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Synodical Poll Tax
Abstract: What does your synod charge for additional voting members?
In the weeks before the Sierra Pacific Synod's 2008 Assembly (April 25-27, Oakland, CA) we hear that at least one congregation received a call stating that congregations with fewer than 175 members would be allowed only one voting member at the assembly. As in years past, the congregation had submitted registration information for two voting members.
The congregation checked the Synod Constitution (S 7.21c and SB7.21.01 seem to govern this) and determined that congregations with fewer than 175 members were indeed entitled to two voting members. The issue was pursued with the synod office. A synod spokesperson explained that a 2nd voting member could be sent if a registration fee was paid. (We believe the synod constitution is silent on the matter of fees.)
When the 2nd voting member appeared at the Assembly's registration desk, she was told she'd have to pay to be registered, which she did.
This scene, however, did not go unnoticed, and as the first vote approached, a speaker rose to ask why some congregations were allowed to "buy more votes".
The assembly's most prominent agenda item is to decide who will wear el sombrero del obispo after Bishop David Mullen steps down in June.
