Synod Assembly Report

The 2021 Northwest Intermountain Synod Assembly was held Saturday and Sunday the 24th-25th. The assembly was conducted via Zoom with Bishop Kristen Kuempel presiding. Pastor Dave Deckard, Carol Liese-Rodriguez, and Andy Giacomazzi attended from Shepherd of the Valley.

The Assembly was fairly placid compared to many. The assembled members voted for clergy and lay representatives to fill various synod committees, council positions, and representatives to the national convention. Those positions can be found here: https://nwimsynod.org/2021assembly-elections

The only resolution debated was a memorial to the member churches of our synod to discuss and show concern for climate change, using resources available in the wider church, particularly one called “Carbon Pricing Basics”. Some debate arose over the appropriateness and efficacy of the resolution, but a slightly-amended version passed by a 70-30 margin. The text of the resolution can be found here: https://nwimsynod.org/2021assembly-resolutions  The amendment included language about faithfully discussing these matters in the context of congregational education.
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The assembly also heard from representatives of the national church, plus advocates for various regional and national ministries, including seminaries, service organizations, and campus ministries.

Of particular interest to Shepherd of the Valley may be a regional coalition helping folks in Oregon and Washington whose towns have been devastated by wildfires. Watch for continuing news about that opportunity as the summer progresses, as well as educational opportunities to learn about and discuss climate change and other important issues in the fall.