Resolutions
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100 searchable records shown.
To Address Concerns with Partner Churches RESOLUTION 5-04 Overtures 5-03–09 (CW, 337–41) WHEREAS, The psalmist writes, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls
To Address Concordia Publishing House Shipping Charges RESOLUTION 8-07 Reports R1, R1.2–1.2.2, R1.2.4–1.3, R5–8, R15–57 (CW, 1–28, 31–37, 46–56, 95–141); Overture 8-06 (CW, 440) WHEREAS, Concordia Publishing House (CPH) serves as the official publishing arm of the Synod, providing essential Lutheran resources, books, curricula, and materials to support the f
To Address Open Communion and Pastoral Exceptions in Extraordinary Circumstances RESOLUTION 5-05 Overtures 5-16–18 (CW, 345–347) WHEREAS, Holy Scripture teaches clearly that the Lord’s Supper is the true body and blood of Christ (Matt. 26:26 –8 29; Mark 14:22 –25; Luke 22:15 –20; 1 Cor. 11:23 –26), and that those who receive the body and blood of Christ are
To Address the Public Reading of Scripture in Public Worship RESOLUTION 5-09A Report R62.11 (CW, 269–70); Overtures 5-26–29 (CW, 352–54) WHEREAS, The public reading of Scripture is an integral part of Christian worship services, as seen in the New Testament (Acts, 1 Timothy 4) and throughout Christian history; and WHEREAS, The Commission on Theology and Chur
To Address Uses of Artificial Intelligence RESOLUTION 4-09 Overtures 4-51–52 (CW, 329–30) WHEREAS, The capabilities and regular use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) have dramatically increased in recent years; and WHEREAS, AI tools are increasingly being used by churches and pastors to create and curate digital content and com
To Adopt Recommendations of 2023 Res. 9-06A Task Force on Electoral Circuit Parameters RESOLUTION 9-13 Reports R59–59.2 (CW, 143–60); Overtures 9-19–20, 33 (CW, 476–77, 485) Rationale 2023 Resolution 9-06A, “To Appoint Task Force to Evaluate Current Electoral Circuit Parameters,” (2023 Proceedings, 206–9) was adopted with the acknowledgement that “due to dem
To Affirm and Support Established Parameters of Specific Ministry Pastor Program RESOLUTION 6-06A Report R13.5 (CW, 75–76); Overtures 6-46–63 (CW, 392–403) WHEREAS, The Synod established the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program to address pastoral needs in specific contexts where calling a residentially-formed pastor is not feasible; and WHEREAS, Specific
To Affirm that the Lord has Ordained that Those Who Preach the Gospel Should Make their Living from the Gospel RESOLUTION 6-13 Overtures 6-79–80 (CW, 411–12) Rationale When our Lord Jesus Christ called Peter, Andrew, and the sons of Zebedee to be His apostles, “they left their nets and followed Him” (Matt. 4:20). When Matthew was called, he likewise left the
To Amend Bylaw 2.11.2.2 (c) RESOLUTION 10-06 Overtures 10-38–39 (CW, 520–21) WHEREAS, The 2023 Synod convention adopted Resolution 10 -06, “To Amend Bylaw 2.11.2.2 regarding Candidate Status,” that moved the filing deadline for the required candidate annual report from January 31 to July 31; and WHEREAS, Annual reports for emeriti remain due on January 31; a
To Amend Bylaw 2.13.1 to Clarify Terminology for Specific Ministry Pastor Mentorship and Oversight RESOLUTION 6-08 Overture 6-09, 45 (CW, 366–67, 391–92) Rationale In 1998 the Synod added to its bylaws a set of definitions, now designated as section 1.2 “Definition of Terms.” Two important definitions are those of supervision and oversight. In the Synod’s By
To Amend Bylaw 3.10.6.2.2 RESOLUTION 7-02A Overture 7-10 (CW, 425) WHEREAS, The 2023 Synod convention adopted Resolution 7- 04B, “To Revise Bylaws to Revisit and Renew Relationship of Colleges and Universities with the Synod” (Proceedings, 170–90); and WHEREAS, 2023 Res. 7-04B significantly changed the way that the Synod relates to the universities of the Co
To Amend Bylaw 3.12.2 to Elect the Synod President at Convention RESOLUTION 9-18 Overtures 9-21–22 (CW, 477–80); President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, 1:34); President’s Report, Part 3 (TB, 3:TBD) WHEREAS, The voting process for President of the Synod was shifted away from the Synod’s highest legislative authority, that is the Synod in convention, to the congregat
To Amend Bylaw 3.6.4.3 to Clarify That No More Than Two Lutheran Church Extension Fund Directors Can Be from the Same District RESOLUTION 9-07 Overture 9-47 (CW, 490) Rationale The Lutheran Church Extension Fund ( LCEF) Bylaws in Section 1, Article II, contain a sentence that reads, “No more than two elected Directors can be from the same district of The Lut
