Conference of Bishops

General Information  

Each of the 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America elects a bishop to serve as the synod's chief pastor and to exercise administrative oversight of the synod's work. Bishops serve for six-year terms and may be reelected. In addition to their synodical responsibilities, the 65 synodical bishops join the Presiding Bishop and ELCA Secretary to form the Conference of Bishops [CoB]. This 67-member group gathers at least twice each year for worship and study, mutual sharing and to conduct business. While primarily advisory [with the Church Council being the ELCA's board of directors], the role of the Conference of Bishops is significant within the life of this church. The conference elects its own officers, has seven standing committees and a representative to each churchwide board or steering committee. The conference has a particular role in matters related to rostered leaders, reviewing proposals from Vocation and Education before they are passed along to the Church Council for adoption. The conference advises the Presiding Bishop in matters related to churchwide planning and ecumenical relations.