7-27

To Give Thanks for Leaders Who Developed Concordia University Wisconsin / Ann Arbor Partnership

This is official source text extracted from the 2026 LCMS Convention Workbook. It is distinct from analysis or commentary. Check official LCMS convention materials for final authority.

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Official Workbook overture source text

Overture: 7-27

Workbook page: 435

Source pages: 435

Source status: source checked / public

Submitter: Michigan District

Ov. 7-27

To Give Thanks for Leaders Who Developed Concordia University Wisconsin / Ann Arbor Partnership

WHEREAS, The congregations and people of the Michigan District have treasured a close relationship with Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) since its founding in 1963; and

WHEREAS, In July 2013, a strategic partnership between CUAA and Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) became official; and

WHEREAS, For over a decade this merger resulted in the flourishing of the Ann Arbor campus, with an expansion of programs and facilities, record growth in enrollment, a greater community impact, and, most importantly, the spiritual development of students in the Christian faith, resulting in numerous students being converted and baptized through the work of the Holy Spirit, choosing church work careers, and having a greater desire to embrace the Christian faith and our Lutheran confession; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God for the mission and ministry of CUAA since its founding in 1963, and especially for the years of the campus’s flourishing as a result of the merger with CUW; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention commend all leaders, past and present, of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor (CUWAA) and the district for their support of the mission and ministry of CUAA since its founding in 1963 and their remarkable efforts to s ee the campus flourish as part of CUWAA for the last decade, for their communication of the vision, and their encouragement and support of the many faculty and staff who helped the merger take place, to the glory of God; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention, with united hearts and voices, give thanks and praise to God for the blessings He has bestowed upon the kingdom at large through the work of His Holy Spirit and the ministry fulfilled in Ann Arbor, specifically, and as a whole through all our Concordia universities; and be it finally

Resolved, That the assembly rise and join in singing the common doxology as an expression of thanksgiving.

Michigan District

Source record notice

Official Workbook source text remains separate from any clearly labeled draft discernment material. Review status is source checked.

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Committee

University Education

Themes

Theme tags are a conservative research aid for finding patterns in proposed resolutions. They are not official LCMS classifications.

Missional Governance Relational Pastoral

Citations

Workbook source for 7-27: LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook, p. 435

Draft discernment material

AI Summary and Discernment Aid

This section is an AI-assisted summary and prayer guide based on a draft discernment document. It is not official LCMS material, not a substitute for the Workbook, and not a substitute for reading the full overture. Please read the complete overture text below before forming conclusions, speaking publicly, or voting.

The draft guide summarizes the apparent direction this way. Readers should compare this with the full overture text and any floor committee action.

Floor Committee 7: University Education

Summary and possible impact

The resolves appear to ask the church body to give Thanks for Leaders Who Developed Concordia University Wisconsin / Ann Arbor Partnership. In plain language, this overture is trying to move the stated concern into convention action by publicly giving thanks, commending faithful work, or marking an anniversary, encouraging local, district, or synodwide support without necessarily creating a mandate. Main actors named or implied include districts, Synod in convention, schools, universities, or CUS entities. The overture contains about 4 resolve clauses, so delegates should read each clause rather than reacting only to the title. Because it is mainly a thanksgiving or commendation overture, its impact would likely be pastoral and cultural rather than regulatory, giving public encouragement and setting a positive tone. Delegates should still ask whether the commendation teaches clearly, avoids unnecessary factional signaling, and points the church back to Christ and His gifts. Support it if the thanksgiving is true, Christ-centered, and useful for building up the church. Seek amendment if the praise becomes promotional fog, selective memory, or celebration without repentance where repentance is needed.

Prayer for discernment

Lord Jesus Christ, risen Shepherd of Your Church, guide our delegates and leaders as they weigh this overture. Keep them captive to Your Word, joyful in the Lutheran confession, sober under Your Law, and bold in Your Gospel. Bless students, faculty, campus pastors, and young adults who need the living voice of Christ. Give courage to support what serves Your truth and mission, humility to amend what is unclear or excessive, and faithfulness to reject what would burden consciences, obscure the forgiveness of sins, or distract from Your sending. Let all things serve the proclamation that Christ is risen, sinners are forgiven, and Your Church is sent in love. Amen.

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