To Clarify Prior Approval Protocols for University Presidential Candidates

Page 129

1. 4To Clarify Prior Approval Protocols for University Presidential Candidates
2. 5RESOLUTION 7-05
3. 6Overtures 7-14–24 (CW, 428–33)
4. 7WHEREAS, Numerous overtures to the 2026 convention have addressed the Synod prior approval protocols, including
5. 8presidential candidates for the Synod’s Concordia Universities and a desire for transparency and clarity; and
6. 9WHEREAS, The presidents of Concordia Universities serve as spiritual, academic, and administrative heads of their
7. 10institutions, ensuring that the faculty and staff pass on the truths of Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions to those
8. 11who are part of the Synod, those of other denominations, and others who do not know the true God and the Lord Jesus
9. 12Christ; and
10. 13WHEREAS, Bylaw 3.10.6.8.2 governs the selection of a college/university president, including the prior approval panel
11. 14for presidential nominees; and
12. 15WHEREAS, The Concordia University System (CUS) has on its website “Prior Approval Protocol for Theological
13. 16Faculty of the Concordia Universities” (CUS, cus.edu/protocols-and-procedures, accessed May 31, 2026) and these
14. 17protocols include the standards and process; and
15. 18WHEREAS, The Synod is grateful for the work of the CUS as well as all who have served on prior approval panels and
16. 19those who have gone through the prior approval process; therefore be it
17. 20Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to the Lord of the Church for using the Synod and its agencies to
18. 21preserve and enlarge the workers of the harvest; and be it further
19. 22Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to those engaged in the various prior approval processes for this
20. 23important work; and be it further
21. 24Resolved, That the CUS, in consultation with the Office of the President and the Council of Presidents, prepare and
22. 25publishes a prior approval protocol specific to candidates for college/university presidents, including standards and
23. 26processes; and be it further
24. 27Resolved, That Synod leadership publish articles in both The Lutheran Witness and Reporter to explain what the prior
25. 28approval process is and how it is being carried out; and be it finally
26. 29Resolved, That the Synod lift up in prayer those willing to serve as college/university presidents and pray that those
27. 30involved in assessing candidates would be given discernment of what would best serve the church, and that the Spirit
28. 31would cultivate trust among us regarding those involved in the prior approval process.