Each time the churchwide assembly meets, the constitution is amended. Several changes pass down to the congregational constitution level and are required to be updated by a vote of the congregation. Below you will find a link to Trinity's constitution with the revisions (additions and deletions) marked. These changes bring our constitution in alignment with the ELCA Model Constitution and are required changes for all ELCA congregations.

In 2016, the Churchwide Assembly authorized the secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to:

• strike the words “ordained minister/s” and replace with the words “minister/s of Word and Sacrament”;
• strike the word “clergy” and replace with the words “minister/s of Word and Sacrament”;
• strike the words “pastor/s” and replace with the words “minister/s of Word and Sacrament” where appropriate;
• strike the words “associate in ministry, diaconal minister and deaconess” and replace with the words “minister/s of Word and Service”; and
• make editorial corrections that identify the rosters of this church and implement the creation of the ministers of Word and Service roster.

You will also notice signification changes in section C8.02 regarding the classification and definition of ministers, in Chapter 9 regarding the Rostered Minister, and in Chapter 15 regarding the Discipline of Members and Adjudication.

View edited consitution

Trinity Church Council has reviewed these changes and recommends their adoption at the Annual Meeting on January 22, 2017.