A19.01. Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by at least six (6) voting members or by the Church Council. Proposals must be filed in writing with the Church Council 60 days before formal consideration by this congregation at its regular or special meeting called for that purpose. The Church Council should notify the members of the congregation of the proposal with the council’s recommendation at least 30 days in advance of the meeting. Article 19. AMENDMENTS
A19.02. A proposed amendment to this constitution shall:
- a. be approved at a properly called meeting according to this constitution by a majority vote of those present and voting;
- b. be ratified without change at the next annual meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of those present and voting; and
- c. have the effective date included in the resolution and noted in the constitution.
A19.03. Any amendments to this constitution shall be sent by the secretary of this congregation to the synod. The amendment shall become effective within 60 days from the date of the receipt of the notice by the synod unless the synod informs this congregation that the amendment is in conflict with the Constitution and By-laws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or the Constitution and By-laws of the Northeastern Ohio Synod.
A19.04. Whenever the Model Constitution for Congregations is amended by the Churchwide Assembly, this constitution may be amended to reflect any such amendment by a simple majority vote at any subsequent meeting of this congregation without presentation at a prior meeting of the congregation, provided that the Church Council has submitted by mail notice to the congregation of such an amendment or amendments at least 30 days prior to the meeting. Following the adoption of an amendment, the secretary of this congregation shall submit a copy thereof to the synod, consistent with A19.03.