synod is known. Pastoral care of all members of the LCANZ is the highest priority in putting together a framework for the proposal, and much care is taken to ensure that all members of the church will continue to be supported.

Will our congregation be forced to call a female pastor?

What would happen to the pastors and congregations who, in good conscience, can’t stay with a church that ordains women?

Who will pick up the transfer costs if a pastor has to move to another parish because his congregation holds a different view on ordination to him?

Pastor relocation costs are generally paid via the LCANZ Pastors Transfer & Support Fund. We understand the anxiety around this topic as it may be that there is a higher-than-normal level of movement of pastors as a result of Synod 2024 outcomes, which will need to be centrally managed to ensure an orderly process. The process will be designed to help pastors, and as such we confirm that for movements within the LCANZ, Pastors will continue to be reimbursed for relocation costs as they have in the past. We are currently working to understand the potential level of movements and cost associated so that it can be incorporated into the overall implementation considerations.

Updated 10 November 2023. This response supersedes previous responses.

Regardless of which, if any, proposal goes through, pastors will be divided by either districts or theology. Wouldn’t this make the pastor shortage worse?

Pastors are already divided by districts and theology. What this proposal will do is open opportunities for women who are called into ministry to serve as pastors. That would go some way to resolving the pastor shortage. That said, the issue of pastoral supply across the church is not within the scope of the Way Forward project. It is the subject of a separate project before GCB and CoB.

So would ordaining women fix our pastoral supply problems?

Would these changes cost us a lot of money?

The question of cost has been an important criterion in ranking the frameworks; however, until the preferred framework has been developed, we won’t know how much change will be required across the LCANZ to implement it. There might be minimal change and hence minimal cost. On the other hand, if the framework requires a good deal of church restructuring, including in the districts, then the costs of implementation could be high. It also needs to be considered that leaving the church in an ongoing state of unclarity on the issue of ordination also comes at a high cost.

Getting involved

How can members get involved in this conversation at their congregation, district or churchwide level?

We welcome your participation in the conversation. Keep alert to notifications from the Way Forward project team about opportunities to engage over the next 12 months. There will also be times when the whole church will be called to prayer as we move towards what is likely to be the most far-reaching decision a Convention of General Synod will make since Church Union. The best way to keep in touch is to sign up to Way Forward eNews. Click here to sign up.

‘Most people in my congregation don’t know this conversation is happening and how it might affect them. Is there anything I can do to raise their awareness?’

Yes, there are a number of things you can do. Ask your pastor or congregation leaders and your current General Synod delegate to keep your congregation posted on how the Way Forward project is progressing. If they don’t know, encourage them to sign up to Way Forward eNews and to let your congregation members know about ways they can engage in this conversation. You might also want to be the person who includes the Way Forward messages in your after-worship announcements, including PowerPoint slides, and ensures they are placed in your pew bulletins.

What can we do if our pastor or other church leaders won’t share Way Forward messages with us?

Will more webinars be run closer to Synod?

Background to this conversation

General Synod has voted on a proposal to ordain women five times, and the required two-thirds majority has not been reached every time. Why can’t we just accept the decision of General Synod and ban all further proposals on the subject?

Under the LCA Constitution, any parish can bring a proposal to a Convention of General Synod, so it is not possible to ‘ban’ this or any other conversation. Even if this could be done, it would not resolve the ongoing conflict over ordination, nor would it acknowledge the importance of this issue to many people in the church. We must dig deep and work hard together to find a way forward for the LCANZ that acknowledges, respects and cares for each other as brothers and sisters united in Christ.

Every time General Synod has voted, it has reached a simple majority (more than 50 per cent) and sometimes close to the required two-thirds majority. Why is a two-thirds majority required for proposals to ordain women but only a simple majority for other matters?

If we have not been able to settle this division between us over the last 20-plus years, why do we think another debate and vote at the 2024 Convention of General Synod will get a different result?

A parish might put a proposal to ordain women to the 2024 Convention of General Synod, which would need to be considered along with all other proposals.

We want to make clear that the Way Forward resolution (more details below) is not asking for yet another proposal for the ordination of women. Instead, it seeks to break the impasse and put to General Synod a detailed framework for how the LCANZ might operate as one church with ‘two different practices of ordination’. Yes, that would mean that, if the resolution is passed, women would be ordained in the LCANZ, but it also would mean that congregations holding to the existing practice of male-only ordination would be able to continue that practice unhindered. Read more in the section ‘One church, two practices’ (Way Forward).

