Page "Bishop" Paragraph 81

Since going into ecumenical communion with their respective Anglican body, bishops in the ELCA or the ELCIC not only approve the " rostering " of all ordained pastors, diaconal ministers, and associates in ministry, but they serve as the principal celebrant of all pastoral ordination and installation ceremonies, diaconal consecration ceremonies, as well as serving as the " chief pastor " of the local synod, upholding the teachings of Martin Luther as well as the documentations of the Ninety-Five Theses and the Augsburg Confession.

Unlike their counterparts in the United Methodist Church, ELCA and ELCIC synod bishops do not appoint pastors to local congregations ( pastors, like their counterparts in the Episcopal Church, are called by local congregations ).

The Presiding Bishop of the ELCA and the National Bishop of the ELCIC, the national bishops of their respective bodies, is elected for a single 6-year term and may be elected to an additional term.