Restructuring Update: Circuit Convocation summaries released

CANADA – In December 2016, the Commission for Constitutional Matters and Structure (CCMS) released new recommendations for the restructuring of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC), noting that these recommendations are still in “soft clay” and that further input from LCC members is encouraged.

The recommendations were formulated following circuit convocations held all across the country in October and November. Reports from those gatherings are now available to download in a 96-page summary document.

The meetings themselves debated earlier recommendations for the restructuring of synod that were released in August 2016’s Discussion Guide. The new circuit convocation report summarizes discussion according to the order found in the Discussion Guide, with answers arranged by District and Circuit. In total, 676 lay people, pastors, and deacons gathered at circuit convocations to discuss the restructuring of synod.

The creators of the summary note that different convocations had different facilitators and recorders, so the style of writing varies; the documents have not been edited from their original state. Moreover, not all convocations had the same length of time available to them, meaning not every group discussed every part of the Discussion Guide.

The Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure met on November 28-30 to make 36 more recommendations to LCC’s October 2017 convention. The revised Bylaws that include these recommendations in full will be available for review and additional comment soon after Easter 2017.

Download the Circuit Convocations summary document here.

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