Governance Change Program Continues Structural Transformation 

The 2022 Convention of Synod made a significant decision to restructure the LCAQD, moving to the separate incorporation of both Lutheran Services and Lutheran Education, and for the LCAQD to possibly move away from its Incorporation under Letters Patent to meet modern governance requirements while continuing the mission of the church in the world.  

At the 2023 Convention of Synod, Rev Ben Hentschke, Rev Nathan Glover, Michael Klatt and John Hoffman (Project Manager) summarised the work that has progressed in the past year.

2023 Convention of Synod delegates then made the following decisions to enable ongoing governance change: 

• Changes to the LCAQD By-Laws Part B to establish a Commission for Mission to replace the Department of Ministry and Mission. This will enable mission to be kept front and centre for District Church Board (DCB). 
• In relation to the proposed Commission for Mission Terms of Reference, Synod determined that the title for Executive Officer shall be ‘Director for Mission’ rather than ‘Assistant Bishop for Mission’ (as had been proposed by DCB) and that any changes to this title need to be presented to the Synod for approval. 
• Changes to the LCAQD By-Laws Part B to establish a new Nominations and Appointments Committee. This will enable proactive identification of people suitable to serve on boards and committees, by looking at the skills required, skills gaps, experience, knowledge, wisdom, and cultural fit. 
• A one-year extension to the authority from Synod to allow DCB to approve specific LCAQD By-laws Part B to be set aside that act against the resolutions associated with the required structural changes (This decision required a ‘yes’ vote by 75% of delegates).

 The Convention was advised that a special Convention of Synod may be held online in September/October 2023 to allow further work to be progressed.