Timelines

Amending the constitution, from start to finish.

When planning to revise the congregation's constitution, it's good to map out when work needs to be finished. If the goal is to pass a resolution at the next congregation meeting, when do various tasks need to be completed? Use this page to help make a plan of action and set target dates.

First, select the type of amendment you are planning to make. If amendments will affect multiple levels of provisions (e.g. constitutional provisions and bylaws), then selected the first item listed among the type of amendments planned.

Note: Bylaws have a higher vote requirement than the first vote for nonconforming constitutional amendments.

Articles of Incorporation

Unless otherwise stipulated, the Congregation Council generally has the power to amend the Articles of Incorporation.

Amendments to incorporation documents require the approval of the synod before they can be filed with the State (see ELCA Constitution 9.53.03.). Be aware that it will take the review and recommendation of the synod constitution review committee and the vote of the Synod Council before such amendments can be finalized.

Note: To make things go smoothly, notify the synod from the very start, when first preparing to revise the document.

Constitutional Amendments (Nonconforming)

Note: The effective date of the resolution(s) should be the date the synod will vote to approve the changes (*C16.02.c. & *C16.03.).

Preparing
Inform the synod office and send them all current governing documents
(the synod office will put you in touch with its constitution review committee)

Bring the constitution into conformity with the Model Constitution

Drafts
Send the first draft to the Congregation Council for review

Send the second draft to the synod's constitution review committee for review

IMPORTANT! 60 Days before the Congregation Meeting
Send the final draft along with proposed resolution(s) to the Congregation Council for recommendation to the congregation (*C16.01.)

IMPORTANT! 30 Days before the Congregation Meeting
Notify the Congregation of the meeting and distribute the resolutions(s) (*C16.01.)

Congregation Meeting (Regular or Special)
Majority vote to pass the resolution(s) (*C16.02.a.)

Immediately after the Congregation Meeting
Report the results of the meeting to the synod's constitution review committee

If any amendments were made to the resolution(s), report the changes to the synod's constitution committee and await review
(if issues are found with the amendments, all previous steps may need to be repeated)

IMPORTANT! Next Regular Congregation Meeting
Two-thirds vote to ratify the resolution(s) (*C16.02.b.)
(must be ratified without change)

Immediately after the Regular Congregation Meeting
Report the results of the meeting to the synod's constitution review committee

Submit the resolution(s) and revised governing documents to the synod office (*C16.03.)

Next Synod Council Meeting
Synod Council votes on whether to approve or disapprove the proposed changes (*C16.03.)

Warning: If the synod wasn't informed until after the congregation vote, expect delays in getting approval. See the article on Getting Synod Approval for more details.

Conforming with the Model Constitution

Preparing
Inform the synod and submit all current governing documents
(the synod will put you in touch with its constitution review committee)

Get the latest Model Constitution from the ELCA Office of the Secretary

Drafts
Send the first draft to the synod's constitution review committee for review

Send the final draft along with proposed resolution(s) to the Congregation Council for recommendation to the congregation

IMPORTANT! 30 Days before the Congregation Meeting
Notify the Congregation of the meeting and distribute the resolutions(s) (*C16.04.)

Congregation Meeting (Regular or Special)
Majority vote to pass the resolution(s) (*C16.04.)

Immediately after the Congregation Meeting
Report the results of the meeting to the synod's constitution review committee

Submit the resolution(s) and revised governing documents to the synod office (*C16.04.)

Note: The synod doesn't technically need to be informed prior to adopting the resolution(s), but it will generally make everything go more smoothly if the synod is notified from the start and given the opportunity to help.

Bylaws

Preparing
Inform the synod office and send them all current governing documents
(the synod office will put you in touch with its constitution review committee)

Drafts
Send the first draft to the Congregation Council for review

Send the second draft to the synod's constitution review committee for review

IMPORTANT! 60 Days before the Congregation Meeting
Send the final draft along with proposed resolution(s) to the Congregation Council for recommendation to the congregation (*C17.03.)

IMPORTANT! 30 Days before the Congregation Meeting
Notify the Congregation of the meeting and distribute the resolutions(s) (*C17.03.)

Congregation Meeting (Regular or Special)
Two-thirds vote to pass the resolution(s) (*C17.02.)

Immediately after the Congregation Meeting
Report the results of the meeting to the synod's constitution review committee

Submit the resolution(s) and revised governing documents to the synod office (*C17.04.)

Continuing Resolutions

Preparing
If possible, seek feedback from the synod's constitution review committee

Any Meeting of the Congregation or Congregation Council
Majority vote by the congregation to pass the resolution(s) (*C18.02.)

Two-thirds vote to pass by the Congregation Council the resolution(s) (*C18.02.)

Immediately after the Meeting
Report the results of the meeting to the synod's constitution review committee

Submit the resolution(s) and revised governing documents to the synod office