Gulf Coast Synod Assembly Highlights, Friday, June 1

Friday was an eventful day. We cast the second and third ballots in the election for our new bishop. We heard inspiring reports from the synod staff. We considered a few resolutions.

Bishop's Election--Second Ballot
After nominees had the opportunity Thursday evening to withdraw, on Friday morning we cast the second ballot. If no one receives the required 75% of the ballots cast on this ballot, the synod constitution calls for the top seven, plus ties, to go on to the third ballot. The top seven, which turned out to be eight, were:

• Mike Button (94)
• Mike Aus (50)
• Herb Palmer (47)
• Robert G. Moore (31)
• Liz Stein (22)
• Robin McCullough-Bade (16)
• Robert W. Moore (16)
• Mike Rinehart (16)

These nominees all had the opportunity to speak to the assembly for five minutes each on Friday afternoon. After all had spoken, and after a time of Scripture and prayer, we cast the third ballot.

Bishop's Election -- Third Ballot

A two-thirds majority was required for election on this ballot. 204 votes would have been requrired for election on this ballot. No one received that total, so the top three will go on to Saturday morning's fourth ballot. Here is the list the votes received by all eight "surviving" nominees:

• Mike Button (82)
• Mike Aus (80)
• Mike Rinehart (49)
• Herb Palmer (36)
• Liz Stein (35)
• Robert G. Moore (30)
• Robert W. (Rob) Moore (24)
• Robin McCullough-Bade (10)