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: (610) 278-9400 |
Patricia M. Robinson
Vice President The Rev. Raymond A. Miller
SecretaryCouncil Directory
Council Directory link goes here.
Related Links
Related News
Catch the spirit of the 2008 Assembly
The 2008 Synod Assembly heard about missional principles that will shape our common ministry, based on this Biblical formula: "It's God's mission. Jesus is Lord. The Holy Spirit guides us." You can download a bulletin insert reporting on the meeting or get full details and watch video at the Assembly website. The Assembly also heard Kelly Fryer describe common characteristics shared by congregations that are missionally engaged with their neighborhoods, received Emmaus Road Lutheran Church, and passed a resolution allowing congregations to send an additional youth or young adult voting member to the Assembly.
Synod News
Help avert humanitarian disaster in Zimbabwe
The ELCA is sending $600,000 to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe to help sustain the ministries of four hospitals in the midst of economic, political and social decline that has taken a disastrous toll on the country's food supply and medical institutions. The ELCA is also sending more than $300,000 to help secure food production. Learn more about how to help the ELCA International Disaster Relief.
Synod office construction project delayed
The construction of new offices for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran church in America (ELCA) on the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) campus is temporarily on hold due to the recent economic downturn. In the meantime, the seminary and synod are negotiating rent-free office space in another campus building, the Wiedemann Center, until the project can be resumed. The move into this temporary space is projected for early January.