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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 335

acts of mercy in times of crisis, trained and coordinated Lutheran 
Early Response Team (LERT)  volunteers, trained leaders, and 
supported congregations and districts in times of disaster; and 
WHEREAS, LCMS Disaster Response currently works through 
104 key leaders across 35 districts and six r ecognized service 
organizations (RSO), supporting a network of more than 9,200 
trained LERT volunteers and more than  80 pieces of specialized 
disaster equipment, enabling faithful and compassionate response; 
and 
WHEREAS, In the past triennium, LCMS Disaster Response and 
its volunteers have responded to disasters, (including h urricanes 
Helene and Milton in 2024 , tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and other 
emergencies) and has  provided enhancements with new training 
options for LERT volunteers and trainers, showing Christ’s mercy 
in tangible acts of service and bringing the comfort of the Gospel 
with pastoral care to thousands of survivors; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks and praise 
to God for His mercy and provision through the  ongoing work of 
LCMS Disaster Response, especially for the witness and service 
offered through LERT volunteers,  districts, and RSOs; and be it 
further 
Resolved, That the Synod encourage continued support and 
prayer for those affected by natural disasters and for  those who 
serve faithfully in times of crisis; and be it further 
Resolved, That each  district appoint a d istrict disaster response 
coordinator to work directly with LCMS  Disaster Response and 
offer LERT training modules in the district; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod commend LCMS Disaster Response, 
its staff, leaders, and volunteers, to the Lord’s  continued care, 
asking Him to strengthen their work in mercy and to bless their 
proclamation of the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed; 
and be it finally 
Resolved, That the Synod joyfully confess that every act of 
mercy flows from Christ Himself, “who comforts us  in all our 
affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any 
affliction” (2 Cor. 1:4), to the glory of God and the comfort of His 
people. 
Board for National Mission 
Ov. 3-04 
To Give Thanks For and Support  
Human Care Efforts 
WHEREAS, Holy Scripture calls us to love our neighbors as 
ourselves (Mark 12:31) and to bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 
6:2); and 
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church —Missouri Synod has a rich 
history of caring for those in need, including immigrants, people 
affected by natural disasters, and the most vulnerable in society; and 
W
HEREAS, Recently the Synod has faithfully supported human 
care efforts, including relief for those affected by disasters such as 
Hurricane Helene and support for legal immigrants through various 
recognized service organizations; and 
WHEREAS, These efforts reflect the mercy and compassion of 
Christ, bringing hope and healing to those in need; and 
WHEREAS, The congregations and members of the Synod have 
generously contributed time, resources, and prayers to sustain these 
vital ministries; and 
WHEREAS, The work of human care ministries strengthens the 
witness of the church, demonstrating Christ’s love in action; 
therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God for 
the faithful work of those engaged in these human care ministries; 
and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod encourage its congregations, members, 
and partners to continue their generous support of human care 
efforts, including disaster relief and aid for immigrants and 
refugees; and be it further 
Resolved, That the congregations, members, and partners of the 
Synod be encouraged to support these efforts with their time, 
including participation in Lutheran Early Response Team training; 
and be it finally 
Resolved
, That the Synod in convention give thanks for these 
efforts, encourage continued support for human care ministries, and 
seek additional ways to extend Christ’s mercy to those in need, that 
the church at large may continue to bear witness to the love of Christ 
through acts of mercy and service. 
Southeastern District 
Ov. 3-05 
To Establish District Commission  
on Immigration and Immigration Resources 
WHEREAS, The issue of United States immigration procedures is 
under great scrutiny nationally and within the boundaries of the  
LCMS Atlantic District, and neighboring districts; and 
WHEREAS, The district has been at the forefront of welcoming 
immigrants into its congregations since its founding in 1906, 
including called church workers specifically for immigrant 
populations; and 
WHEREAS, The district has fostered immigrant pastors in recent 
years to complete the process of entering the clergy roster of the 
Synod, with 18 first- generation immigrants currently serving 
district congregations; and 
WHEREAS, T he membership of the d istrict congregations 
currently is composed of a substantial number of first- and second-
generation immigrant families, representing significant percentages 
of the membership in many congregations; and 
WHEREAS, T he blessing of those immigrant members has 
produced leaders serving in diaconal and parish ministries as well 
as at the district level; and 
WHEREAS, S ome of these members currently fear unjust 
detainment and deportation; and 
WHEREAS, Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions speak 
directly to care and hospitality for the stranger; and 
WHEREAS, In 2012 , the Commission on Theology and Church 
Relations (CTCR) published the report, Immigrants Among Us: A 
Lutheran Framework for Addressing Immigration Issues , that 
advises congregations and other members concerning immigrants, 
and in 2018 , the CTCR published a complementary Bible study 
based on the 2012 report; and 
WHEREAS, Lutheran Social Services of New York (LSSNY) and 
Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee 
Service) are collaborative partners in programs and opportunities 
for refugees, asylum-seekers, and immigrants; and 
2026 Convention Workbook
300 MERCY