The Election of a Bishop

Epiphany Lutheran Church is one of the 207 congregations that make up the Southern Ohio Synod of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). The synod gathers annually in assembly for business, worship, study and fellowship. This year's assembly begins on June 7 at Wittenberg University, and at this assembly we will be electing a new bishop. The role of bishop is similar to the role of a lead pastor in a congregation, leading in administration and oversight of the synod.  

Bishop Callon Holloway has served the synod as bishop for 17 years, and earlier this spring he announced his retirement. There have been many discussions in congregations and pastors circles about possible candidates for the position, and while a few names have surfaced, the election will begin with a blank slate. The election of a bishop is conducted through an ecclesiastical ballot, which means any ordained pastor in the ELCA in good standing is eligible to be considered. 

As stated on the synod website:

The election of a Synodical Bishop is more than just another election of an official in our lives. It is a call, a call guided by the Holy Spirit, made with discernment in the midst of the community of those who comprise the voting members of the Synod Assembly and conducted through an ecclesiastical ballot. The process of calling our Synodical Bishop should no way emulate how we elect our secular leaders.

This is how the election will proceed: The first ballot, all delegates are given single piece of paper on which to write one name for bishop. Those slips are gathered and tallied. If one candidate receives at least 75% of the vote, he or she is elected. If no one is elected, the first ballot shall be considered the nominating ballot. Often at this point, there are many whose names are lifted up on the first ballot who ask that their name be removed from consideration. Three-fourths of the legal votes cast on the second ballot shall be necessary for election. The third ballot shall be limited to the seven persons (plus ties) who received the greatest number of legal votes on the second ballot, and two-thirds of the legal votes cast shall be necessary for election. The fourth ballot shall be limited to the three persons (plus ties) who receive the greatest number of legal votes on the third ballot, and 60 percent of the legal votes cast shall be necessary for election. On subsequent ballots a majority of the legal votes cast shall be necessary for election. These ballots shall be limited to the two persons (plus ties) who receive the greatest number of legal votes on the previous ballot. 

By Saturday afternoon, we will have elected a new bishop. It is an exciting process, filled with much anticipation and hope for the future. And while there will be other business to discuss, worship to share, study time and fellowship, the focus will be on the vote.

Our synod is in partnership with other churches around the world. A close tie we have enjoyed over the years is with the Lutheran Church in Tanzania. Bishop Gulle of Tanzania will be at our assembly, and he will be with us at Epiphany Lutheran Church on Sunday, June 9 to bring greetings to us. How important it is for us to know the church is much bigger than just us. 

My hope and prayer for this assembly is that we can look forward with hope, and that our new bishop faithfully serve God and the congregations and members of the synod. I ask you to lift the synod in your prayers in the coming days. Pray for our delegates and members who will be at the assembly - Terry Rapoch, Melanie Powderly, Bill Serr, Jane Lane, Pastor Larry Hoffsis and me. May we always remember and trust that God is in charge.  

God is good- all the time.  All the time- God is good.  

Peace,

Pastor Charlie