Resolution 8-39
To Allow Circularizing in Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections
WHEREAS, Bylaw 3.12.1 (e) reads “Groups and individuals within and without the Synod are urged to refrain from circularizing the Synod or areas thereof relative to favoritism in nominations for President, First Vice-President, and other vice-presidents in line of succession;” and
WHEREAS, Many candidates, either with or without their approval, have campaign committees that circularize in spite of the Bylawprohibition discouragement ; and
WHEREAS, Theprohibition discouragement against circularizing offers a large advantage to the sitting President of the Synod; and
WHEREAS, Theprohibition discouragement against circularizing makes it difficult for the Synod to ascertain the position candidates may hold on any given topic; therefore be it
Resolved, That in the interest of electing candidates for President and Vice-President based on informed decisions, that Bylaw 3.12.1 (e) be removed from the Bylaws; and be it further
Resolved, that a committee consisting of four laymen who have no knowledge of Synod politics be formed which will adopt a simple set of guidelines on ethical matters related to circularizing; and be it further
Resolved, that the committee will have a budget of $250 to accomplish their task; and be it further
Resolved, that these guidelines are to be developed and published by August 1, 2011, and that these guidelines will be binding on the candidates for the 2013 and subsequent elections; and be it further
Resolved, that the committee will reconvene following the 2013 Convention to revisit these guidelines and adjust them as needed.
To Allow Circularizing in Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections
WHEREAS, Bylaw 3.12.1 (e) reads “Groups and individuals within and without the Synod are urged to refrain from circularizing the Synod or areas thereof relative to favoritism in nominations for President, First Vice-President, and other vice-presidents in line of succession;” and
WHEREAS, Many candidates, either with or without their approval, have campaign committees that circularize in spite of the Bylaw
WHEREAS, The
WHEREAS, The
Resolved, That in the interest of electing candidates for President and Vice-President based on informed decisions, that Bylaw 3.12.1 (e) be removed from the Bylaws; and be it further
Resolved, that a committee consisting of four laymen who have no knowledge of Synod politics be formed which will adopt a simple set of guidelines on ethical matters related to circularizing; and be it further
Resolved, that the committee will have a budget of $250 to accomplish their task; and be it further
Resolved, that these guidelines are to be developed and published by August 1, 2011, and that these guidelines will be binding on the candidates for the 2013 and subsequent elections; and be it further
Resolved, that the committee will reconvene following the 2013 Convention to revisit these guidelines and adjust them as needed.
6 comments:
This resolution sounds good on the surface, but it needs careful study. Do we want to legitimize politicking? On the other hand,how to give non-incumbents a fair hearing. Be vewy vewy careful.
Johannes
By allowing its practice, we've already legitimized illegitimate politiking. Legitimized legitimate politiking seems preferable to legitimized illegitimate politiking.
I saw that one coming. Of course, the big problem is that no one enforces the prohibition. Watching the convention, and seeing delegates with their blackberries in hand, reading the text of their words to the convention strikes me as patently dangerous. What is to stop them from communicating in violation of the standing rules? Whatever scheme the committee comes up with, how is it going to be enforced any better than the current bylaws? My point is, I hope the cure isn't worse than the disease. I suppose I didn't voice it very well.
Johannes
Enforcement will be with nunchucks. Works every time.
Actually, the current bylaw does not prohibit, it only "urges" that we refrain.
Since it is not a matter of doctrine, I figure I can ignore the LCMS advice on this matter - since it's not expedient. Synod is, after all, only advisory.
Thank you for your point Pastor Chryst. I have amended to resolution appropriately.
Post a Comment