To Amend Bylaw 3.6.4.3 to Increase the Number of Lutheran Church Extension Fund Directors Elected by the Synod in Convention from Three to Four RESOLUTION 9-05 Overture 9-15 (CW, 474–75) Rationale During a review of Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF)’s articles and bylaws, the Commission on Constitutional Matters stated the following in Opinion 24-3024, d
To Amend Bylaw 3.6.6.1 RESOLUTION 7-03A Overture 7-09 (CW, 425) WHEREAS, Bylaw 3.6.6 states that the Concordia University System (CUS) Board of Directors (BOD) is to assist with the cooperation and coordination of the Synod’s colleges and universities in the “preparation of commissioned ministers for service in the Synod and of pre-seminary students for stud
To Amend Bylaw 3.9.5.2.2 (b) RESOLUTION 5-06A President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, 1:30) WHEREAS, Bylaw 3.9.5.2.2 (b)(1–3) speaks of “formal” recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship, which suggests that the Synod also informally recognizes fellowship, a confusing phrase understood by certain other churches to mean practicing church fellowship without recognize
To Amend Bylaw 4.2.4 regarding Installation of District Presidents RESOLUTION 10-05A President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, 1:35) WHEREAS, The President of Synod or his representative reports to each district convention of the Synod (Bylaw 4.2.4); and WHEREAS, It is the desirable practice that the elected or re- elected district president be installed before the co
To Amend Bylaw 4.2.4 regarding Installation of District Presidents RESOLUTION 10-08 President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, 1:35) Therefore be it Resolved, That Bylaw 4.2.4 be amended as follows: PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 4.2 District Conventions … 4.2.4 The President of the Synod or his representative shall report on the condition and affairs of the Synod. He shall
To Amend Bylaw Section 1.5, etc., to Unify in the Bylaws and Revise Corporate Formation Requirements for Instrumental Entities of Corporate Synod and Agencies of the Synod RESOLUTION 9-11 Overtures 9-06–07 (CW, 458–467); Report LR63 (TB, 1:37–38) Rationale “The Synod’s Constitution says our objective is to ‘strengthen congregations and their members in givin
To Amend Bylaw Section 3.7 to Clarify Additional Assigned Responsibilities and Provisions on the Board of Trustees—Concordia Plans / Board of Directors—Concordia Plan Services RESOLUTION 8-02A Reports R1, R1.2–1.2.2, R1.2.4–R1.3, R5–R8, R15–57 (CW, 1–5, 15–28, 31–37, 46–56, 95–141); Overtures 8-01–02 (CW, 437–38) WHEREAS, Bylaw section 3.7 currently describe
To Amend Bylaws 1.5.1.2–1.5.2 to Clarify Service Expectations and Handling of Conflicts of Interest RESOLUTION 9-02A Overture 9-02 (CW, 450–51) Rationale Bylaw section 1.5 provides regulations applicable to all agencies of the Synod, including provisions dealing with ethical standards, conflicts of interest, and removal from office. These date, at least in t
To Amend Bylaws 1.5.3.2–4 and Add Bylaw 4.7.6 regarding Regulations for Committees RESOLUTION 9-01B Overture 9-01 (CW, 449–50) Rationale The Commission on Constitutional Matters, noting frequent issues encountered in applying Bylaw section 1.5 to the committees of districts, universities, and other agencies of the Synod, referred the language to the Commissi
To Amend Bylaws 1.7.3, 2.11.1, 3.8.3, 3.8.3.8, and 4.4.4–5 to Establish a Framework for Ecclesiastical Supervision and Pastoral Care for Independent International Congregations RESOLUTION 2-04 Overture 2-03 (CW 295–96) WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church —Missouri Synod (LCMS) has had a long history of working with independent Lutheran congregations located in inte
To Amend Bylaws 3.6.1.8 (c) and 3.6.4 (a) to Clarify that Two-Thirds Approval Requirements for Synodwide Corporate Entity and Lutheran Church Extension Fund Governing Document Amendments are Based on Members Actually Present at Meeting RESOLUTION 9-06 Overtures 9-16, 46 (CW, 475, 490) Rationale During a review of Lutheran Church Extension Fund’s (LCEF) artic
To Amend Bylaws Exclusive to Lutheran Church Extension Fund to Clarify That It May Provide Real Estate Evaluation and Redevelopment Services in Support of Synod Mission and Ministry RESOLUTION 9-12 Overture 9-08 (CW, 467–68) Rationale Most congregations and ministries within the Synod are owners of real estate. Many of these ministries need assistance evalua
