LCNZ Convention of Synod
The biennial LCNZ Convention of Synod is run under the auspices of the LCNZ Constitution and By-Laws.
In particular, the following specific matters:
Dates and Venue
The 2025 Convention of Synod was held at Mountainside Lutheran Church, 1 Harris Road, Mt Wellington in Auckland on 20 to 22 June 2025
The Convention was preceded by the District Church Workers Conference which was held on 19 to 20 June 2025.
Election results
Asssitant Bishop:
Rev Warren Paltridge
Council of Synod appointments:
Bishop Richard Schwedes, Assistant Bishop Warren Paltridge, Treasurer Dennis Mollet, Congregational Life Coordinator Rev Phil Husband, Pastor representative Rev Andy Marr, Lay members Amaana Pilli and David Pang.
The Council was installed on Sunday 22 June at the Convention closing service.
Roman Catholic - Lutheran Dialogue appointments:
Dr Petrus Simons, Rev Mark Whitfield and Georgina Preston.
Remit results
Congregation Remits:
Auckland Mountianside presented four remits. Two of these were passed, one was lost, and the fourth was withdrawn. Botany Lutheran presented one remit which was passed. A new item from Manawatu Luthern Parish was referred to Council of Synod as unfinished business.
LCNZ remits:
Remits on the abolishment of the Finance Advisory Committee, the introduction of the Mission Strategic Direction, the Variations to the Gateway Gift Trust Deed and the Manse Rectification Project were passed.
District Pastors conference provided feedback and a remit on the Bishop Task Force proposal which resulted in accepting the proposal to contine with the LCA NSW & ACT Memorandum of Understanding until the next LCNZ Convention of Synod.
The remit on the LCNZ constitution and ByLaw changes were referred to the Council of Synod as unfinished business. This has now been sent to delegates for adoption.
The Convention miniutes will be posted to this site once they have been approved by Council of Synod. This will be advised in the Te Oriwa following their approval.
Events
There were a number of events associated with Convention:
Friday night Wine and Cheese introduction to Matariki and welcome to Convention.
Opening Worship was held on Saturday morning and included the opening rites of Convention, led by Bishop Richard Schwedes.
Saturday night Synod dinner was held at Jet Park hotel.
Closing Worship was held on Sunday 22 June from 4pm. This included the installation of Council of Synod members and the closing rites of convention, led by Bishop Richard Schwedes.
Reports
Reports were received from the congregations and parishes in the book of reports and presentations were given on their activities at convention.
LCA representatives provided reports and videos for their presentations. The reports and videos are here:
Executive Director of Church Operations
Lutheran Media
ALWS
UNICEF
Visitors
We were joined at Convention for various sessions by visitors from the LCA (Bishop Paul Smth, Rev Mark Schulz and Brett Hausler), members of LCNZ Congregations, Local MP's office, representatives of the Anglican and Presbyterian Churches.
Livestream
The livestream of all sessions can be found here: MSide Lutheran Church English Service, Auckland - YouTube
Minutes
The Minutes of Convention wiill be posted here once they have been verified and approved by Council of Synod.
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