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
Janet Neff
Council Directory
Council Directory link goes here.
Related Links
Related News
Synod Assembly Reports Online
The Bishop's report, the proposed 2012 budget, statistical reports and other materials related to the 2011 Synod Assembly -- The Once & Future Church -- are now online at the Assembly webpage, www.ministrylink.org/2011. Also online is a resolution on energy stewardship that will come before the Assembly, which meets May 6-7 at Franconia Mennonite Church.
Assembly explores 'Once and Future Church'
“The Once and Future Church” is the theme of the 2011 Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly May 6-7. Assembly participants will explore the challenges and opportunities our congregations will face in the future shaped by the growing population of adults aged 20 to 40. We will be guided and encouraged to find ways to engage this “Millennial” generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Nominations open for Synod Council
The Synod's Nominating Committee is seeking gifted and qualified persons, clergy and lay, to serve as nominees for election to the Synod Council at the 2011 Synod Assembly. Read on for more information. Nomination deadline has been extended to Feb. 18.
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.
Synod News
2012 Synod Assembly Registration
2012 Synod Assembly registration materials available for download. Early bird registration deadline is Wednesday, March 14.
Offices Closed Temporarily Due to Fire
Currently the synod office is closed to the public for repair of water damage after a fire in the building. Staff members are working in various locations and will check messages periodically. Thank you for your patience.