To Amend Bylaws regarding Doctrinal Review RESOLUTION 9-03 Overture 9-04 (CW, 452–54) Rationale The Synod has a sweeping basic principle of inclusivity for doctrinal review. It is stated in Bylaw 1.9.1.1 (a): “All official periodicals and journals of the Synod as well as any material with doctrinal content issued publicly by boards, commissions, or other sub
To Amend Bylaws to Address Seminary Adjunct Faculty RESOLUTION 6-10 Overtures 6-10, 73 (CW, 367, 408) WHEREAS, Both Concordia Seminary , St. Louis and Concordia Theological Seminary , Fort Wayne make use of contracted faculty, bearing various titles including “adjunct faculty,” “guest instructors,” “guest professors,” or “visiting instructors” (hereafter “ad
To Amend Bylaws to Clarify and Streamline Responsibilities of Appointed Synod Officers RESOLUTION 9-08 Overture 9-09 (CW, 468–70) Rationale Under current Bylaws, the positions of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) exist to assist the Synod Board of Directors (BOD) in carrying out the responsibilities of the BOD to the Synod.
To Amend Bylaws to Coordinate Responsibilities of Chief Mission Officer with Other Synod Officers RESOLUTION 9-09 Overture 9-10 (CW, 470–71) Rationale The 2010 Synod convention made substantial changes to the structure and organization of the national Synod office that impacted significantly the mission operations of the Synod. These changes included creatin
To Amend Bylaws to Enhance Responsibilities of Synod Mission Boards and To Direct Board of Directors, Board for National Mission, Board for International Mission, and Chief Mission Officer to Review Overture 9-11 RESOLUTION 9-16A Overture 9-11 (CW, 471–73) WHEREAS, The 2010 Synod convention made substantial changes to the structure and organization of the na
To Amend Bylaws to Refine Process for Creating Triennial Mission and Ministry Emphases RESOLUTION 4-02A Overture 4-12 (CW, 307–9) WHEREAS, The Synod in convention (2023 Res. 4- 02, “To Affirm and Continue Making Disciples for Life as Mission and Ministry Emphasis for 2023– 2026 Triennium”) instructed the Board for National Mission and the Board for Internati
To Amend Bylaws to Reinsert 2007 Pastoral Colloquy Bylaws from Policy Manual RESOLUTION 6-12B Overtures 6-11–13 (CW, 367–70) WHEREAS, The 2010 Synod convention removed numerous pastoral colloquy bylaws and added Bylaw 3.10.2.2 (a) (Res. 8 -08A, “To Realign National Synod Ministries around Two Mission Boards”), which directs the Colloquy Committee for the Pas
To Amend Bylaws to Reinstate Commission on Worship RESOLUTION 4-06A Overtures 4-23–31, 40–42, 46 (CW, 314–19, 324–27) Preamble The Word of God and the Sacraments are the means by which God has promised to deal with us (SA III VIII 10). It is by these means that justifying faith is obtained (AC V). In order to obtain this faith, the ministry of purely teachin
To Amend Constitution Article XII 15 as to Call of Special District Conventions RESOLUTION 9-14A Overture 9-03 (CW, 451–52) Rationale In its periodic review of various district bylaws, the Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM, “Removal of a District President from Office,” minutes of April 8–9, 2022) has noted the following: • Bylaw 1.5.8.1, introduced
To Amend Various Bylaws for Purposes of Clarification or Improvement RESOLUTION 9-04 Overture 9-05 (CW, 454–58) Preamble The Commission on Handbook (COH), responding to a variety of observations from officers, agencies, and members of the Synod, has proposed amendments to bylaws that have given opportunity to confusion or required repeated or nonobvious inte
To Call Upon the AALC to Honor the Bonds of Fellowship and Resolve Matters Threatening the Unity of Doctrine and Practice RESOLUTION 5-15 Report R1.1 (CW, 5–15); Overture 5-09 (CW, 341) WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) recognized church fellowship with The American Association of Lutheran Churches (AALC) at its 2007 convention (Res. 3- 01,
To Celebrate and Encourage All Nations Ministry in North America RESOLUTION 1-01A Report R1.2.1 (CW, 16–19); Overture 1-01 (CW, 277) WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus Christ gave His Great Commission: “Make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19) and He gave the Holy Spirit so that His disciples would be “witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the
To Celebrate Concordia Historical Institute Centenary and Renew the Synod’s Commitment to Treasure and Trumpet Its Redeemed History RESOLUTION 4-10 Overture 4-56 (CW, 332–33) WHEREAS, Concordia Historical Institute (CHI) will observe its centenary anniversary on April 28, 2027, under the theme: “Treasuring & Trumpeting Our Lutheran History—for All the Saints
