In the Synod funeral rite, who officiates?

• A. Bishop
• B. Pastor
• C. Elder
• D. Reader

Answer: (B)

The person who presides over a Synod funeral rite is the pastor. The pastor is the ordained minister who has the authority to lead worship and conduct the service, guiding prayers, Scripture, message, and liturgical elements for the funeral. In most congregations, this pastoral role is the standard presiding position for such rites, reflecting their responsibility to shepherd the congregation and families through the service. A bishop oversees broader leadership and may preside in special or larger-scale settings, but typical local funerals are led by the pastor. An elder may assist or participate, and a reader handles scripture readings, but neither takes the place of the ordained pastor as the officiant.