This

"This" is a pretty simple word. Any time a provision refers to itself or something to which it belongs, always use "this"

C10.23.

This provision is part of this constitution, which belongs to this congregation, which resides in this synod, which is part of this church.

Words that will use "this":

• This provision, bylaw, or continuing resolution - self-referential
• This chapter - the current chapter
• This constitution - sometimes just constitutional provisions, and sometimes all provisions, bylaws, and continuing resolutions
• This congregation - your own congregation
• This parish - the parish to which the congregation belongs, if it is in a parish
• This synod - the synod in which the congregation resides
• This church - the ELCA

"This" may also be used to refer to something described in a previous sentence. See "this notice" in *C6.05.b. for an example.

The and A (or An)

Use "the" whenever referring to specific positions, titles, or events

• The Church - the Church catholic
• The bishop - as in the bishop of this synod
• Called leaders or officers - the pastor or the president
• Groups and committees - the Congregation Council or the Executive Committee
• Meetings - the regular meetings of this Congregation, the annual meeting

Any time something generic is being described, use "a".

Any and All

Any refers to one or more of a group, but not necessarily all. All explicitly means every.

Special Case: Church and Congregation

The distinction between the various uses of "church" and "congregation" are sometimes uncertain. The following list should help clear things up.

• The Church - the Church catholic, always "the", always capitalized
• This church - the ELCA, always "this", always lowercase
• A church body - other denominations, usually used with the phrase "with which this church is in a relationship of full communion"
• This congregation - the local congregation to which this constitution belongs, always "this"
• The Congregation Council - always "the", always capitalized