To Clarify Lutheran Identity in Connection with the Concordia Universities RESOLUTION 7-07A Overtures 7-04–07 (CW, 422–24) WHEREAS, The 2023 Synod convention (Res. 7- 04B, “To Revise Bylaws to Revisit and Renew Relationship of Colleges and Universities with the Synod,” Proceedings, 170–72) revised Bylaw subsection 3.6.6 to direct the Concordia University Sys
To Clarify Nomenclature for Chaplaincy and Institutional Care Work and To Amend Related Bylaws RESOLUTION 4-05 Overtures 4-38–39 (CW, 323–24) Rationale Holy Scripture teaches that the Office of the Holy Ministry is entrusted with the public preaching of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments (Matt. 28:18 –20; John 20:21–23; 1 Cor. 4:1); and the Lu
To Clarify Oversight and Revitalize Role of Registered Service Organizations RESOLUTION 4-04B Report R1 (CW, 1–5); Overtures 4-32–35 (CW, 319–22); President’s Report, Part 2, (TB, 1:28); Overture L4-57 (TB, 1:46–48) WHEREAS, The 2016 Synod convention created a task force to review the current structure and recommend the best model for the Synod’s relationshi
To Clarify Prior Approval Protocols for University Presidential Candidates RESOLUTION 7-05 Overtures 7-14–24 (CW, 428–33) WHEREAS, Numerous overtures to the 2026 convention have addressed the Synod prior approval protocols, including presidential candidates for the Synod’s Concordia Universities and a desire for transparency and clarity; and WHEREAS, The pre
To Clarify Prior Approval Protocols for University Theological Faculties RESOLUTION 7-04 Overtures 7-14–24 (CW, 428–33) WHEREAS, Numerous overtures to the 2026 Synod convention have addressed the prior approval protocols for theology faculty for our Concordia universities and a desire for transparency and clarity; and WHEREAS, The Synod treasures our Concord
To Commend and Encourage Life Ministry Efforts of Congregations, Schools, Districts, and Recognized Service Organizations RESOLUTION 3-01A Report R1.2.1 (CW, 17); Overture 3-02 (CW, 299) WHEREAS, God has created every human life (Job 10:9– 11; Psalm 139:13–16; Jer. 1:5), and people are taught by Holy Scripture to love those in need in every stage of life, fr
To Commend and Sunset Synod Mission Priorities RESOLUTION 4-03 Overture 4-01, 08, 10–11 (CW, 303, 306–07) WHEREAS, The 2023 Synod convention instructed the Board for National Mission and Board for International Mission to recommend possible revisions to the mission priorities and possible bylaw revisions that would articulate both the process for developing
To Commend Concordia Publishing House for Prioritizing Mission and Distribution RESOLUTION 8-06 Reports R1, R1.2–R1.2.2, R1.2.4–R1.3, R5–R8, R15–R57 (CW, 1–5, 15–28, 31–37, 46–56, 95–141); Overtures 8-13–14 (CW, 443–44) WHEREAS, Concordia Publishing House (CPH) was established in 1869 to serve the congregations of the Synod by publishing materials that are u
To Commend Efforts to Serve Worker Wellness and Encourage Participation in Concordia Plan Services RESOLUTION 3-05A Overture 3-06 (CW, 301) WHEREAS, It is a mission priority of the Synod to promote and nurture the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of pastors and professional church workers; and WHEREAS, The Council of Presidents (COP), LCMS Worke
To Commend the Concordia University System RESOLUTION 7-01 Overtures 7-01–03 (CW, 417–22); President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, 1:33); Overture L7-30 (TB, 1:43) WHEREAS, The Concordia University System (CUS) was established by the 1992 Synod convention (Res. 6 -04, “To Establish Concordia University System, Inc.” [Proc., 160–61]), replacing the Board for Higher E
To Conclude Created Male and Female Task Force and Receive Its Recommendations RESOLUTION 5-12 Overtures 4-36, 5-41 (CW, 322–23, 360–61) WHEREAS, Holy Scripture teaches the following truths concerning humanity: God created humanity to be male and female (Gen. 1:27; Matt. 19:4); God instituted marriage between one man and one woman as a lifelong union for com
To Condemn Political Violence and Encourage Participation in Public Life RESOLUTION 4-07 Overtures 4-45, 47–48, 53–55 (CW, 327–28, 330–32) WHEREAS, Scripture (Matt. 22:15 –21) and the Lutheran Confessions ( AC XVI; LC I 4) affirm that the entire civil realm is an institution of God to be respected and supported; and WHEREAS, Our Lord commands us to pray for
