Resolution – To Memorialize on the Definition of Voting Members

WHEREAS, Luther states in the preface of the Small Catechism, “…Whoever does not seek or desire the Sacrament at least some four times a year, it is to be feared that he despises the Sacrament and is no Christian, just as he is no Christian who does not believe or hear the Gospel…;” and

WHEREAS, Model Constitution for Congregations C8.02.c. states, “Voting members are confirmed members. Such confirmed members, during the current or preceding calendar year, shall have communed in this congregation and shall have made a contribution of record to this congregation;” and

WHEREAS, Model Constitution for Congregations C8.02.c. by not specifying the reception of the Sacrament more than one time a year allows for those who, according to Luther’s Small Catechism, may be feared to despise the Sacrament and not be a Christian; and

WHEREAS, this lax provision has allowed for the hijacking of important votes in small congregations by gathering in people for the vote who remain on the roles but are loosely connected to the congregation; and

WHEREAS, voting members, to have the ability to thoughtfully navigate the ministry of the congregation, need to be sufficiently invested in the congregation so that they receive the Sacrament and hear God’s word regularly; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod memorialize the Churchwide Assembly to amend by substitution Model Constitution for Congregations C8.02.c. which reads:

• “Voting members are confirmed members. Such confirmed members, during the current or preceding calendar year, shall have communed in this congregation and shall have made a contribution of record to this congregation,”

to read:

• “Voting members are confirmed members. Such confirmed members, during the 365 days prior to and inclusive of a properly called congregational meeting, regular or special, shall have communed at least four times in this congregation and shall have made a contribution of record to this congregation.”

Respectfully submitted:
Rev Christine Olson
Trinity, Martinsburg, WV