Report of the Bylaws Committee
Synod Assembly 2024

Proposed Amendment of the Bylaws of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod

†S18.21. This synod may adopt bylaws not in conflict with this constitution or with the constitution and bylaws of the churchwide organization. This synod may amend its bylaws at any meeting of the Synod Assembly by a two-thirds vote of voting members of the assembly present and voting. Newly adopted bylaws and amendments to existing bylaws shall be reported to the secretary of this church.

The following are offered as proposed amendments to the Bylaws of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod. Explanation for each proposed amendment follows the stating of the provision.

• The provision to be amended is in bold.
• The explanatory material is indented.
• Strikethrough indicates a proposed deletion of text.
• Italic indicates a proposed insertion of text.
  

Recommendation #1
B7.03. The bishop of synod shall appoint the following convention committees:

• Committee on Elections
• Committee on Minutes
• Committee on Reference and Counsel
• Committee on Registration and Attendance
• Committee on Resolutions
• Committee on Worship
  

Rationale: This is an unnecessary redundancy as B17.13 puts all this in the bishop’s hands. It is a legacy of more complicated days. Nothing prevents the bishop from appointing such a committee when the bishop thinks it will be useful.

Recommendation #2
B10.02.a. [Terms of office:] Four pastors, six lay members, and the young adult member shall be elected for a three-year term and shall not serve for more than two consecutive terms in that seat.

Rationale: In the past, we’ve had members of Synod Council who who were terming out of a regular seat who have then been elected as officers (seats that not have no term limits). We’ve also had youth members who have been elected to regular seats. By specifying that the two consecutive term limit applies only to the seat in question, we eliminate potential confusion over these cases with respect to term limitation. We also make it possible for members to transition between the young adult seat, conference specific seats, and at-large seats.

Recommendation #3
B10.02.b. [Terms of office:] The youth member shall be elected to a one-year term without term limitation.

Rationale: The eligibility criteria for the youth member seat are 1) be a voting member of a congregation of the synod and 2) be under the age of 18 at the time of election. The second criterion automatically sets an upper limit on how long a youth member may serve. There seems little reason to prevent an energetic and engaged youth elected at a fairly young age from serving consecutive terms until the second criterion is no longer met.

Recommendation #4
B11.01. There shall be a Consultation Committee consisting of twelve (12) persons. The bishop of the synod shall be a member of the Consultation Committee ex-officio except in instances when the bishop brings charges against an ordained minister.

Rationale: In non-disciplinary cases, if a matter comes before the Consultation Committee, it is usually because the bishop was not able to resolve it. While the Consultation Committee would likely consult with the bishop, the freedom of the Consultation Committee would be enhanced by removing the bishop’s ex-officio standing.

Recommendation #5
B11.16. The bishop or the vice president may call a special meeting of any committee, commission, or board.

Rationale: This is a codification of what has been practice.

Recommendation #6
B11.17. Committees, Commission, and Boards of the Synod may conduct meetings by telecommunications and employ mail voting under the same rules as apply to Synod Council.

Rationale: This addition codifies what has been practice (and what is already implied in the parliamentary authority).

Recommendation #7
B12.01.c.7. [There shall be four conferences designated as follows: Potomac Conference: ] Moorefield WV, Mt. Olive (Peru).

Rationale: The congregation has closed.

Submitted,
Matthew Lynn Riegel
Laurel Muhly-Alexander
Brian Crawford