The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is both the board of directors of a Minnesota nonprofit corporation and the interim legislative authority of the churchwide organization, one of the three “expressions” of a denomination with deep roots in the U.S. In fulfilling its dual constitutional roles, the Church Council exercises fiduciary, strategic, and generative responsibilities to govern the ELCA churchwide organization.
The voting members of the Church Council are the four officers, the chair of the Conference of Bishops and 32–45 individuals elected by the Churchwide Assembly. There also are nine liaison synod bishops, one from each region, who serve as advisory members with voice but not vote. The Church Council meets together at least twice a year and communicate by other means when necessary.
To enable and support the work of the ELCA in a way that is consistent with its vision, decision-making processes and constitution, the Church Council’s ongoing work includes:
The Church Council is a vital aspect of how we strive to do God’s work in the world with thoughtfulness, integrity, respect, and partnerships that share a common vision.