To Confess God’s Design for the Family RESOLUTION 1-11A Overtures 1-24–25, 32 (CW, 289–291, 293) WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod upholds the scriptural mandate for families and the church to nurture faith in the home: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at
To Confront Increased Idolatry of Our Culture with Clear Confession of Love of Christ and Lutheran Resources in Christian Apologetics RESOLUTION 1-10 Report R1 (CW, 1–5); Overtures 1-12, 22 (CW, 283–84, 289) WHEREAS, The Ten Commandments begin with, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Ex. 20:3; Deut. 5:7); and WHEREAS, The sinful nature leads people to
To Create a Task Force to Clarify Relationship Between Bylaw 1.10 and 2.14 and Consider Bylaw Changes for Dispute Resolution (Bylaw 1.10) and Expulsion of Congregations or Individuals from Membership in the Synod (Bylaw 2.14) RESOLUTION 10-02A Overtures 10-06, 08, 12–17, 20–23 (CW, 503–4, 506–13) WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is united in a com
To Direct Districts and Encourage Congregational Participation in Global Mission through Prayer, Partnership, and Support RESOLUTION 2-02A Overtures 2-01–02 (CW, 295) WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus Christ has commanded His Church to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19); and WHEREAS, The Lord exhorts His people to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest
To Direct the Commission on Theology and Church Relations to Examine Current Political and Social Issues RESOLUTION 4-08A Overtures 4-13–22 (CW, 309–14) WHEREAS, Holy Scripture declares that God created all humanity in His image (Gen 1:27) and that all believers are one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28), condemns all forms of racial hatred as sinful (1 John 3:15),
To Educate Young People RESOLUTION 1-08A Report R1.2.1 (CW, 16–19); Overtures 1-10, 15, 17–19, 23 (CW, 282, 285–87, 289) WHEREAS, The LORD commands us to teach our children the Word of God diligently (Deuteronomy 6); and WHEREAS, The Large Catechism states, “… if we wish to have excellent and able persons both for civil and Church leadership, we must spare n
To Embed Church Work Formation and Recruitment in the Culture of the LCMS RESOLUTION 6-11 Report R1.2.3 (CW, 28–31); Overtures 6-76–78 (CW, 409–411) WHEREAS, St. Paul writes, “that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures … and if Christ has not been
To Encourage and Support Specific Ministry Pastors to Pursue General Pastor Certification RESOLUTION 6-07A Overtures 6-46–48 (CW, 392–94) WHEREAS, The Synod is blessed with faithful specific ministry pastors who serve under call for the sake of Christ’s Church; and WHEREAS, Specific ministry pastors, the congregations they serve, and the Synod as a whole are
To Encourage Seminary Specialized Witness and Outreach Training RESOLUTION 6-02 Reports R13.1–2 (CW, 64–67); Overture 6-58 (CW, 399) WHEREAS, God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4), and the Lord Jesus is the “light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to [His] people Israel” (Luke 2:32); and WHEREA
To Encourage Synod to Respond to the Growing Addiction Crisis RESOLUTION 3-06A Overture L3-09 (TB, 1:45–46) WHEREAS, Addiction started with the original sin and the continuing temptation by Satan: “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen. 3:5 NIV; see also Prov. 25:28; Matt. 26:4
To Encourage Transparency and Accountability in Legal Judgments and Settlements RESOLUTION 8-01 Reports R1, R1.2–R1.2.2., R1.2.4–R.1.3, R5–R8, R15–R57 (CW, 1–4, 15–28, 31–37, 46–56, 95–141); Overture 8-17 (CW, 445) WHEREAS, Constitution Articles VII and XI establish the Synod as a voluntary association acting on behalf of its member congregations and vest fi
To Encourage University Worship Practices That Form Students to be Faithful to Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions RESOLUTION 7-06A Overture 7-06 (CW, 423–24) WHEREAS, The Synod in convention (2023 Res. 7- 04B, “To revise Bylaws to Revisit and Renew Relationship of Colleges and Universities with the Synod”) revised Bylaw 3.6.6 to direct the Concordia Univers
To Encourage Use of Counseling and Telehealth Services for Care and Retention of Church Workers RESOLUTION 3-04A Overture 3-07 (CW, 301–2) WHEREAS, Church workers of the Synod experience unique vocational stressors inherent to ecclesial callings, including isolation, heavy workloads, public scrutiny, financial strain, and relational pressures; and WHEREAS, R
