In light of continued disruptions due to COVID-19, the Conference of Presidents has decided to make this summer’s synod convention a “mini convention,” which will be held July 26-28 at Luther Preparatory School, Watertown, Wis.

“It is impossible to know what conditions will be like in July, yet at the same time we want the business of the synod to be carried out as close to normal as possible,” says Synod President Mark Schroeder. “We feel having a reduced number of in-person delegates, with the remainder of the delegates attending virtually, is our best course of action.”

All delegates still will be assigned to a floor committee, which will meet by videoconference this summer to formulate reports and resolutions on assigned areas of the Book of Reports and Memorials and to discuss broader synod convention business such as the ministry financial plan. Then only the chairmen, secretaries, and one designated layman from each floor committee will attend the convention in person. This means only 50 to 60 delegates and a limited number of advisory delegates will meet in Watertown instead of the normal 400. These in-person delegates will be authorized by their floor committees to vote on behalf of those who will not attend in person. All elections will take place electronically prior to the convention, with voting open to all delegates.

The convention will be livestreamed to enable all voting and advisory delegates to observe.

The theme for this year’s convention is “Here we stand,” reflecting the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s confession at the Diet of Worms in 1521. Earle Treptow, president of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., will present the essay on the topic of how Luther’s stand on Scripture is vital in today’s church.

Learn more about this year’s convention at wels.net/2021synodconvention.

Volume 108, Number 3
Issue: March 2021