As a part of its business on October 18, the Synod Council discussed concerns that were expressed regarding holding the 2026 Synod Assembly as a solely in-person meeting at Split Rock.
Advice was sought from the ELCA Churchwide organization regarding this issue as the 2026 Synod Assembly will include the election of a bishop. Bishop elections are subject to specific rules and processes, outlined in the Synod Constitution and guidance provided by the ELCA Toolkit for Synod Bishop Elections. The Churchwide organization strongly suggests that hybrid or fully virtual assemblies not be conducted due to the potential for issues with the election process. Those issues include credentialing of voters and what to do when individuals have technical issues and are unable to vote. Both of these, for example, can jeopardize the legitimacy of the election.
To the technical issue, some of those on the Synod Council attended the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly this past summer. Voting, while all in-person, was done on the same two devices by everyone in the hall. Even then, issues would arise and a team of over forty individuals served to address those concerns. In a hybrid or fully virtual assembly, individuals are using their personal devices, meaning a vast spectrum of different technologies would need to be addressed in a very short time. Unfortunately, the Synod does not have a team of that magnitude.
Discussion was also raised regarding the desire for mission districts to meet with candidates as they move through the election process, which many had valued in past bishop elections. An in-person assembly allows that to happen seamlessly and allows for individuals to meet the candidates in less formal settings, such as at meals and between plenary sessions.
Finally, as far as we are aware, all of the other Synods that are holding elections for a bishop in 2026 are doing so as an in-person assembly only.
Please know that this decision was not reached without very careful consideration and multiple lengthy discussions. We lament that this decision may make it difficult for some to attend who were very much looking forward to doing so. We also recognize that the additional costs for meals, travel, and overnight hotel can be challenging for many congregations. We are all glad that, over the past five years, we have been able to conduct fully online and hybrid Synod Assemblies that can reduce some costs and make voting member attendance more convenient and accessible. We will certainly be going back to those methods in subsequent years. But a bishop’s election fully in-person is a once-in-every-six years necessity. It will cause additional expense and commitment for this one year out of six, but not an ongoing annual burden. For lay voting members, we encourage you to elect or appoint (as per your constitution) individuals who can attend in-person for this important election so that the voices of your congregations and mission districts can be heard. For active rostered ministers (pastors and deacons), who are required to attend, we have sought to make costs such as hotel and meals optional - making it viable to attend in-person as a commuter and to cover their own meal costs in less expensive ways. We are prepared to assist as much as we can, any leader or congregation that sees cost as a barrier to their representation at Synod Assembly. We are also committed to making this event and this venue accessible and safe for all voting members. We encourage the wearing of masks and will consult with those with expertise and experience who can confirm accessibility and safety for all.
The Rev. Kenneth Melber Jr.
Synod Secretary, on behalf of Synod Council
