Article 6. CHURCH AFFILIATION

A6.01. This congregation shall be an interdependent part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or its successor, and of the Northeastern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This congregation is subject to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

A6.02. This congregation accepts the Confession of Faith and agrees to the Purposes of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and shall act in accordance with them.

A6.03. This congregation acknowledges its relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in which:

  • a. This congregation agrees to be responsible for its life as a Christian community.

  • b. This congregation pledges its financial support and participation in the life and mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

  • c. This congregation agrees to call pastoral leadership from the clergy roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in accordance with its call procedures except in special circumstances and with the approval of the Bishop of the Synod.

  • d. This congregation agrees to consider Associates in Ministry for a call to other staff positions in the congregation according to the procedures of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

  • e. This congregation agrees to file this constitution and any subsequent changes to this constitution with the synod for review to ascertain that all of its provisions are in agreement with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Northeastern Ohio synod.

A6.04. Affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America may be terminated as follows:

  • a. This congregation takes action to dissolve.

  • b. This congregation ceases to exist.

  • c. This congregation is removed from membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America according to the procedures as stated in the Constitution and Bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

  • d. This congregation follows the procedures outlined in A6.05.

A6.05. This congregation may terminate its relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by the following procedure:

  • a. A resolution indicating the desire of this congregation to terminate its relationship must be adopted at a legally called and conducted special meeting of this congregation by a two-thirds majority of the voting members present.

  • b. The secretary of this congregation shall submit a certified copy of the to the synodical bishop and the national office of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and shall mail a copy of the resolution to all confirmed members of the congregation. This notice shall be submitted within ten (10) days after the resolution has been adopted.

  • c. The bishop of the synod may consult with this congregation for a period of at least 90 days commencing with the adoption of the resolution.

  • d If this congregation, after consultation, still desires to terminate its relationship, such action may be taken at a legally called and conducted special meeting by a two-thirds majority of the voting members present, at which meeting the bishop of the synod or an authorized representative may be present. Notice of the meeting shall be mailed to all confirmed members at least ten (10) days in advance of the meeting.

  • e. A certified copy of the resolution to terminate its relationship shall be sent to the synodical bishop and the national office of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, at which time the relationship between this congregation and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America shall be terminated.

  • f. Notice of termination shall be forwarded by the synodical bishop to the secretary of this church and published in the periodical of this church.

  • g If this congregation was a member of the Lutheran Church in America, it shall be required, in addition to the foregoing provisions in A6.05., to receiv3 synodical approval before terminating its membership in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

A6.06. If this congregation is considering relocation, it shall confer with the bishop of the synod in which it is territorially located before any steps are taken leading to such action. The approval of the Synod Council shall be received before any such action is effected.