The Constitution Committee is established for the purpose of ensuring alignment of synod and congregation constitutions with the Constitutions, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Church guidelines. Committee members annually review the constitution of the Upstate New York Synod, reviewing and recommending changes as appropriate to the Synod Council. Members of the Constitution Committee also serve as reviewers for congregation constitutions that are submitted to the synod for approval as per constitution guidelines.
The Constitution Committee consists of at least one member of the Synod Council and a minimum of 5 but not more than a maximum of 7 other persons appointed by the Bishop, to advise, review and make recommendations as appropriate to the Bishop and the Synod Council on constitutional matters.
The current constitution for the Upstate New York Synod, the 2022 ELCA Model Constitution for Congregations and a Frequently Asked Questions document are posted on the synod website for reference.