*The Report of the Committee on Reference & Counsel is given during the assembly. Review our Parliamentary Aids, Guide to Assembly Committees, Committee on Reference & Counsel to learn more about its work and procedures. The attached subsection of this report includes the one resolution submitted by the deadline.

Report of Reference & Counsel

SA2026-Resolution-1:

To Rescind the Resolution “To Adopt a Future Part-Time Option for the Bishop of the West Virginia–Western Maryland Synod” (Setley–Holbert–Ames, as substituted), adopted by the 2025 Synod Assembly (Click here to read submission)

Recommendation

Reference and Counsel recommends adoption of SA2026-Resolution-1, “To Rescind the Resolution ‘To Adopt a Future Part-Time Option for the Bishop of the West Virginia–Western Maryland Synod’ (Setley–Holbert–Ames, as substituted), adopted by the 2025 Synod Assembly,” as submitted by The Rev. Devin Ames, The Rev. Matt Holbert, The Rev. Timothy Crummitt, and Pam Pritt. (Click here for SA2026-Resolution-1)

Procedural Review

Reference and Counsel has reviewed SA2026-Resolution-1 and finds it to be in proper form and in proper order to come before the Synod Assembly. The resolution clearly identifies the action proposed for rescission, has been properly submitted, and addresses a matter within the authority of the Synod Assembly. The Synod Assembly has
authority to amend, rescind, or replace actions previously adopted.

Rationale

Reference and Counsel reviewed the proposed resolution, the 2025 Synod Assembly action, and the report of the Bylaws Committee. The committee concludes that there are substantial reasons for the Assembly to reconsider the prior action.

Key considerations include:

• The 2025 action emphasized flexibility for potential candidates for bishop rather than first determining what form of episcopal leadership best serves the mission and needs of the Synod.
• The Bylaws Committee identified significant questions regarding the feasibility and implementation of a part-time bishop model, particularly in light of the established
  expectations of episcopal ministry.
• There is little, if any, precedent within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for a synod bishop serving under a regularly constituted part-time call while fulfilling the full scope of episcopal responsibilities.
• The proposal leaves unresolved questions concerning worship leadership and pastoral presence, including how conflicts between congregational and synodical responsibilities would be addressed if a bishop were also called to a congregation.
• The ministry of a bishop is exercised on behalf of the whole Synod and includes ordinations, installations, pastoral care of rostered ministers, congregational visits, crisis
  response, ecumenical relationships, churchwide responsibilities, and participation in the Conference of Bishops. These responsibilities frequently require weekend availability and travel.
• The proposal creates ambiguity in expectations placed upon both a congregation and the Synod regarding availability, presence, and accountability.
• The Office of Bishop is unique within the life of the Synod. In addition to serving congregations and rostered ministers throughout the Synod, the bishop participates in the Conference of Bishops, represents the Synod in churchwide and ecumenical settings, and serves as a visible sign of unity across the whole church. Questions remain regarding how these responsibilities would be balanced within a part-time model.
• The Assembly has not yet undertaken a comprehensive study to determine the appropriate scope, structure, and expectations of episcopal leadership in this Synod prior
  to considering a reduction in that call.

For these reasons, the committee concludes that significant practical, pastoral, and ecclesial questions remain unresolved and that rescinding the 2025 action is prudent at this time and would permit future conversations regarding episcopal leadership to begin with a comprehensive assessment of the needs of the Synod.