To Establish Tell the Next Generation as Synod Mission and Ministry Emphasis RESOLUTION 4-01 Overtures 4-02–07, 09 (CW, 303–7) WHEREAS, The Synod in convention (2023 Res. 4-02, “To Affirm and Continue Making Disciples for Life as Mission and Ministry Emphasis for 2023 –2026 Triennium”) instructed the Board for National Mission and the Board for International
To Expand Access to the Lutheran Confessions RESOLUTION 8-04A Reports R1, R1.2, R1.2.1–2, R1.2.4–5, R1.3, R5–8, R15–57 (CW, 1–5, 15–28, 31–37, 46–56, 95–141); Overtures 8- 09–12 (CW, 441–43) WHEREAS, The objectives of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, as stated in Constitution Article III, include the following: “conserve and promote the unity of the true
To Fund Our Synod’s Seminaries RESOLUTION 8-03 Reports R1, R1.2–R1.2.2, R1.2.4–R1.3, R5–R8, R15–57 (CW, 1–5, 15–28, 31–37, 46–56, 95–141); Overture 8-15 (CW, 444) WHEREAS, The Synod maintains Concordia Seminary (CSL) and Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW) to form pastors for faithful Word and Sacrament ministry in the Church and her mission; and WHEREAS,
To Give Thanks for 130 Years of Deaf Ministry RESOLUTION 1-04 President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, 1:26) WHEREAS, The Synod has been engaged in organized ministry among deaf individuals and communities since the nineteenth century, and the Synod formally adopted “Deaf Missions” as an official mission program in 1896; and WHEREAS, For approximately 130 years , the
To Give Thanks for Concordia Publishing House’s Use of Bible Translations RESOLUTION 8-05A Overtures 8-07–08 (CW, 440–41) WHEREAS, We accept without reservation that the Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament are “the written Word of God and the only rule and norm of faith and of practice” (Const. Art. II); and WHEREAS, Passages of Holy Scripture are us
To Give Thanks for LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces RESOLUTION 2-01A Overtures 2-06 (CW, 296–97) WHEREAS, From the Civil War through both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and more recent areas of conflict, Synod pastors, serving honorably and with distinction as military chaplains, bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to those protecting our great nation; and WHE
To Give Thanks for Lutheran Hour Ministries and Encourage Enhanced Collaboration RESOLUTION 1-14 President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, 1:26) WHEREAS, Lutheran Hour Ministries (The International Lutheran Laymen’s League, [LHM]) has served for more than a century and is recognized as a valued auxiliary of The Lutheran Church —Missouri Synod (LCMS); and WHEREAS, Thro
To Give Thanks for the Mission Province in Sweden RESOLUTION 5-03 Report R1.1, R12 (CW, 7, 62) Preamble The Mission Province in Sweden (MPS) was formed in 2003 to support confessional Lutheran pastors and congregations and to restore the possibility of ordination for future pastors who either could not be ordained or would not be properly supervised in the i
To Give Thanks for the Office of the Holy Ministry and our Synod’s Pastors RESOLUTION 6-03 Reports R13.1–2 (CW, 64–67) Preamble The foundational confession of the Lutheran Church was made before Emperor Charles V in 1530 at the Diet of Augsburg. The seven Lutheran princes made the Gospel the center of their Confession in Article IV: “Our churches teach that
To Give Thanks for Work and Ministry of Concordia University Ann Arbor RESOLUTION 7-09A Overture 7-27 (CW, 435) WHEREAS, The congregations and people of the Michigan District and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod have treasured a close relationship with Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) since its founding in 1963; and WHEREAS, In July 2013, an affiliati
To Give Thanks to God for 125 Years of Gospel Ministry, Partner Churches, and Mission in the Latin America and Caribbean Region RESOLUTION 2-05 Report R1.2.2 (CW, 19–28) WHEREAS, The Office of International Mission (OIM) carries out the Church’s Christ-given task to spread the Gospel, plant Lutheran churches, and show mercy among the nations, grounded in Hol
To Give Thanks to God for 150 Years of Black Ministry RESOLUTION 1-03A Overtures 1-02–03 (CW, 277–78) WHEREAS, Christ our Lord commissioned His Church to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19 –20); and WHEREAS, Revelation 5:9, 13:7, and 14:6 speak of salvation freely offered and the proclamation of the Gospel to “every nation and tribe and language and
