Covenant News

Leader of Constitution Revision Committee Dies

KEYSTONE, CO (June 25, 2002) - Melsie Waldner, chair of the Constitution Commission that wrote the Covenant's revised constitution at last year's Annual Meeting of the Covenant Church, died Monday night of an apparent heart attack, Covenant News Service has learned.

Waldner, who attended College Park Covenant Church in Saskatoon, led a 16-member commission (including three advisors) over four years to help the denomination make its first document revision since 1957. The constitution, including preamble and bylaws, was passed by a standing vote of delegates June 28 of last year in Rosemont, Illinois. Some amendments to the constitution will be discussed at this week's Annual Meeting in Keystone.

Among the major changes to the constitution was the restructuring of the Executive Board from 14 to 31 members, transformation of four administrative boards into Executive Board committees, and increased emphasis on ethnic and gender diversity.

Waldner said that the passage of the constitution was the culmination of a labor of love. "I've had many privileges in my life," said Waldner. "The privilege of sharing the Constitution Revision Commission - working with that incredible caliber of committed people - has been the joy of my life. Service privileges come and go, but this one has really brought me more gratification than anything."

The proposed Preamble sparked considerable discussion, but Waldner saw that as a positive sign. "I think that really is our identity as an Evangelical Covenant Church," she said of the Preamble. "And it shows that people truly treasure being part of the family of God and they want to know who they are and why they belong and what brings them together. Who we are as Covenanters actually seems to be more important to Covenanters than how we conduct our business."

More information about Waldner and memorial service plans will be made available in the coming days.

Printable version of this page.