Conference of Bishops
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Conference of Bishops serves as leadership for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).[1]
History
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is the result of a merger of three Lutheran churches formed in 1988. They were The American Lutheran Church, the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches and the Lutheran Church in America.[2]
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is "committed to diverse and interdependent leadership across its three expressions — in nearly 10,000 congregations, 65 synods and the churchwide organization." The leaders "in these expressions work together, with guidance from the Churchwide Assembly, Church Council, Conference of Bishops."[3]
Duties
- "In addition to synodical responsibilities, the 65 synod bishops join the elected ELCA Presiding Bishop and Secretary to form the Conference of Bishops. This 67-member group gathers at least twice each year for worship and study, mutual sharing and to conduct business.
- "While primarily advisory, the role of the Conference of Bishops is significant within the life of this church. The conference elects its own officers, has standing committees and a representative to each ELCA churchwide unit and separately incorporated ministry. The conference has a particular role in matters related to rostered ministers and also reviewing proposals before they are passed along to the ELCA Church Council for adoption.
- "The conference advises the Presiding Bishop in matters related to churchwide planning and ecumenical relations."