Isn’t the Way Forward resolution simply a way to bypass the requirement for a two-thirds majority at General Convention, in effect bringing in women’s ordination via a back door?

No. Any proposal for a change in relation to the church’s teaching about the Office of the Public Ministry requires a two-thirds majority at General Convention. The proposal for ‘one church with two differing practices of ordination’ that the 2021–23 General Synod requested be brought to the 2024 General Convention will require a two-thirds majority in order to be passed. To further qualify, even if there was a proposal that was seen as 'process' rather than a theological matter requiring a two-thirds majority, the LCA Constitution would need to be changed in various sub-paragraphs at Article 5 to address references to the male gender pronouns such as ‘he’, ‘him’ and ‘himself’, and this would require a two-thirds majority to pass.

(Updated 30 October 2023. This response supersedes previous responses.)

Why won’t those who want women’s ordination leave the LCANZ with a peaceful dismissal and start another church?

Both sides of the debate hold their views from a place of sincere belief. Both are committed to preaching the word and administering the sacraments, as explained in the LCANZ’s theological statements. Both sides of the debate love the church and see a desire to stay together – neither sees a benefit to breaking away. As children of God who gather around his table together, we will work hard to find a way forward that honours each other and commits to unity, even if we disagree with each other on the matter of ordination.

Is it true that most Lutheran churches across the world ordain women? If so, what’s holding the LCANZ back?

Yes, that is true. More than 80 per cent of Lutheran churches worldwide ordain both women and men. LCA theologians have worked very hard for more than two decades, searching the Scriptures and striving for consensus on interpretation regarding the ordination of women. This has shown that theologically, the argument for the ordination can be made thoroughly, and the argument for male-only ordination can be made thoroughly.

Those who support the existing teaching on male-only ordination and those who support the ordination of both women and men are committed to the authority of the Scriptures. The Way Forward project aims to find a way for all LCANZ members to move forward in Christ’s mission together and, thereby, are conscience-bound in this regard.

How many pastors support women’s ordination, and how many oppose it?

Why don’t the bishops make a decision one way or the other so we can stop this endless arguing about ordination?

Even if they wanted to make a ruling, the bishops don’t have that authority. The power to make decisions about church practice and many other matters lies with the Convention of General Synod, which is comprised mostly of lay delegates (about two-thirds) and pastor delegates (about one-third). This is why it’s so crucial that parishes understand the very important role their elected delegate plays in deciding the future direction of our church – and, of course, it’s important that delegates understand that too.

Why can’t congregations decide for themselves if they want a female pastor or not? Why do we have to get agreement across the entire church?

Section six of the Theses of Agreement (see section above), which is part of the Union document that both Lutheran churches agreed to uphold when they came together in 1966, states that the LCA does not allow the ordination of women. Therefore, no church that wants to be part of the LCA is allowed to ordain women. To ordain women, that particular clause of the Theses of Agreement would need to be amended or deleted by a two-thirds majority of delegates in General Synod. This has been proposed at a Convention of General Synod, but the required two-thirds majority was not reached.

Why don’t we take a poll across the entire church to find out how many people want women’s ordination? Why do we leave the decision-making to a few people at General Synod?

The LCA’s Constitution makes it clear that the church’s highest decision-making body is the General Synod, comprised of parish lay delegates (about two-thirds) and pastor delegates (about one-third). Constitutionally, then, it is not possible to change the church’s practice on ordination by a majority vote of church members. Church members are represented at the Convention of General Synod by their delegate(s). While delegates are not to be instructed on how to vote, it is important for congregations to elect delegates who have a good general understanding of matters within their parish.

Ordination of women

Older people in our church talk about the importance of Church Union in 1966. What was that all about?

The first Lutherans in Australia were unfortunately marked by division. The first pastors, August Kavel and G D Fritzsche, disagreed on a number of matters and in 1846, they established separate churches. Further division led to more separate churches being formed. Victoria established its own church, and Queensland had two Lutheran churches. By the early 1900s, there were eight Lutheran churches in Australia, plus some independent Lutheran pastors.

In the early 20th century, efforts were made to bring unity. In 1921, five churches joined together. Another one joined in 1926. The final union in 1966 between the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Australia (ELCA) and United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Australia (UELCA) created the present-day Lutheran Church of Australia. It had been a long, hard journey, covered with much prayer, and there was great rejoicing when Church Union was finally realised.

What were the sticking points about ELCA and UELCA coming together, and how were they overcome?

