To Uphold Eighth Commandment in Digital Communication and Ecclesiastical Proceedings

Official Workbook overture source text

10-05 
To Uphold Eighth Commandment in Digital 
Communication and Ecclesiastical Proceedings 
WHEREAS, The Eighth Commandment forbids bearing false 
witness against our neighbor and commands that we “ defend him, 
speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way ” (SC 
I, Eighth Commandment); and 
WHEREAS, Luther’s explanation of the Eighth Commandment in 
the Small and Large Catechisms warns against gossip and slander 
and calls for appropriate, orderly channels when confronting sin; 
and 
WHEREAS, Our Lord ’s words in Matthew 18:15–20 provide a 
pattern of addressing sin first privately, then with one or two 
witnesses, and finally, if needed, before the Church; and 
WHEREAS, In our time, social media, blogs, podcasts, and other 
informal online platforms provide unprecedented means to spread 
accusations, insinuations, and commentary about pastors and 
congregations, often without accountability and without following 
the Lord’s pattern; and 
WHEREAS, While legitimate concerns sometimes come to light 
through such channels, the  C hurch must take great care lest 
2026 Convention Workbook
502 ECCLESIASTICAL SUPER VISION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION