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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

WHEREAS, 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

WHEREAS, 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 prolife 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