Southern Ohio Synod


The Southern Ohio Synod is one of the 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It coordinates the work of ELCA congregations in southern Ohio. Major cities within the synod's boundaries include Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton. As of 2016 there were 199 congregations, 68,297 baptized members, 347 ordained ministers, and 24 lay rostered leaders in the synod.
The synod is governed by the synod council throughout the year. The synod's clergy, associates in ministry, deacons, deaconesses, diaconal ministers, and two representatives from each congregation meet each year for the synod assembly. Wittenberg University in Springfield and Capital University in Bexley are among the twenty-six universities and colleges of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
"The Southern Ohio Synod equips congregations to be and make disciples of Jesus Christ by providing ecumenical resources, support services and programs that build and sustain healthy congregations."

Leadership

Synods of the ELCA are headed by a bishop. The current bishop of the Southern Ohio Synod is Suzanne D. Dillahunt.