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[Bishop's Election 2006] [Bishop's Election Committee] [Call and Notice of Conference Meetings]
MINUTES - BISHOP'S ELECTION COMMITTEE August 28, 2006 - NEOS Office
Present: Fletcher Carroll (AW), Pr. Gwen Snell (CE), Pr. Paul Jaster (CW), Pr. Steve Ritter (EA), Joan Albert (RA), Sue Bowman (SO), Pr. Cynthia Ishler (Convener), Bp. Lee Miller (Interim Bishop).
Pr. Cynthia Ishler, convener, opened the meeting with devotions at 6:30 p.m. She indicated that we were to be "prayer warriors" for the synod and instructed us in the duties of the committee. Information was mailed prior to the meeting and also distributed at the meeting. Introductions were made.
Interim Bishop Lee Miller explained that ELCA Secretary Lowell Almen will preside at the December 2, 2006, NEOS Assembly, and the new bishop will be installed February 3, 2007. There will be training events for the new bishop to attend, and also he/she will be attending the Conference of Bishops which meets twice annually.
Pr. Ishler explained that she is the convener, but that we needed to elect a committee chairperson and a recorder. Pr. Gwen Snell is chairperson, and Joan Albert is recorder.
Devotions for the October 1 conference meetings were prepared by the synod worship subcommittee. Scriptures include Ephesians 4:11-13 and Titus 1:7-9. Hymns are #459 (LBW) "O Holy Spirit, Enter In," #687 (WOV) "Gracious Spirit, Heed our Pleading," and #369 (LBW) "The Church's One Foundation."
Biographical Information
Questions that had been asked in prior bishop elections were discussed. The decision was made to include the following questions to those candidates willing to complete the answers.
Name Date of Ordination 1. To what ministries have you been called since your ordination, and how long (years) did you serve each ministry? Begin with your most recent call.
2. List educational degrees earned (beyond undergraduate level), and from what learning institution(s) they were obtained.
3. How have you been involved in the ministry of the ELCA on a synodical, regional, or churchwide expression? (List no more than three areas of involvement.)
4. Are there areas of ecumenical and/or community involvement that have been significant to you? (List up to three areas.)
5. List any professional publications.
Also required to be answered, but solely for the use of the bishop's election committee, are the following legal questions:
1. Have you ever engaged in, been accused of, charged with, or convicted of illegal conduct or a crime? If yes, please explain.
2. Have you ever had your driver's license suspended or revoked? If yes, please explain.
3. Have you ever engaged in, been accused of, investigated for, sued, or charged with sexual molestation, sexual harassment, substance abuse, child or spousal neglect or abuse, or financial improprieties? If yes, please explain.
4. While on the roster, have you ever engaged in, been accused of, investigated for, charged with, or disciplined for any conduct proscribed in "Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline?" If yes, please explain.
5. Are you living in accord with "Vision and Expectations and Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline" for rostered persons in the ELCA and do you intend to continue to live in compliance? If no, please explain.
6. Have you ever engaged in any behavior or been involved in any situations that, if they became known to the church, might seriously damage your ability to continue in ministry? If yes, please explain.
The answers given to these questions must be contained on one sheet of paper. This will be explained in the cover letter to the top ten candidates' names received on the "straw vote" ballots completed at the conference meetings on October 1, 2006. Candidates will also be asked if they are willing to serve if nominated and elected. Answers will be printed by synod staff exactly as they have been received, and will be mailed to the voting members before the synod assembly.
Personal Questions
The committee then proceeded to discuss other questions on the candidates' personal opinions.
1. Name three gifts for ministry you possess and how they would influence your vision as bishop.
2. What would be your four priorities if elected bishop?
3. How would you address racism in the churchwide, synodical, and congregational expressions?
4. How would you strengthen everyone's knowledge of and participation in synodical ministries?
Other discussion
Conference deans will meet August 29, 2006. Pr. Ishler shared a suggested agenda that could be used at the Oct. 1 conference meetings. Interim Bp. L. M. Miller will share this agenda with the deans.
Oct. 1 Conference meetings: Make sure an explanation of the straw vote is given. Times and locations of meetings were read by Pr. Ritter.
Pr. Snell will report to the synod council at their Oct. 21, 2006 meeting on behalf of the bishop's election committee.
Next meeting: October 2, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. at synod office.
Joan Albert/Sue Bowman Secretary/Secretary Pro Tem
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