To Uphold Eighth Commandment in Digital Communication and Ecclesiastical Proceedings

Ov. 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

unverified, anonymous, or partisan online content be treated as the equivalent of properly received testimony in ecclesiastical proceedings; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod encourage pastors, congregations, and members, for the sake of theological clarity, pastoral care, and a spirit of reconciliation, to refrain from using social media to express disagreements and instead seek in-person opportunities for civil and respectful conversation; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod direct the Commission on Theology and Church Relations, in consultation with the Council of Presidents, to prepare a theological and pastoral statement addressing:

• the Eighth Commandment in the digital age;

• the proper handling of accusations against pastors and congregations; and • the appropriate and inappropriate uses of social media, blogs, podcasts, and similar media in relation to ecclesiastical supervision and discipline;

and be it further

Resolved, That the statement include guidance on:

• the dangers of anonymous or pseudonymous attacks;

• the responsibility of Christians to refrain from sharing unverified accusations; and • the need for church leaders to follow the Fifth Commandment, the Eighth Commandment, Matthew 18, and the Synod Bylaws when addressing accusations, rather than allowing online outrage or partisan media to circumvent these standards;

and be it further

Resolved, That the Commission on Constitutional Matters, in light of such a statement, be requested to review and, where appropriate, propose bylaw language or official guidelines making clear that:

• Anonymous or partisan online content may serve as a prompt for further inquiry but may not be treated as inherently reliable evidence.

• Ecclesiastical investigations must seek firsthand testimony and properly documented facts.

• Decisions in disciplinary cases are to be based on evidence gathered through appropriate churchly procedures, not on the volume or intensity of online commentary.

and be it further

Resolved, That districts be encouraged to provide teaching resources for congregations on the Eighth Commandment and digital communication, to help members understand how to use social media in a manner befitting Christians; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod encourage all pastors and laypeople to commit themselves anew to guarding their tongues and keyboards, that we may speak “the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15) and avoid harming Christ’s flock through uncharitable or disorderly speech.

Board of Directors Southeastern District