Article III

ARTICLE I - Name and Incorporation

Section 1. The name of the synod functioning under this constitution shall be Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

Section 2. The synod shall be incorporated under the laws of Manitoba.

Section 3. The seal of the Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod shall consist of a ship encircled by the words "Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada." The bishop shall have custody of the seal.

ARTICLE II - Territory

The territory of this synod shall be the Province of Manitoba and that portion of Ontario west of 86 degrees longitude.

ARTICLE III - Confession of Faith

Section 1. This synod confesses the Triune God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - as the one true God. It proclaims the Father as Creator and Preserver; His Son, Jesus Christ, as Redeemer and Lord; and the Holy Spirit as Regenerator and Sanctifier.

Section 2. This synod confesses that the Gospel is the revelation of God's saving will and grace in Jesus Christ, which He imparts through Word and Sacrament. Through these means of grace the Holy Spirit creates believers and unites them with their Lord and with one another in the fellowship of the Holy Christian Church.

Section 3. This synod confesses the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God, through which God still speaks, and as the only source of the Church's doctrine and the authoritative standard for the faith and life of the Church.

Section 4. This synod confesses the following symbols, comprising the Book of Concord of 1580, which it subscribes specifically as witnesses to the way in which the Holy Scriptures have been correctly understood and explained and confessed for the sake of the Gospel, namely

1. The Apostles', the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds as the chief confessions of the Christian faith;
   
2. The Unaltered Augsburg Confession as its basic formulation of Christian doctrine;
   
3. Luther's Small Catechism as a clear summary of Christian doctrine;
   
4. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Luther's Large Catechism, the Smalcald Articles with the Treatise, and the Formula of Concord as further witnesses to the Unaltered Augsburg Confession.

ARTICLE IV - Mission

Section 1. As the regional expression of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Canada and in faithfulness to the Lord of the Church, this synod shall facilitate and advance the mission of this church within its territory. Guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, it shall carry out this mission by shepherding its congregations, ordained ministers and lay diaconal ministers by engaging in other forms of ministry which proclaim God's Word and serve to bring reconciliation to the world.

Section 2. In seeking to achieve its mission, this synod shall

1. Organize, recognize, receive, release and exclude congregations and approve or disapprove of relocation or merger of congregations;
   
2. Ordain, receive, nurture, support and discipline ordained ministers;
   
3. Recruit, approve, supervise and support ministerial candidates;
   
4. Cooperate with this church to provide for theological education at Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and elect two members to its Board of Governors;
   
5. Provide for higher education for the members of this church and others and for ministry to persons engaged in higher education at universities and colleges on its territory;
   
6. Encourage congregational evangelism and works of mercy;
   
7. Encourage congregational programs for justice and service;
   
8. Maintain and support social and health care service agencies and institutions in accordance with the standards adopted by the church;
   Cooperate with the church and other organizations or groups in activities that promote justice and reconciliation, meet human need and alleviate suffering
   
9. Interpret and support the nation-wide and world-wide work of the church through effective cooperation with the divisions and offices;
   Acknowledge the official auxiliaries as partners in carrying out the mission of the church;
   
10. Participate in a provincial council of churches and similar cooperative, province-wide Christian movements which have been approved by the church as adhering to sound principles;
    
11. Adjudicate appeals from congregational discipline in accord with the procedure in ARTICLE VI, Section II;
    
12. Administer the synod as stipulated in the constitution and bylaws of the church and this synod;
    
13. Carry out such other ministries which may be identified by the synod or by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

ARTICLE V - Membership

Section 1. As provided in the corporate bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the membership of the synod consists of member congregations recognized by the synod, as a regional manifestation of this church; baptized individuals who are members of a congregation (baptized members) shall exercise their privileges and responsibilities through participation in the congregation in which they are members.

Section 2. The synod at its organizational meeting shall recognize those
congregations on its territory that are recognized by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and certified to it by the secretary of this church.

Section 3. Additional congregations may be recognized by the synod acting on behalf of this church in the manner described in the constitution and bylaws of this church.

Section 4. The synod may revoke its recognition of any congregation in the manner described in the constitution and bylaws of this church.

ARTICLE VI - Congregations

Section 1. Every congregation which is recognized by this synod shall have a constitution which, in the judgement of the Synod Council, is in harmony with the constitution and bylaws of this church and of the synod.

Section 2. Every parish not represented by an ordained minister shall elect a lay delegate to the convention of this church. If a parish has more than eight hundred baptized members two lay delegates shall be elected, unless a pastor of the parish has been chosen by the conference, in which case one lay delegate shall be elected.

Section 3. Every congregation of the synod shall choose a delegate or delegates to represent it at conventions of the synod and at meetings of the conference to which the congregation is assigned. An alternate or alternates may act in the stead of the delegate or delegates in the event of their absence.

Section 4. Congregations shall have the right to petition this synod, according to procedures set forth in the bylaws.

Section 5. When a pastor resigns, the Congregational Council shall receive the resignation, report it to the congregation and notify the bishop of the synod.

Section 6. The alignment of congregations in pastoral charges shall be subject to approval by the Synod Council.

Section 7. The approval of this church or a convention of the synod or of its council shall be required for the solicitation of funds from congregations for institutions, agencies and causes of this church.

Section 8. In case of strife and division in a congregation, the Congregational Council shall seek the advice of the bishop of the synod.

Section 9. A congregation desiring to withdraw from this church shall require a two-thirds majority vote at any legally called and conducted meeting. Such decision shall not be effective until at least ninety days after the bishop has been notified and until the initial action has been ratified by a two?thirds majority vote at a subsequent legally called and conducted meeting.

Section 10. A congregation which has ceased to exist or whose membership has so diminished in numbers as to render it impossible or impractical for the congregation to function according to its constitution and bylaws shall, after consultation with any remaining members, be deemed by the synod of which it was a part to be defunct. The synod through the Synod Council shall appoint trustees, including where feasible former members of the congregation, who shall take charge and control of the property of said congregation to hold, manage and convey the same on behalf of this synod.

Section 11. A lay member of any congregation may appeal to the synod from the disciplinary action of the congregation. All such appeals must be made in writing to the bishop within thirty days after the action has been taken. Copies of said appeal shall be transmitted by the appellant to the pastor and to the secretary of the congregation. The bishop shall appoint a special committee to investigate the appeal. The decision of the committee shall be final and reported to the appropriate parties.

ARTICLE VII - Ordained Ministers

Section 1. Ordination of approved candidates shall normally take place in connection with a convention of the synod. The time and place of all ordinations shall be designated by the bishop.

Section 2. Every pastor shall preach the Word, administer the Sacraments and conduct public worship in harmony with the faith and practices of the church; shall baptize, confirm and marry in accordance with the teaching of the church and with the laws of the province; shall visit the sick and distressed and bury the dead; shall inculcate piety in individual and family life and provide pastoral leadership to all schools and auxiliary organizations of the congregation; shall install members of the Congregational Council and, with the council, administer discipline; shall seek out and encourage qualified persons to prepare for the ministry of the Gospel and strive to extend the Kingdom of God in the community, at home and abroad; and shall encourage the members to be generous in support of the ministry of the congregation, the synod and the church.

Section 3. Every pastor shall keep accurate membership records including baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials and communicants, and shall submit a report of such statistics annually to the secretary of the synod on forms provided by this church. The parish records shall be kept in a separate book which shall remain the property of the congregation.

Section 4. When members move, the pastor shall commend them to the pastoral care of the parish in which their new home is located.

Section 5. Each congregation shall consult the bishop of the synod before taking any steps leading to the extending of a call to a prospective pastor.

Section 6. Upon receiving a call to another ministry, the pastor shall consult with the bishop and the chairperson of the Congregational Council before a decision is reached. The pastor shall inform the congregation and the bishop of the decision on the call within thirty days of official notice. When a call has been accepted, the pastor shall terminate the ministry within two months unless an extension has been agreed upon by the pastor and the Congregational Council.

Section 7. The regular call of a congregation when accepted by a pastor shall constitute a relationship which shall be terminated only for the following causes:

1. the resignation of the pastor;
2. the attainment by the pastor of the age of sixty-five years, after which time the pastor may be called for renewable two-year terms;
3. disqualifications of the pastor through discipline;
4. division of a pastoral charge;
5. the physical or mental incapacity of the pastor;
6. continued neglect of ministry;
7. inability to conduct the pastoral office satisfactorily in that parish in view of local conditions, without reflection on the moral and spiritual character of the pastor.

In the last three contingencies, when such difficulties are made known, the bishop may, following consultation with the conference dean, appoint an Advisory Committee of two ordained ministers and two lay members to investigate. Upon the request of the Congregational Council or the receipt of a petition signed by at least one-third of the voting members of the congregation, the bishop shall appoint such an Advisory Committee to investigate.

In case of alleged physical or mental disability, medical testimony shall be secured. When such incapacity is evident, the bishop, on the advice of the committee and with the concurrence of the Congregational Council, shall declare the pastorate vacant. Upon the restoration of such a pastor to health, the bishop of the synod shall take steps to enable the pastor to resume the ministry, either in the congregation last served or in another field of labour.

In case of alleged neglect of ministry or of local conditions which imperil the well-being of the congregation, all those concerned shall be heard, after which the bishop of the synod together with the Advisory Committee shall counsel with the pastor and the congregation on a proper course of action. Such counsel shall be offered out of Christian love and is not to be regarded as an act of discipline. After such counsel, if the problem has not been resolved, the congregation may terminate the call by majority vote. The bishop of the synod at any point in the foregoing proceedings, with the concurrence of the Congregational Council, may suspend the pastor from the functions of the ministry within the congregation, pending completion of the formal proceedings.

The foregoing procedure shall never be invoked when questions of doctrine or morality are involved, all such cases being treated as disciplinary matters.

Section 8. No ordained minister shall preach or perform any ministerial act within the parish of another pastor except at the latter's request or consent, or visit or perform ministerial acts in a time of a pastoral vacancy except by invitation of its Congregational Council.

Section 9. During a pastoral vacancy, an interim pastor shall be selected by the Congregational Council after consultation with the bishop. The interim pastor shall have the responsibility of a regularly called pastor. All interim and supply pastors shall refrain from exerting influence in the call process of the congregation.

Section 10. All ordained ministers serving under call shall attend all conventions of the synod and the meetings of the conferences to which they belong.

ARTICLE VIII - Lay Diaconal Ministers

Section 1. The synod shall have a roster of lay diaconal ministers.

Section 2. The standards of acceptance and continuance on the roster of lay diaconal ministers of this church shall be defined in the administrative bylaws of this church.

ARTICLE IX - The Conferences

Section 1. This synod shall be organized regionally into conferences whose number and boundaries are to be determined by the synod upon recommendation of the Synod Council.

Section 2. The purpose of the conferences shall be to

1. Encourage fellowship among ordained ministers, lay diaconal ministers and congregations;
   
2. Arrange opportunities for the study of the Holy Scriptures and Christian doctrine;
   
3. Assist the synod in planning, promoting and implementing the mission of the church;
   
4. Respond in consultation with the synod to particular needs within its territory;
   
5. Elect the required number of ordained ministers as delegates to the conventions of this church.

Section 3. A conference may adopt for itself any rules and regulations not in conflict with the constitution and bylaws of the synod.

Section 4. Each conference shall meet at least once a year at a time and place set by the conference. Conferences shall designate their own quorums.

Section 5. Each conference shall have the right to petition the synod according to procedures set forth in the bylaws.

Section 6. Each conference shall elect from its membership a dean, a secretary and at least two other persons who shall constitute a Conference Council. Election shall be for a two-year term. The dean, who shall serve as chairperson, shall be an ordained minister.

Section 7. The Conference Council shall fill any vacancies in its membership until the next meeting of the conference.