To Give Thanks to God for 1700th Anniversary of First Council of Nicaea RESOLUTION 5-13A Overtures 5-37, 5-44 (CW, 358–59, 362) WHEREAS, The year 2025 marked the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nica ea, its having begun in Asia Minor on May 20, A.D. 325; and WHEREAS, The First Council of Nicaea opposed Arianism and confessed the doctrine of the Ho
To Give Thanks to God for Missionary Care Provided by the Office of International Mission RESOLUTION 2-03A Reports R1.2.2, R7 (CW, 19–28, 54–55); Overture 2-03 (CW, 295–96) WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus Christ commands His Church to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19–20), and the Synod carries out this work through the sending of missionaries around the wo
To Give Thanks to God for Synod Congregations Engaging in Mercy Ministries RESOLUTION 3-07 Reports R1.2.1, R60 (CW, 16–19, 161); Overture 3-04 (CW, 300) WHEREAS, God the Father has extended His great mercy to all people through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ (Titus 3:4–5; Eph. 2:4–5); and WHEREAS, God the Holy Spirit leads us to respond
To Implore Council of Presidents to Fulfill 2019 Resolution 6-03A re Oversight of Specific Ministry Pastors RESOLUTION 6-09A Overtures 6-54, 63 (CW, 397, 403) WHEREAS, Synod Bylaw 2.13.1 states that every specific ministry pastor “shall serve under the supervision of his district president and another pastor who is not a specific ministry pastor”; and WHEREA
To Increase Church Planting at the Parish Level RESOLUTION 1-07A Overture 1-06 (CW, 280) WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus Christ wants all people to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4) and has commanded His Church to make disciples of all nations by baptizing and teaching (Matt. 28:19); and WHEREAS, Acts 2:42 shows that the Church of baptized believers gathered around the ministry
To Increase Congregation Participation in Election of Synod President RESOLUTION 9-15 Overtures 9-21–22 (CW, 477–80) WHEREAS, The 2010 Synod convention changed the longstanding practice of electing the Synod President at the convention and conferred that right to congregations using electronic voting (2010 Res. 8 -17, “To Elect the Synod President,” [Proceed
To Prioritize Revitalization Work RESOLUTION 1-05A Report R1 (CW, 1–5); Overture 1-08 (CW, 281) WHEREAS, The Synod has prioritized revitalization of its congregations; and WHEREAS, Many existing Synod congregations have plateaued or are declining in membership or worship attendance; and WHEREAS, Congregational revitalization is centered in the new life that
To Proclaim 2029 the 500th Year of Luther’s Catechisms RESOLUTION 1-02 Reports R1, R1.1, R1.2.2, R33, R35, R58 (CW, 1–15, 19–28, 117, 119–20, 141–43); Overtures 1-22–23, 29–30 (CW, 289, 291–92) WHEREAS, The year 2029 marks the 500th anniversary of the publication of Martin Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms; and WHEREAS, Luther’s catechisms remain among the
To Promote Awareness of Christian Adoption and Fostering Needs RESOLUTION 3-02A Overture 3-01 (CW, 299) WHEREAS, Adoption figures prominently in Holy Scripture (Gal. 4:5) and the baptismal theology of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; and WHEREAS, Christians have an historical legacy of enacting this Gospel by undertaking and coordinating care for “orphans an
To Promote Ministry Among Youth and Young Adults RESOLUTION 1-09A Report R1.2.1 (CW, 16–19); Overtures 1-13, 21 (CW, 284, 288) WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus Christ has commanded His Church to make disciples of all nations by baptizing and teaching the baptized (Matt. 28:19–20), and to raise up successive generations in the faith; and WHEREAS, The Church has the re
To Reaffirm Sanctity of Human Life Regarding Practice of In Vitro Fertilization RESOLUTION 5-11A Overtures 5-19–21 (CW, 347–49) WHEREAS, Holy Scripture teaches that human life is a sacred gift from God, who is the Creator of all life (Gen . 1:26–28; Psalm 139:13–16); and WHEREAS, Christ sanctified and redeemed all human beings, including human embryos, in H
To Reaffirm the Synod’s Positions on Men and Women in the Church RESOLUTION 5-08A Overtures 5-30, 35 (CW, 354–55, 357) WHEREAS, Holy Scripture clearly teaches that the pastoral office is reserved for qualified men, and therefore prohibits women from publicly preaching, teaching, or leading worship in the assembled congregation (1 Timothy 2; 1 Corinthians 11;
To Reaffirm the Synod’s Process for Training and Certification for Pastors RESOLUTION 6-05A Report R13.3 (CW, 68–70); Overtures 6-14–24 (CW, 370–79) Rationale Article III of the Synod’s Constitution lists the following among the objectives of the Synod: 1. Conserve and promote the unity of the true faith … 3. Recruit and train pastors … To accomplish these o
To Recognize Altar and Pulpit Fellowship with Evangelical Lutheran Christian Church of Bolivia RESOLUTION 5-01 Overture 5-01 (CW, 335–36) Preamble Iglesia Cristiana Evangelica Luterana, the Evangelical Lutheran Christian Church (ICEL) has its roots in the work of the Norwegian Lutheran Mission (NLM) that began in the 1970’s, primarily in rural, Quechua -spea
To Refer “Sister Church” Nomenclature Change to Commission on Handbook RESOLUTION 5-07 President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, 1:30) WHEREAS, “Partner church” is a confusing term that can refer both to church bodies in fellowship and to church bodies not in fellowship but partnering toward a variety of ends (e.g., disaster relief, medical programming, seminary forma
To Request Commission on Theology and Church Relations Report on Human Organ Donation and Transplantation RESOLUTION 5-10 Overture 5-23 (CW, 350) WHEREAS, The 1981 Synod convention adopted Resolution 8 -05, “To Encourage Donation of Kidneys and Other Organs” (Proc., 204), which encouraged organ donation; and WHEREAS, Both medical technology and its academic,
To Respectfully Decline Overtures RESOLUTION 1-15 Overture 1-14 (CW, 284–85) WHEREAS, The floor committee has considered all overtures assigned to it and has concluded, for various reasons, that certain overtures should be declined; therefore be it Resolved, That the following overtures be respectfully declined for the reasons given: Overture Subject Reason
To Respectfully Decline Overtures RESOLUTION 5-14 Overtures 5-11–12, 38–39 (CW, 342–44, 359–60) WHEREAS, The floor committee has considered all overtures assigned to it and has concluded, for various reasons, that certain overtures should be declined; therefore be it Resolved, That the following overtures be respectfully declined for the reasons given: Overt
To Respectfully Decline Overtures RESOLUTION 6-14 Overtures 6-72, 74, 84, 86–87 (CW, 408–09, 413, 414–15)27 WHEREAS, The floor committee has considered all overtures assigned to it and has concluded, for various reasons, that certain overtures should be declined; therefore be it Resolved, That the following overtures be respectfully declined for the reasons
To Respectfully Decline Overtures RESOLUTION 7-10 Overtures 7-11, 13 (CW, 426–28) WHEREAS, The floor committee has considered all overtures assigned to it and has concluded, for various reasons, that certain overtures should be declined; therefore be it Resolved, That the following overtures be respectfully declined for the reasons given: Overture Subject Re
To Respectfully Decline Overtures RESOLUTION 9-17A Overtures 9-17, 23–32, 36–40, 44–45, 48, 52 (CW, 475–76, 480–95) WHEREAS, The floor committee has considered all overtures assigned to it and has concluded, for various reasons, that certain overtures should be declined; therefore be it Resolved, That the following overtures be respectfully declined for the
To Respectfully Decline Overtures RESOLUTION 10-07 Overtures 10-07, 11, 18–19, 26, 33 (CW, 504, 506, 511, 514, 519)3 WHEREAS, The floor committee has considered all overtures assigned to it and has concluded, for various reasons, that certain overtures should be declined; therefore be it Resolved, That the following overtures be respectfully declined for the
To Respond to Sexual Misconduct by Rostered Workers and Make Provision for Spiritual Care of Those Affected RESOLUTION 10-03A Overtures 10-27–30 (CW, 515–18) WHEREAS, God establishes the Office of the Holy Ministry for the care of His people (John 20:21 –23; 1 Tim. 3:1– 7; Titus 1:5–9), and those who serve in this office are called to lives that are “above r
To Revise the Membership of the Pastoral Formation Committee RESOLUTION 9-10A Overtures 6-64–71, 9-10 (CW, 403–8, 470–71) WHEREAS, One of the objectives of the Synod is to “recruit and train pastors, teachers, and other professional church workers and provide opportunity for their continuing growth” (Const. Art. III 3); and WHEREAS, The 2013 Resolution 5- 14
To Seek Commission on Theology and Church Relations Opinion regarding Usage of Matthew 18:15–20 RESOLUTION 10-01A Overtures 10-10, 12 (CW, 505–7) WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, being faithful to Scripture, acknowledges, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousn
At 3:07 each day, remember John 15:7 and pray for Christ's Church, the convention, our leaders, and the work of the Gospel among us.
