Organizational Structure and Governance
Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario (MNO) Synod is one of five Synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC). The Synod covers 54 congregations in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario (up to Thunder Bay) and has a baptized membership of 11,828. The MNO Synod is situated on the traditional territories covered by Treaties 1, 2, 3, and 5, and the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850. The decision making body of the MNO Synod is the triennial convention. The voting delegates to convention are active MNO Synod Rostered Ministers, a limited number of retired Rostered Ministers, elected or appointed lay members of congregations, lay members on MNO Synod Council and 12 youth delegates appointed by synod council in consultation with the 8 Areas. The Convention elects the Synod Council, made up of the Executive plus 7 other members to do the visioning and the business of the synod between conventions. The Executive consists of the Bishop, Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer. The remaining council members are made up of five lay persons and two rostered ministers. The MNO Synod has several official ministry partners:
Luther Village is a non-profit corporation, governed by a board of directors appointed by the MNO Synod Council, and operating the property in trust for the MNO Synod. Luther Village is a spiritual camp located in a scenic wilderness setting on Dogtooth Lake, approximately 250km from Winnipeg and is open from May to October. Their winter office is located at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 560 Arlington Street in Winnipeg. www.luthervillage.ca
The Urban is now a separate organization, but has its history as a ministry of the MNO Synod. The Urban is a ministry of presence, offering programming and support to Winnipeg inner city residents. They offer: meals, sharing circles, group events, training, and worship. They still receive financial support and the bulk of its volunteer base through MNO Synod congregations. Operations are housed at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 560 Arlington Street in Winnipeg. www.theurban.ca
Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon is jointly owned by the four western synods of the ELCIC and is responsible for theological education and training of lay people and candidates for ordained ministry. The seminary is part of the Saskatoon Theological Union (STU) and is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). The board of Governors includes the bishop, lay, and rostered members from each partner synod.
