To Encourage Synod Transparency and Unity regarding Concluded HotChalk Litigation

Official Workbook overture source text

8-16 
To Encourage Synod Transparency and Unity 
regarding Concluded HotChalk Litigation 
WHEREAS, The Synod gives thanks to God for His mercy in 
Christ and prays for a life together marked by humility, gentleness, 
patience, and bearing with one another in love, as we seek to 
maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:2– 3); 
and 
WHEREAS, The structure of the Synod orders and supports our 
life together in the proclamation of Christ and Him crucified, such 
that decisions made at the Synod level regarding shared ministries, 
including Lutheran higher education and institutional closures, have 
real and lasting effects on congregations and the people they serve; 
and 
W
HEREAS, The Synod Board of Directors  (BOD) has publicly 
stated that mediation has concluded litigation brought by HotChalk, 
Inc., relating to the closure of Concordia University, Portland, and 
that a financial settlement has been reached; and 
WHEREAS, The BOD “is the legal representative of the Synod 
and the custodian of all the property of the Synod” and “shall be 
accountable to the Synod in convention for the discharge of its 
duties” (Bylaw 3.3.4); and 
WHEREAS, Under Bylaw subsection, “Full Financial 
Disclosure,” “T he Synod and each of its agencies shall fully 
disclose their financial books and records to any member 
congregation of the Synod,” while also recognizing stated limits and 
requiring written explanation where information is declined or 
limited (Bylaw 1.5.4); and 
WHEREAS, Transparent communication regarding significant 
legal settlements involving S ynod resources supports faithful 
stewardship, promotes trust among congregations, reduces rumor 
and confusion, and strengthens the Synod’s ability to proceed 
together with clarity in an uncertain season; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God for 
His continued work through the Synod even amid hardship and 
legal challenge, and exhort all members to continue in charity, 
patience, and confidence in Christ as we walk together in our 
common mission; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention respectfully request that 
the appropriate Synod officers and/or the BOD disclose to the 
Synod the total amount paid by or on behalf of the Synod in 
settlement of the concluded HotChalk litigation, to the fullest extent 
permitted by law and any binding settlement terms, and that such 
disclosure be made available to member congregations in a readily 
accessible manner; and be it finally 
Resolved, That if the settlement amount, or any portion thereof, 
cannot be disclosed, the Synod officers and/or the BOD provide a 
written explanation describing the general nature of the restriction 
or restrictions and the reason or reasons disclosure is not possi ble, 
consistent with the Synod’s commitments to financial disclosure 
and clear communication. 
Circuit 27 (Livonia) 
Michigan District 
Ov.