The union of ELCA and UELCA came as the desire grew to overcome the burden of having two separate synods of Lutherans in Australia. This entailed practical issues for people on the ground and geographical issues. There was a growing eagerness to overcome this division through a thorough statement of union for the joint proclamation of the gospel and the common administration of the sacraments.

The main sticking point in working towards union was questions regarding the nature and minimum requirements for church fellowship. There were differences in opinion on who the newly formed church might be in altar and pulpit fellowship with, both within Australia and overseas. Connected to this were questions around the authority and interpretations of the word of God and how to deal with variations in view.

How were these questions overcome? The incentive to work on the union of the two separate synods of Lutheran Churches in Australia was driven by the lay people’s desire to see a union. Particularly the Lutheran Men of Australia became very involved in this issue, which led to inter-synodical committees being set up. Joint meetings led to theological analyses of the perceived impasses and the eventual drafting of principles on matters of church fellowship and cooperation, together with the Theses of Agreement as the expression of common consent on matters that had been in dispute prior to the signing of the document of union.

What are the Theses of Agreement? Why are we talking about them so much now?

In 1966, the ELCA and UELCA united to become the LCA on the basis of the ‘Document of Union’, which included a series of theological statements called the ‘Theses of Agreement’.

Of relevance to the current debate over ordination is section six, point 11, of the Theses of Agreement. Section six addresses the Office of the Ministry, and its final point 11 states:

Though women prophets were used by the Spirit of God in the Old as well as in the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 14:34,35 and 1 Timothy 2:11–14 prohibit a woman from being called into the office of the public ministry for the proclamation of the word and the administration of the sacraments. This apostolic rule is binding on all Christendom; hereby her rights as a member of the spiritual priesthood are in no wise impaired.

This is the only part of the Theses of Agreement that stands in opposition to the resolution of the Way Forward project and requires contextualisation and analysis in this process.

Of relevance to the current debate is also section one, point four, on Church Fellowship, which states:

We admit that there are some things hard to be understood in Holy Writ, 2 Pet 3:16; but no doctrine can be based on Scripture passages that are not clear, especially if no light is thrown upon them by clear passages.
Differences in exegesis that do not affect doctrine are not church divisive.
In case of differences in exegesis that affect doctrine, agreement on the basis of God’s Word must be sought by combined, prayerful examination of the passage or passages in question.

Those working on our document of union have anticipated potentially church-divisive arguments and have given a way forward, which is also taken into consideration in the ongoing analyses of the Way Forward project.

Read the full Theses of Agreement here (Volume 1A).

Why did people from the two Lutheran churches work so hard to come together?

The major motivation for the union of the two Lutheran churches in 1966 was to strengthen the mission of the church – that we should be working together to maintain and grow the church. We are to provide a witness to the world in unity and cooperation in the preaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments and worship (DSTO 1A Theses of Agreement, Document of Union, Clause 7).

‘We accept this unity as an unmerited gift of our God ... We believe that the union between our churches is his holy will for us at this time … Therefore … we give each other the solemn pledge to unite together for the joint proclamation of the gospel and the common administration of the sacraments’ (DSTO 1A Theses of Agreement, Document of Union, Preamble).

Why are we bothering to work towards unity now? Wouldn’t it be less painful to simply agree to divide?

Our forebears pledged to work together in unity in 1966, and we desire to continue to work together in that pledge. The Document of Union and The Theses of Agreement continue as a set of historical guideposts as the LCANZ confronts the world in its journey of witness and service: their continuing status is not as an infallible or finished product – but as an urgent call to confess and live the truth of God in our time and place, even if that should mean rethinking and changing past positions. (See the Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations DSTO Vol 1 Foreword).

Will our differing views on the ordination of women divide us again?

We recognise and honour all who hold firm to particular doctrinal statements, and our preferred view is to find a way forward where we can walk beside each other as one church and not see these differences of opinion so core to our faith that they become church divisive.

The way we are responding to our differing views on ordination is already dividing us and has been for over two decades. People supporting the ordination of women and people opposed to it have left the LCANZ over this issue.

Proposals to ordain women in the LCANZ have been presented to five Conventions of General Synod, and each time, they have reached a simple majority (50 per cent) but not the two-thirds majority (67 per cent) required under the LCA Constitution for theological matters. Over the decades, there has been no discernible shift towards one view or the other. We are stuck. Continuing to vote on this issue is not likely to provide the breakthrough we need but will only serve to deepen the divisions.

