Official Workbook PDF page source text

LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 321

2026 Convention Workbook
286 NATIONAL  WITNESS
on “diversity, equity, and inclusion” emphasize the 
unrealistic equality of outcome  over against  equality of 
opportunity, and such emphases have been documented even 
in a Synod university (2023 Convention Report R64, 
“Ecclesiastical Visitation of Concordia University Texas,” 
Office of the President, Workbook, 177). 
• Anything that promotes homosexuality or other sexual 
deviancies ( LGBTQIA+). This includes questioning a 
person’s gender, teaching that there are more than two 
genders, or that a person’s gender can be changed. 
Further, Synod schools should not sponsor or participate in any 
events that advocate, teach or condone any of the above, nor should 
there be displays of any type that promote any of the above; and be 
it further 
Resolved, That no Synod school teach non-Christian doctrine or 
precepts or participate in events sponsored by any non-Christian 
entity that promotes non-Christian doctrine or practices, nor should 
Synod-sponsored church or school libraries utilize books to 
advocate non-Christian philosophies, doctrine, or entities; and be it 
finally 
Resolved, That due to the vulnerability of our children, if any of 
the above harmful philosophies and/or non-Christian religions are 
taught at any Synod daycare, parochial school, or high school, the 
appropriate Synod authorities should immediately stop the 
offensive teaching and/or remove the offensive library or textbooks; 
if appropriate, the authorities can then use the Synod dispute 
process, since beginning with the dispute process would drag things 
on ad infinitum while our children are being harmed. 
Holy Cross 
Kansas City, MO 
Ov. 1-16 
To Proactively Put in Place National Standards  
for Our Schools to Protect Students 
WHEREAS, Synod c ongregations and recognized service 
organizations provide  1,745 schools, which are boldly and 
successfully reaching children and their families with the saving 
Gospel of Jesus Christ; and 
W
HEREAS, Our gracious Lord has blessed us with God-fearing 
teachers who are simultaneously both saints and sinners; and 
WHEREAS, T here have been cases of moral failure that have 
harmed students and damaged the public reputation of schools and 
the churches who operate them; and 
W
HEREAS, The S ynod has a moral obligation to proactively 
protect children that we are entrusted with, wielding the first use of 
the Law through national standards related to the safety of children, 
which would have the effect of curbing potential inappropriate 
conduct; and 
WHEREAS, T he National Lutheran Schools A ccreditation 
(NLSA), which serves as the accrediting body for the Synod , has 
declined to implement some needed n ational standards for our 
schools that could proactively protect children; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the NLSA to 
implement a national standard that prohibits teachers from 
communicating with students via Snapchat or any other electronic 
application that automatically deletes messages so that they cannot 
be retrieved by parents or authorities unless they are intentionally 
saved; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the NLSA to 
implement a national standard that prohibits teachers from dating 
former students until the student has reached the age of 18 or older; 
and be it finally 
Resolved, That the NLSA  be encouraged to implement other 
appropriate proactive national standards for our schools, which are 
intended to curb inappropriate conduct and safeguard the well-being 
of students and our ministry to them. 
Circuit 25 (Kenosha), South Wisconsin District; Circuit 26 
(Racine), South Wisconsin District; Circuits 3, 4, and 6 (Metro 
Northwest/Central/North Shore), South Wisconsin District 
Ov. 1-17 
To Commend and Give Thanks  
for Lutheran Schools 
WHEREAS, The Synod  has maintained a strong and enduring 
commitment to Lutheran education as a vital expression of its 
mission to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and 
WHEREAS, The Synod  facilitates one of the largest Christian 
school systems in the United States, with nearly 1,700 schools—
including early childhood centers, elementary schools, and high 
schools—in addition to Concordia u niversities that prepare  future 
church and community leaders; and 
WHEREAS, Lutheran schools are centers of academic excellence, 
spiritual formation, formation in Christian character and life shaped 
by faith, providing children and youth with a Christ -centered 
education that equips them for  lives of faithful service to God and 
neighbor; and 
WHEREAS, These schools serve as powerful outreach arms of 
local congregations and mission efforts, welcoming students and 
families from both churched and unchurched backgrounds; and 
WHEREAS, Teachers, administrators, pastors, and support staff in 
Lutheran schools labor with faithfulness, skill, and dedication, often 
under challenging circumstances, to bring the light of Christ into the 
lives of students; and 
WHEREAS, The Holy Spirit in the Scriptures exhorts the Church 
to honor those who labor among us (1 Thess. 5:12–13), to commend 
what is good (Phil . 4:8), and to give thanks to God in all things (1  
Thess. 5:18); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God for 
the ministry of Lutheran schools and for the countless lives shaped 
by their Gospel-centered mission; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod commend  the faithful work of 
Lutheran school educators, administrators, and congregational  
leaders who support these ministries with their time, gifts, and 
prayers; and be it further 
Resolved, That districts and congregations be encouraged to 
invest in, support, and expand Lutheran schools as vibrant  
expressions of the Synod’s commitment to Christian formation and 
community engagement; and be it finally 
Resolved, That t
his resolution be shared throughout the Synod 
and beyond as a public expression of thanksgiving and  support for 
Lutheran schools and those who serve within them, to the glory of 
God, as they spread the Gospel and build up Christ’s Church. 
Board for National Mission