To Provide Direction concerning Disputes Appearing on Social Media

Official Workbook overture source text

4-49 
To Provide Direction concerning Disputes 
Appearing on Social Media 
WHEREAS, Social media platforms have become principal venues 
where an increasing number of members of the Synod publicly 
express disagreement with each other’s actions as well as their 
application of the Synod’s positions on doctrine and practice; and 
WHEREAS, Such disagreements, when amplified online, risk 
undermining the unity of the C hurch, tend to confuse the faithful, 
and often distort the Synod’s confession to the wider world; and 
WHEREAS, The Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church 
Relations (CTCR) has recognized both the constructive and 
destructive potential of social media in its 2019 report, A Snapshot 
of Trending Tools: Christians and Social Media  
(resources.lcms.org/reading-study/ctcr-library-social-issues-and-
citizenship); and 
W
HEREAS, Holy Scripture bids God’s people to live in harmony 
and unity with one another and to use edifying speech that builds up 
and not tears down (cf.  Psalm 133:1–3; Eph. 4:29; 5:2); therefore 
be it 
Resolved, That the Synod encourage its rostered workers, 
congregations, and lay members of its congregations to avoid using 
social media to express their disagreements, and for the sake of 
theological clarity, pastoral care, and a spirit of reconciliation, seek 
in-person opportunities to engage each other in civil and respectful 
conversations; and be it further 
Resolved, That the CTCR further study how social media 
discourse impacts the unity of the C hurch and provide updated 
resources for congregations to respond faithfully to online attacks 
on Synod church workers and the congregations in which they are 
serving. 
Circuit 7 (Washington, East) 
Southeastern District 
Ov.