Memorials & Resolutions

Reference & Council

The Synod Assembly’s “motions + governing documents” committee—they help make sure what comes to the floor is clear, in proper form, and ready for action, and they guide how items are handled during and after the assembly.

Information about Memorials & Resolutions

RMS bylaws say memorials/resolutions “to be considered by the Synod Assembly” must be submitted in writing to the Synod Secretary no later than 40 days prior to the start of Synod Assembly. Items submitted within 40 days must be voted on by the Assembly to be considered.

Reference & Counsel Committee review proposed constitution/bylaw changes and other items that aren’t already part of the stated agenda. When reviewing memorials, resolutions, and main motions, they may:

edit for clarity/fitness
prepare an alternative, or
consolidate multiple similar items into one proposed action (while still including the original text if they propose an alternative).

Reference & Counsel Committee Chair, Pastor Michael Mortvedt, St. Mark's Lutheran Church (Aurora, Co.)

Committee Members: Pending

Guidance for Writing & Submitting Memorials & Resolutions

Memorial & Resolution Guidance

Guidelines for Writing an Effective Memorial or Resolution

What to Do

Submit in writing your Memorial or Resolution by or before March 14, 2026 to both:

Pastor Michael Mortvedt (prmichealm@gmail.com), Reference & Counsel Chair
Sharen Kamp (secretary@rmselca.org), Synod Council Secretary

Submission Timeline

Date	To Do
Late February	Draft your Memorials and Resolutions (See templates & examples above)
By Saturday, March 14, 2026 (40 days prior to Assembly)	Submit in writing your Memorial or Resolution by or before March 14, 2026 to both: +Pastor Michael Mortvedt (prmichealm@gmail.com), Reference & Counsel Chair +Sharen Kamp (secretary@rmselca.org), Synod Council Secretary
By Thursday, April 3, 2026 (20 days prior to Assembly)	Pre-assembly materials distributed, per bylaw, to Assembly
April 23–25, 2026	The Assembly votes whether to adopt (and, if something arrives late, whether to consider it at all). If an item appropriates funds and doesn't have Synod Council approval, it requires a tow–thirds vote to pass.
Following Assembly	Reference & Counsel routes actions for follow–through. Reference & Counsel is responsible for ensuring all adopted resolutions are referred to the proper place for appropriate action (e.g., Synod Council, synod staff/teams, or forwarding to churchwide as applicable).