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Constitution for the Synods
of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church
Article I. Names And Areas
Sec. 1. The bodies organized and functioning under this constitution shall be the synods of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church, namely:
The East Godavari Synod of the Andhra Ewangelical Latheran Church. )
The West Godavari Synod of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The East Guntur Synod of the Andhra Evangaélical. Lutheran Church.
The Central Guntur Synod of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The West\Guntur Synod of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Sec. 2. The territories of these synods shall be as determined by the Executive Council of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church and as set forth in the by-laws.
Article II. Confession Of Faith
Sec. 1. These synods confess Jesus Christ as Lord qf the Church The Holy Spirit creates and sustains the. Church through the Gospel and theraby unites beliavers with their Lord and with one another in the fellowship of faith.:
Sec. 2. These synods hold that the Gospel is thie revelation of God's sovereign will and saving grace in Jesus Christ. In Him, the Word Incarnate, God, imparts Himself to men.
Sec. 3. These Synods acknowledge the Holy Scriptures as the Standand and rule. for the faith and life of the Church: The Holy Scriptures are the divinely inspired, record of Gog's redemptive act in Christ, for which the Old Testament Prepared the way and which the New Testament proclaims,
Sec. 4. These synods accept the Apostles; the Nicene and the Athanasian Creeds as important statements of the faith of the Church; accept the Unaltered Augsburg, Confesslan and Luther's Small Catechism as trye witnesses ta the Gospel and acknowledge its unity in faith with all churches that accept the teachings of these confassions: and accept the Apology af the Augsburg Canfession, the Schmalkald Articles, Luther'g Large Catechism and the Formula of €oncard as further valid interpretations of the Church's faith.
Article III. Status
These synods possess the Powers conferred upon them, and accept the duties assigned to them by the A.E.L, Church in its constitution, by-laws and enactments. The said constitution, by-laws and enactments are recognized as having governing force n the syno ds, '
Article IV. Objects And Duties
Sec. 1. In accordance with the Confession of Faith set forth in Article il, and In ful] accord with the constitution of the A.E.L. Church these bodies recagnize that all power in the Church belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ', the Head of the Church; * that He has committed duties and powers to her for the furtherance of tha 'Gospel through the Word, and Sacraments; and that these duties and powers are normally exercised through Gongregatians: anch minister,
Sec. 2. Theretasa these, bodles ase. argantzed:
a. To preserve and extend the.pure teaching of the Gospbl and the right administration of the sacraments (Eph.
b. To make manifest the unity of God's People in the true faith (John 17;Eph. 4:3-16;] Cor. 1:10), and to strengthen the Church in faith and in confession.
c. To awaken and direct the energies of these bodies In the extension of the Kingdom of God by.
1) the establishment and extension of congregations by direct evangelistic efforts within the bounds of each of the synods.
2) the support of home and inner missions, of diaspora and merciful work, and of missions beyond the boundaries of this Church;
3) the operation and control of institutions assigned to the synods by the Executive Council of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church,
Sec. 3. Other duties of these synods shall include:
a. Deepening the spiritual life of members of the congregations of the synods.
b. Assigning pastors to all parishes within the territories of the synods.
c. Exercising general control over the construction and maintenance of houses of worship, workers' and pastors' houses and synod satrams exeept as otherwise provided for in the A. E. L. Church by-laws.
d. Carrying out whithin the-synods the policies and enactments of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Chuich.
e. Soliciting and disbursing money given to their care for these and other purposes in accordance with the
policies and' mete of the Attire Evangelical Lutheran Charety "a sig «+ AR
f. Electing delegates to the conventions, Executive Council and boards of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church in atcordance with the constitutions and bylaws of tlie synods and of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church.;