Saint Paul Area Synod
The Saint Paul Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a synod, or diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The synod consists of 114[1] congregations within its territory which is the eastern metropolitan Twin Cities. The synod is headed by a bishop, currently the Reverend Patricia Lull, and a synodical council. The bishop is elected to a six-year term by the synod assembly which meets every year and consists of all "rostered" ministers assigned to the synod and lay representatives from each congregation.
The synod was created as the East Metropolitan Minnesota Synod when the ELCA was formed in 1988 as a result of the merger between the ALC, AELC and LCA. It later changed its name to the present form.
The synod's offices are located at 105 University Ave. West, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103.
Bishops
- Rev. Lowell Erdahl 1988-1995
- Rev. Mark Hanson 1995-2001
- Rev. Paul Werger 2001-2002 (interim Bishop)
- Rev. Peter Rogness 2002-2014
- Rev. Patricia Lull 2014-