by Deacon Kathleen Cartledge
Since current Bishop Virginia Aebischer will retire at the end of August, this Assembly with electing the next Bishop. Deacon John Weit, ELCA Executive for Worship, serving as the ELCA Representative, guided the election process. This Ecclesiastical process starts with a blank, open nominating ballot, with each voting member entering the name of one ELCA Minister of Word and Sacrament. The process moves into a multiple ballot election process.
Deacon Weit reminded the Assembly that this Call process is different than that of a pastor to a church, but something more – this Minister of Word and Sacrament will bring leadership, care, and administrative leadership to the office of Bishop. Deacon Weit led each step of the election, calling on the Secretary for the number of registered voters, and the Conduct of Elections Committee as needed. He noted that as this is a Call process, each ballot would be preceded with a time for silence, reflection, and prayer led by one of the two Assembly Co-Chaplains, Rev. Megan Lineberger.
The first ballot totaled 59 nominees. With 302 valid ballots cast, 227 votes (75%) were needed to elect a Bishop, and this did not happen. At that point, people wishing to withdraw their names were given a deadline to turn in paperwork to the Secretary of the Synod.
The second ballot: There were 17 names for the second ballot after some nominees withdrew. 351 valid ballots were cast with 271 votes (3/4) needed to elect, and that was not achieved.
The third ballot included the seven people who received the most votes on the second ballot. They were Rev. Bobby Morris, Rev. Nathan Gragg, Rev. Chris Heavner, Rev. Patti Sue Burton-Pye, Rev. David Coffman, Rev. Wade Roof, and Rev. Rick Carter. Voting members received biographies for these seven after the second ballot, and each candidate was given two minutes to introduce themselves. At the third ballot, 388 valid votes were cast, with 259 (2/3) required to elect. There was no election. The three nominees with the most votes continued to the fourth ballot.
For the fourth ballot, 60% is needed to elect. The three nominees, Rev. David Coffman, Rev. Wade Roof, and Rev. Rick Carter spoke to the Assembly, each answering two questions about how to foster community in this synod, while walking together, and how God’s Word has shaped their lives and visions for the synod.
Rev. Coffman spoke about what Synod means to him. He sees it as “…a coming together and listening even when we disagree with one another and how we get to live and love together, sharing God’s grace, mercy, and peace with those around us. He spoke of how the synod is an amazing opportunity to share Jesus’ love with those who need to hear it the most.
Rev. Roof reflected on how we understand our mission but let all kinds of things come between us, saying “We are the clay jars to hold the crucified and risen heart of Christ and to share it with the whole world.”
Rev. Carter noted that we need a narrative that “proclaims the hope and promise we have in our Lord Jesus Christ,” and spoke of synod as walking together, doing ministry together, fostering community in our Synod and beyond. He said, “We are not polarized when we are focused on claiming Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. That is the foundation on which we stand.”
380 ballots were cast, with 142 needed for election. There was no election. The two nominees receiving the greatest number of votes were Rev. Rick Carter with 128 votes and Rev. Wade Roof with 110 votes.
Before the Fifth Ballot, a motion was made to suspend the rules so the remaining two candidates, Rev. Rick Carter and Rev. Wade Roof, could each speak for four minutes before the vote. The Assembly voted for the motion – needing a 2/3 majority to do so. The vote was 207 in favor and 100 against – winning at 67.43%. Rev. Roof promised to be present, however possible, for rostered leaders and the congregations. He wishes to bring renewal and meaningful change to the synod, including our congregations. Rev. Carter spoke of being humbled at the nomination and the call to lead the church into a new era as we reach out to those who are the least of us – in this synod that is a strong place of great hope and promise. In this ballot, a simple majority of the valid votes cast are necessary for election. 368 votes were cast. Rev. Rick Carter received 178 votes and Rev. Wade Roof received 190 votes.
Rev. Wade Roof was elected as the next Bishop of the South Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Rev. Roof will begin work on September 1, with an installation date to be determined.
Deacon Weit thanked all who were in the nomination process for their willingness to serve. The Assembly showed their appreciation as they rose to their feet with applause.