Section 8. The dean of each conference shall make a written report to the synod through the bishop's report.

Section 9. The deans of the conferences and the bishop shall meet at least once a year for spiritual renewal and the discussion of programs, plans and problems affecting conferences and the synod. Except where otherwise provided in this constitution and its bylaws, the function of such a meeting shall be consultative and advisory.

ARTICLE X - Conventions

Section 1. The convention of the synod shall be its highest legislative authority.

Section 2. The regular convention of the synod shall normally be held either biennially between national conventions or annually at a time that is at least forty-five days before or forty-five days after the biennial convention of this church.

Section 3. Special conventions for specified purposes may be called by the bishop to be held within ninety days of receiving a request in writing from two-thirds of the members of the Synod Council and shall be called by the bishop at the request of the Synod Council or one-fifth of the synod's congregations and one-fifth of those on its roster of ordained ministers under call.

Section 4. The secretary shall publish the time and place of each regular convention at least six months in advance. The secretary shall give written notice of a special convention to each congregation, ordained minister and lay diaconal minister shall publish the same at least thirty days prior to the opening date of the convention.

Section 5. One-third of the eligible voting members shall constitute a quorum.

Section 6. The eligible voting membership of conventions shall consist of

1. One lay delegate from each congregation and, from congregations having more than 300 baptized members, one lay delegate for each additional 300 baptized members or major fraction thereof;
   
2. Ordained ministers on the roster of this synod.
   
3. Lay diaconal ministers on the roster of this synod.
   
4. Lay members of the Synod Council.

Section 7. The voting membership at a special convention shall be those who were seated in the preceding regular convention provided that they have not been disqualified by termination of membership in the congregation they represented. Vacancies in this voting membership shall be filled according to the constitution or bylaws of the synod.

Section 8. The bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and such other official representatives of this church as may be designated by the National Church Council shall have seat and voice in the conventions of the synod. In connection with their reports, like privileges shall be accorded to the chairpersons of synodical committees, to representatives of institutions and agencies related to or officially recognized by the synod, and to the presidents of the synodical units of the official auxiliaries of this church.

Section 9. All arrangements for worship services or public meetings shall be made in consultation with the bishop.

Section 10. The secretary shall send out a bulletin of reports to all voting members at least thirty days before each regular convention.

Section 11. The Synod Council shall prepare the proposed agenda.

ARTICLE XI - Synod Council

Section 1. The membership of the Synod Council shall be the officers of the synod together with 10 additional members elected by the convention to serve for four years in such manner that the terms of one-half of the elected members shall expire each biennium. Each conference shall be represented by an elected lay person. The remaining positions shall be filled by ordained persons elected At Large. No elected member shall be eligible for more than two consecutive terms.

Section 2. The officers of the synod shall be the officers of the Synod Council.

Section 3. The Synod Council shall

1. Plan, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the activities of the synod in carrying out its mission and ministry;
   
2. Be the directors of the corporation and trustees for the synod;
   
3. Represent the synod and attend to its business between conventions;
   
4. Elect executive staff if and when such positions are created by the synod in convention;
   
5. Issue Letters of Call to ordained ministers who are full-time officers or staff officials of the synod, or who are called to special service;
   
6. Provide for an annual review of the rosters of ordained ministers and congregations;
   
7. Determine the time and place for each convention and prepare its proposed agenda and programs;
   
8. Recommend annual budgets to the regular conventions;
   
9. Set the salaries of the bishop and staff of the synod;
   
10. Elect the representatives to the governing bodies of inter?church agencies to which the synod is related;
    
11. Fill vacancies until the next convention except as otherwise provided, and determine the fact of the incapacity of an officer of the synod according to the procedures in the constitution and bylaws of this church;
    
12. Report its actions to the regular conventions;
    
13. Approve candidates for call, ordination and admission to the roster of ordained ministers;
    
14. Perform the additional duties prescribed in the constitution, bylaws and resolutions of the synod.

Section 4. The Synod Council shall have at least two regular meetings annually. Special meetings may be called by the bishop of the synod or, in the case of the bishop's death or removal, by the vice-chairperson. A majority of the members of the Synod Council shall constitute a quorum.