At its February 2023 in-person sessions, the 20th General Synod made a decisive choice (74 per cent of delegates) to find a way to break the impasse and move forward together as a united church. Read more in the section: ‘One church, two practices’ (Way Forward).

What do we mean by ‘expect that women will be ordained’?

It isn’t up to the GCB, CoB or the Way Forward project team to determine what delegates meant by the word ‘expect’, or ‘expectation’. It is our job to provide a detailed framework that outlines how both women and men might be ordained during the next synodical period.

One of the criteria used for determining this is how well the model submissions aligns with the synod resolution.

We are here to share the frameworks that have been agreed by GCB/CoB and to encourage you to start a conversation about what you like and what you think needs to be improved.

General Synod and delegates

What is General Synod and what does it do?

Article 7.1 of the LCA Constitution reads: ‘The power of the church shall be exercised through the General Synod, which shall be the highest constitutional authority of the church, with power to direct and control those to whom it has entrusted tasks or has delegated authority.’

In relation to the authority and powers of General Synod, Article 13.1 reads: ‘The church at a Convention of the General Synod may amend, alter, add to or repeal any of the rules, except Article 2 and Article 13.1, which shall be considered fundamental and unalterable in their intent and meaning.’

Thus, the Convention of General Synod is the LCANZ’s highest decision-making body. It alone has the power to make changes to the LCA Constitution, governance and teaching.

Who makes the decisions at General Synod?

The delegates to the Convention of General Synod make decisions through their votes. Each delegate’s vote is equal.

Article 7.2 of the Constitution lists the composition of General Synod:

7.2.1 lay delegates of the congregations
7.2.2 pastor delegates
7.2.3 the members of the General Church Board
7.2.4 chairpersons of boards and councils unless already eligible under 7.2.1, 7.2.2, or 7.2.3
7.2.5 all bishops unless already eligible under 7.2.2 or 7.2.3
7.2.6 one [1] secondary and one [1] primary school principal elected from each region of Lutheran Education Australia by the principals of that region
7.2.7 past bishops of the church
7.2.8 three [3] pastors emeriti nominated by the General Church Board.

These people are the voting members. Lay people comprise about two-thirds of General Synod and pastors about one-third.

Delegates have the power to choose the direction of our church. Who decides who the delegates will be?

Referring to the question above, a lay delegate (7.2.1) is elected by their parish; a pastor delegate (7.2.2) is elected by his district; a principal delegate (7.2.6) is elected by their LEA region; and the three emeriti pastors are nominated by the General Church Board. All other voting members of General Synod (7.2.3, 7.2.4, 7.2.5 and 7.2.7) are elected according to the position they hold.

Do delegates need any special training or preparation for General Synod?

While there is no mandatory training for synodical processes, all delegates are required to complete Level 1 Safe Church Training.

It is highly encouraged that delegates attend General Synod training so that they know the rules of transacting business. When matters of particular importance or complexity are likely to be on the General Synod agenda, the church leaders might run special training or engagement events (online or in-person) for delegates to become familiar with the topic and ask questions prior to General Synod. Delegates are urged to brief their parish about the proposals before General Synod, but it is important to note that they are not under obligation to take direction from their parish regarding the way they should vote. Neither do they need to report back on how they voted.

What happens if a delegate doesn’t share the congregation’s views on major issues?

How does a member find out who their Synod delegate is?

I am a lay delegate, and I wish to talk with members of my parish and my pastor about advice given by the General Pastors Conference (GPC) on matters to be discussed at the Convention of General Synod. How do you recommend I receive advice from my parish between GPC and Synod?

How can members contribute to the General Synod deliberations if they are not a delegate?

The main way members can contribute is by speaking to their delegate about the proposals coming to General Synod. In terms of the Way Forward project, any member of the LCANZ has an open invitation to engage via wayforward2024@lca.org.au

People might ask the delegate to speak to the parish or congregation about the proposals, and they might then take the congregation’s questions to pre-Synod forums for delegates. However, it is not appropriate for members to instruct their parish delegate on how they should vote.

Contact the project team at wayforward24@lca.org.au

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Contact us

Way Forward Project
Lutheran Church of Australia

197 Archer Street North Adelaide SA 5006
08 8267 7300
wayforward2024@lca.org.au

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Resolution passed by 2021−2023 General Synod

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Three Frameworks

Impact of changes

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Background to this conversation

Ordination of women

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Resolution passed by 2021−2023 General Synod

Questions?

‘One church, two practices’ (Way Forward)

Three Frameworks

Impact of changes

Getting involved

Background to this conversation

Ordination of women

General Synod and delegates

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