This synod accepts the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith, and life. (+S4.03)
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod is the regional body of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for the territory including Philadelphia and Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.
The Synod is governed by the annual Assembly, a meeting of lay and clergy members selected by the congregations of the Synod. The Assembly normally meets each year in early May.
Between meetings of the Synod Assembly, the Synod Council administers the life of the Synod. Chaired by Vice President Patricia Robinson, the Council includes lay and clergy members elected by the Assembly to represent conferences or serve at-large. The Council approves calls, handles administrative and property matters, reviews congregation constitutions, and coordinates the work of the Synod and related agencies. An Executive Committee meets to handle personnel and other executive actions.
The day-to-day work of the Synod is carried out through the Office of the Bishop, which provides oversight to the congregations of the Synod and the rostered leaders (clergy and commissioned or consecrated lay professionals) under the care of the Synod.
Synod Officers
The Rev. Claire Schenot Burkat
Bishop
The Rev. Claire Schenot Burkat was elected the fourth bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) on May 6, 2006. She assumed office as spiritual leader of the 95,000 members and 172 congregations of the synod on July 1, 2006
Contact: 267.323.3747 |
Patricia M. Robinson
Vice President The Rev. Raymond A. Miller
SecretaryCouncil Directory
Council Directory link goes here.
Related Links
Related News
Assembly approves 2011 budget
After engaging in passionate discussion in support of the ministry of the whole church, the assembly adopted a spending authorization plan for 2011 in the total amount of $2,808,595. This was adopted in the anticipation that the future revenue will be at the same level as 2009.
Oldest Synod minutes restored
Bishops Claire S. Burkat (center left) and Samuel R. Zeiser (center right) display the newly restored minutes of the Lutheran Ministerium of North America dating from 1781. With them are John E. Peterson (left), Curator, and Kim-Eric Williams, Archivist, of the Northeast Regional Archives Center.
Pastoral message on historic ELCA votes
The ELCA change in ministry policies to open the ministry to gays and lesbians in committed partnered relationships is "a change in our church culture that will take time, patience, and discernment to live into," Bishop Claire S. Burkat writes in a pastoral message to the Synod.
SEPA at the CWA
Images of SEPA people at work (and play) at the Churchwide Assembly. See how many you recognize!
Registration open for 2009 Assembly
Final registration deadline for the 22nd Synod Assembly -- Friday and Saturday, May 8-9 -- is April 3. Everything you need to know is on the Assembly website at http://sepaassembly.info/09/
Synod News
Join the LDR ReadyChurch initiative
With the hurricane season in full swing and ongoing disaster responses in more than half of the U.S., there is no better time than now to think about how prepared (or not) we are for natural disasters. Disasters can happen at any time and place, often without warning, and it is vital for everyone to prepare ourselves for the possibility that a disaster could affect you.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Addresses Discernment, Repentance, Reconciliation
On a recent morning walk I reflected upon familiar words from Ecclesiastes, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NRSV). As I walked, I prayed and pondered about this time in the life of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). It is my prayer that we use this time for discerning and engaging; for repenting and reconciling; for restraint but not timidity; and for rejoicing. A Time for Discerning and Engaging Throughout the ELCA I hear people asking, "Is my voice heard? Will my voice be respected as we seek together to discern God's purpose for us?" The answer is yes. Nevertheless, people of deep faith and a desire to be part of this church wonder: Do we mean it when we say we can preach, teach and hold divergent views on sexuality and be full participants in the ELCA's life and witness? Again, the answer is yes.