ARTICLE XII - Officers

Section 1. The officers of the synod shall be a bishop, a vice-chairperson, a secretary and a treasurer. The bishop shall be on the roster of ordained ministers of this church and shall serve full time in office. At least two of these officers shall be lay members of this church.

Section 2. The officers shall be elected by the synod convention for a term of four years according to procedures established in the bylaws. All officers shall serve until their successors assume office.

Section 3. Should a vacancy occur ad interim in any of the offices with the exception of the office of bishop, the Synod Council is empowered to fill the same until the next regular convention or to call a special convention to fill the vacancy. Each election by a convention shall be for a full term of office.

Section 4. The terms of the officers shall begin on the first day of the third full month following election.

Section 5. The recall or dismissal of an officer of the synod shall follow the procedure set out in the constitution and bylaws of this church.

Section 6. Assistants to the officers, if and when such positions are created by the synod in convention, shall be elected by the Synod Council on nomination by the officer concerned. Such persons may be recalled or dismissed on proper notice by the action of the Synod Council. They shall be ineligible for membership on the council.

Section 7. The bishop shall

1. Serve as leader and counsellor to the congregations, ordained ministers and conferences of the synod;
   
2. Convene and preside over conventions of the synod and the meetings of the Synod Council. The bishop may, however, appoint any member of the Synod Council to preside at the synod convention and at meetings of the Synod Council;
   
3. Be its chief executive officer and oversee the offices of vice?chairperson, secretary and treasurer, coordinate the work of all staff of the synod, appoint all committees not otherwise provided for;
   
4. Ensure that the constitution and bylaws of the synod are observed and that its resolutions are implemented;
   
5. Visit the congregations and pastors of the synod and confer with them concerning their spiritual and temporal welfare;
   
6. Ordain, or provide for the ordination of, all candidates accepted for the ministerial office;
   
7. Install, or provide for the installation of, the pastors of all congregations of the synod and other ordained ministers called to service within the synod; induct into office the other officers of the synod;
   
8. Be ex officio member of all committees of the synod, its chief representative on the boards of directors or trustees of all institutions in which the synod is entitled to representation;
   
9. Be the custodian of the seal of the synod and attest all documents as required;
   
10. Appoint the synod archivist;
    
11. Report and make observations and recommendations to each regular convention of the synod concerning its mission and ministry together with observations and recommendations.

Section 8. The vice-chairperson shall

1. In the event of the death, resignation or incapacity of the bishop, convene the Synod Council to provide for the discharge of the bishop's duties pending the election of a new bishop at a regular or special convention.

   b. Perform such additional duties as are set out in the bylaws.

Section 9. The secretary shall

1. Keep the minutes of all conventions of the synod, be responsible for the printing and distribution of such minutes and perform such other duties as the synod may from time to time direct;
   
2. Keep a roster of the ordained ministers and of the congregations of the synod;
   
3. Report to the secretary of this church additions to and subtractions from the synodical roster, issue certificates of transfer for ordained ministers who are moving to other synods and enter on the roster of the synod the names of all ordained ministers for whom such certificates of transfer have been received;
   
4. Be authorized, in the name of the synod, to attest all documents as required;
   
5. Deposit all papers and documents of historical value with the synod archivist;
   
6. Serve as statistician of the synod, secure the parochial reports of the congregations, collate the same for annual report to the synod and make the composite figures available to the secretary of this church;
   
7. Serve as the Necrologist of the synod.

Section 10. The treasurer shall

1. Have charge of all the monies and accounts of the synod, its deeds, mortgages, contracts, evidences of claims and revenues, and trust funds, holding the same at all times subject to the order of the synod;
   
2. Manage the investment of funds owned or held in trust by the synod, as authorized by the Synod Council;
   
3. Receive, record and acknowledge all offerings, contributions and legacies made to the synod, collect all interest and income from its investment funds, and disburse funds as approved and directed by the Synod Council;
   
4. Transmit each month to the treasurer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada the funds received by the synod for the general work of the church;
   
5. Inform each congregation, at least quarterly, of its record of giving to the synod;
   
6. Keep an account for the conferences of the synod and disburse to them such funds as are budgeted or otherwise appropriated for their use;
   
7. Present to each convention a detailed and audited report of all receipts and disbursements for the preceding fiscal year;
   
8. Be bonded under the fidelity coverage provided by this church.

ARTICLE XIV - Theological Institutions

Section 1. This synod acknowledges its responsibility to maintain a theological seminary within the guidelines provided by this church, to strengthen this seminary spiritually and academically, and to provide for its financial support.

Section 2.

1. The Board of Governors of Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, shall control and manage the seminary and determine its academic and administrative affairs. The property of the seminary, both real and personal, shall be held by the Board of Governors in trust for and under the guidance of the Synods of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
   
2. The board may propose to the synods an increase in the number of its members, such increase to include an equal number of ordained ministers and lay persons. Any proposal for increase in the number of members of the board must have the approval of the synods.
   
3. The term of office for each member of the board shall be four years except in the following cases:
   
   1. Where a member is appointed to fill a vacancy, such appointment shall be by the Synod Council and shall be for the remainder of the term of the predecessor;
      
   2. In the case of the first of any new elections in connection with increasing the number of the said board, the terms of office shall be for two or four years, so spaced that one-half of the membership of the board shall be elected each biennium.
      
4. Members of the board shall be eligible to serve for not more than two consecutive terms.
   
5. Financial support for the seminary shall be determined by a process of consultation between the Board of Governors and the Synod Council.
   
6. The board shall make an annual report to the regular convention of the synod.

ARTICLE XV - Auxiliaries

There shall be synodical units of the official auxiliaries of this church. Such units shall report to the Synod Council and convention. The bishop, or an appointee, shall have seat and voice at synodical unit conventions and board meetings.

ARTICLE XVI - Financial Matters

Section 1. The fiscal year and the budget year of the synod shall be the calendar year.

Section 2. The annual budget and financial reports of the synod shall reflect the entire range of its activities. The income listed shall include support from all sources.

Section 3. Each budget shall approve an amount for contingency not to exceed 7% of the budget.

Section 4. There shall be an operating reserve, determined by the Synod Council, of no more than l5% of the following year's budget.

Section 5. Representatives of the Synod Council shall meet with representatives appointed by the National Church Council to agree upon the synod's commitment goal for support of the budget of the church during the next fiscal year. These representatives shall recommend for approval by the synod and by the National Church Council the amount of support to be transmitted through the synod to the church.

Section 6. Special appeals to congregations for the raising of funds shall require the consent of the convention or the Synod Council.

Section 7. The financial accounts of the synod shall be submitted annually for audit to a chartered accountant named by the Synod Council.

ARTICLE XVII - Bylaws

Section 1. This synod may adopt such bylaws, not in conflict with this constitution, as may be necessary. Such bylaws may be amended at any convention by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting. At least one day shall elapse between first presentation and convention action unless unanimous consent to amend is given.

Section 2. Bylaws relating to convention procedure may be suspended by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting.

ARTICLE XVIII - Amendments

Section 1. The Confession of Faith as stated in Article III shall be that of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

Section 2. Amendments to this constitution shall be in writing and may be proposed by

1. The National Church Council,
   
2. The Synod Council,
   
3. A congregation of the synod,
   
4. Ten delegates.

Section 3. All proposed amendments must be reported to the convention no later than the first full day of business. The Synod Council shall make report and recommendation during that convention on all proposed amendments. Adoption of an amendment shall require passage at this and the next regular convention by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting. Notice of the full text thereof shall be sent to the pastors and congregations of the synod at least one month prior to the second reading. Further amendment at the second reading shall require unanimous consent. Such amendments shall be effective upon ratification by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in convention or by its National Church Council.