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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 334

3. Mercy 
REPORTS 
R1, R1.2–R1.2.2, R1.2.4, R5.2–R7, R60, R62.1 
OVERTURES 
Ov. 3-01 
To Promote Awareness of Christian Adoption  
and Fostering Needs 
WHEREAS, Adoption figures prominently in Holy Scripture (Gal. 
4:5) and the baptismal theology of salvation by grace in the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church; and 
WHEREAS, Christians have a historical legacy of enacting this 
Gospel by undertaking and coordinating care for “orphans and 
widows in their affliction” (James 1:27); and 
W
HEREAS, In the United States, The Lutheran Church—Missouri 
Synod, her congregations, and affiliated parachurch organizations 
have especially exemplified these concerns and embodied this 
mercy; and 
WHEREAS, Some 115,000 children nationwide are awaiting 
families and homes through adoption this year; and 
WHEREAS, In many jurisdictions, state involvement in adoption 
imposes restrictions that result in a significant proportion of these 
children receiving placements in situations contrary to the Heavenly 
Father’s design and intention for sexuality and marriage and 
without regard for their eternal welfare; and 
W
HEREAS, The Synod in convention has not explicitly spoken 
about the connection of adoption to our doctrine and our vocation 
to serve these neighbors in need; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Indiana District, in grateful response to our 
own baptismal adoption as children of God through our Lord Jesus 
Christ, affirm our Christian privilege and responsibility to advocate 
and undertake protecting and providing for children awaiting 
adoption and fostering, particularly that they might enter His 
kingdom by baptism and belief in His saving name; and be it further 
Resolved, That we encourage our district’s leaders and 
congregations to promote awareness of Christian adoption and 
fostering needs, agencies, and opportunities; and be it further 
Resolved, That we recognize and commend Synod recognized 
service organizations (RSOs) engaged in these services with our 
prayers, our advocacy, and our contributions to further their labors 
among us and on our behalf; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Indiana District in convention memorialize 
the Synod in convention to encourage our Synod leaders and 
congregations to promote awareness of Christian adoption and its 
Christ-pleasing benefits and promote awareness of Christian 
adoption and fostering needs, agencies, and opportunities; and be it 
finally 
Resolved, That the Indiana District in convention memorialize 
the Synod in convention to recognize and commend the Synod 
RSOs engaged in these services with our prayers, our advocacy, and 
our contributions to further their labors among us and on our behalf. 
Indiana District 
Ov. 3-02 
To Commend and Encourage Life Ministry Efforts 
of Congregations, Schools, Districts,  
and Recognized Service Organizations 
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, from conception to death, 
with not only our words but also our actions (1 John 3:16–18; James 
1:22–27); and 
WHEREAS, Increasing numbers of Lutherans are planning and 
participating in pro-life marches and other advocacy events across 
the United States; and 
WHEREAS, LCMS Life Ministry has awarded Million Dollar Life 
Match grants to Synod congregations and districts to support and 
expand beginning-of -life care projects, sanctity of life education 
and pro-life advocacy work that upholds the value of all human life; 
and 
WHEREAS, LCMS Life Ministry has created new resources that 
proclaim the Gospel and equip the saints for pro- life efforts that 
serve the neighbor and witness to Christ (many such resources to be 
found in the LCMS Life Ministry Library online at 
resources.lcms.org/reading-study/life-library/); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in c onvention give thanks to God for 
the ongoing and increasing witness to the sanctity and dignity of 
every human life by Synod congregations, schools , districts, 
Recognized Service Organizations (RSO), and by LCMS Life 
Ministry; and be it further 
Resolved, That LCMS Life Ministry, the Office of National 
Mission, the Office of the President, and d istrict staff members be 
encouraged to participate in not only Synod efforts,  but also 
ecumenical and civic pro -life organizations and  events, when and 
where appropriate; and be it further 
Resolved, That LCMS Life Ministry continue to create 
resources, offer educational events such as conferences  and 
webinars, and advise congregations, schools, districts, and RSOs in 
their pro-life work; and be it finally 
Resolved, That congregations, schools , and districts of the 
Synod, as well as RSOs, continue to promote and encourage both 
church workers and congregation members to be involved in pro-
life efforts,  such as advocating state and federal lawmakers to 
protect and defend human life from conception until natural death,  
educating congregation members and school families about the 
God-given sanctity and dignity of human life, and finding myriad 
ways to care for the body and soul needs of fathers, mothers, babies, 
and whole families. 
Board for National Mission 
Ov. 3-03 
To Thank God for Work  
of LCMS Disaster Response and Training 
WHEREAS, Holy Scripture teaches us to “Bear one another’s 
burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal . 6:2), and the Lord 
calls His Church to works of mercy that flow from His mercy given 
to us in Christ Jesus; and 
WHEREAS, Since its current organizational structure in 2005, 
LCMS Disaster Response has faithfully equipped  the church for 
2026 Convention Workbook
299FLOOR COMMITTEES: REPORT AND OVERTURE ASSIGNMENTS