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Whereas, the 2001 Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA, meeting in Indianapolis, approved a bylaw amendment to the ELCA Constitution, 7.31.17, Ordination in Unusual Circumstances, providing that prospective certified candidates for ordained ministry may be ordained by a pastor other than a bishop, following a process of approval; and
Whereas, prejudice or castigation against certified candidates for ordained ministry who choose such exception could deter certified candidates for ordained ministry from exercising their constitutional right to request that a pastor other than a bishop ordain them; and
Whereas, subjective and/or punitive behavior could delay ordination significantly or compromise future options in certain synods;
Therefore, be it resolved that this synod request the Conference of Bishops to reaffirm its commitment to honor this “exceptions” bylaw, and to ensure that certified candidates for ordained ministry who request such an exception be treated respectfully; and that such requests be dealt with in a timely manner; and be it further resolved
That this synod request the seminary presidents to invite those who advocate non-episcopal ordination to meet with seminarians as they consider their Confessional convictions and their constitutional options; and be it further resolved
That this synod request the Secretary of the ELCA and each synodical bishop make no distinction in rosters or records of pastors who have exercised their constitutional right to an exception in their ordination.