R62.13 Joint Seminary Boards of Regents Request for Opinion on Admission to Seminary for Divorced Men (2025)

R62.13

2026 Convention Workbook 274 THEOLOGICAL DOCUMENTS —COMMISSION ON THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS very exceptional circumstances” should it be possible for a pastor whose divorce was “for less than biblical reasons” to be reconsidered for reinstatement. Indeed, the report cautions that even in the case of a pastor who divorced because of his wife’s unchastity or desertion, the potential for offense remains and the proclamation of the Gospel may be hampered.

22 With respect to Ov. 6-34, then, we note that the CTCR strongly condemns clergy divorce and holds that a divorced pastor “ought not to remain in office nor be reinstated in the office of pastor,” “except in cases of unchastity or desertion on the part of his wife” (that is, “illicit divorce”). The Commission has not addressed the matter of a pastor’s remarriage after divorce.

ii. Council of Presidents (COP)

The Synod’s Council of Presidents Manual guides the work of its members, whose office is to be ecclesiastical supervisors of the Synod’s congregations and church workers.

23 Of course, the COP is ultimately responsible to follow the teachings of Scripture and the Confessions, as well as the Constitution and Bylaws of the LCMS. The guidelines for addressing clergy separation and divorce begin with a Preamble emphasizing the Bible’s teachings on marriage, divorce, and the office of public ministry. The Preamble also notes the intention to provide a consistent approach to the challenge of clergy marital crisis and divorce that avoids two “extreme” views:

either a policy holding that divorce always disqualifies a man for ministry, or a policy that approves continuing ministry regardless of the reasons for a divorce.

24 The specific guidelines obligate pastors to seek help when a crisis threatens their marriage and, if the potential for separation or divorce persists, require that the district president’s guidance be sought and that Christian counseling be engaged. If such aid fails to restore the marriage, the district president and visitor must be informed prior to any formal separation or divorce proceedings. And, if further counsel fails to help, the district president and pastor shall agree on how the congregation (or other calling entity) is to be informed.

25 If the pastor is guilty of sexual sin or desertion, he is to resign or be suspended from his call and the Synod’s roster. If the cause of divorce is uncertain, the district president may require a leave of absence. After further investigation, the district president determines the result of the divorce, which may include various results for the pastor, from remaining in his current assignment and call to removal from office and the Synod roster.

26 In the case of removal the Manual notes the possibility of reinstatement, consistent with Bylaw 2.18 of the LCMS. It adds this: “The simple fact of remarriage to a new partner by itself shall not

22 Ibid., 44 23 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Council of Presidents Manual: Guidelines, Procedures, and Forms (Revised April 2024). The manual includes “Guidelines for Dealing with Marital Crisis Involving Separation and Divorce of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod Clergy” on pages 04-48 to 04-51.

24 COP Manual, 04-48.

25 Ibid., 04-49 – 04-50.

26 Ibid, 04-50.

be construed as persuasive evidence for reinstatement.” This is the only mention of remarriage in the guidelines.27

III. Summary of current LCMS policy regarding divorce and pastors a. When does divorce disqualify a man for the pastoral office?

Divorce disqualifies a man from the office of public ministry because it creates an obstacle and offense to the proclamation of the Gospel. The only possible exceptions are cases that involve fornication or desertion on the part of the wife. Even in such a case continuing service in ministry is not a given.

b. Under what circumstances may a divorced man serve as a pastor?

The ecclesiastical supervisor of a divorced man determines whether he may continue to serve as a rostered member of the Synod. A positive determination requires first that the pastor’s divorce was based on scriptural reasons—that is, his wife’s infidelity. Additional factors, however, are also necessary to determine whether the pastor can serve in a manner that is above reproach. It is possible in rare circumstances that a man whose divorce was not for scriptural reasons may be reinstated to the office.

c. Under what circumstances may a divorced and remarried man serve as a pastor?

The matter of remarriage is a second factor raised in Ov. 6-34. The view therein is that a pastor who was divorced because of his wife’s infidelity or desertion can potentially remain in office, but not if he remarries. The overture holds that 1 Tim. 3:2 and Titus 1:6 mean “no more than one wife.” The CTCR does not share this understanding. Rather, in the CTCR’s view, the remarriage of a divorced or widowed pastor does not automatically disqualify a man from ministry. The district president is charged with determining the specific circumstances under which the remarried pastor can serve.

d. Applicability of current policies to the matter of admission to study for the office of public ministry.

The CTCR holds that current COP policies are largely applicable to seminary admission, but not entirely so. Together with the applicant’s district president, the seminaries also play an important role, similar to that which is outlined in the COP Manual. Divorce for an applicant or current student who seeks to serve in public ministry is a serious matter, but whether it disqualifies him from admission or continuing his studies cannot be easily determined. Both applicants and students are sinners in need of forgiveness and guidance. They are growing and maturing in

27 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Handbook: Constitution, Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation 2023, 99.

many ways, including in a life of faith and sanctification. We do not believe a divorce should automatically disqualify an applicant from admission, but it may. Both the applicant’s district president and the seminary must carefully consider whether the applicant may be formed as a suitable candidate for the office of public ministry whose teaching will conform with Scripture and whose life will adorn the Gospel.

Adopted by the CTCR (unanimously)

May 3, 2025

J.t\ ('ONl'Cll!DI,\ Tlll·OLOOICAL SI MINAR\' ---- � l-1111 11111111 l111/1111111 •Concordia Seminary <,J IIIIJI'> November 11, 2024 By Electronic Mail-bsaunders@lcm side.org The Rev. Dr. Brian S. Saunders Chairman, Commission on Theology and Church Relations The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod c/o Iowa East District 1100 Blairs Ferry Road Marion, IA 52302-3092 Re: 2023 Synod Convention Overture 6-34:

To Prevent Admission, Reinstatement, or Colloquization of a Divorced Man into the Office of the Public Ministry Who Has Married Another Woman Dear President Saunders:

You will recall that Overture 6-34 was referred by 2023 Convention Omnibus Resolution A to the Seminaries, to the Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry, and to Council of Presidents. The referral was three-fold, presumably in light of the three topics included in the overture title (Admission - for the Seminaries; Reinstatement - for the Council of Presidents; and Colloquization -for the Colloquy Committee for the Pastoral Ministry).

The Boards of Regents of Concordia Seminary and Concordia Theological Seminary recently held our annual joint meeting, at which we discussed what might assist us in giving thoughtful consideration to this overture. To that end, the consensus of each Board was that it would be beneficial to our deliberations to obtain input from, inter alia, the Commission on Theology and Church Relations. Thus, I am writing at the request of the Boards to seek such guidance as the CTCR may wish to provide on this topic.

I am aware of Guidelines For Dealing With Marital Crisis Involving Separation and Divorce of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Clergy (A Policy statement adopted by the Council of Presidents, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, April 29, 1987), as well as Divorce and Remarriage An Exegetical Study, A Report of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (November 1987). These documents seem primarily to address the circumstances of men already serving in the Office of the Holy Ministry, rather than men who aspire to the office and are seeking admission to a Seminary (the situation that our two institutions would be addressing).

APPENDIX

2026 Convention Workbook 275 THEOLOGICAL DOCUMENTS —COMMISSION ON THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS