Official Workbook PDF page source text

LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 362

2026 Convention Workbook
327LIFE TOGETHER
WHEREAS, Satan, who is the father of all lies and a murderer from 
the beginning (John 8:44), fervently desires to catechize Christians 
in the ways of hell and in demonic discord that so frequently marks 
interactions in the world; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention strongly urge its 
members to pray fervently, both in corporate worship and as 
individuals, for the unity and health of the Synod, believing that all 
things are possible with God (Phil. 4:13); and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention exhort its members to 
review and renew their commitment to the Eighth Commandment 
and to self -restraint in speech and anger (James 1:19); and be it 
further 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention implore its members to 
be quick to listen (James 1:19) and to seek out opportunities to listen 
to and dialogue with those with whom they disagree, in order that 
mutual understanding, fidelity to doctrine, harmony, forgiveness , 
and reconciliation might be facilitated and abound among us; and 
be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage its members 
to employ extraordinary efforts toward caution, patience, clear 
communication, and love when navigating issues which have 
historically been or have the potential to be a source of division, and 
that all such issues be approached with a posture of humility and 
repentance for any ways in which we have contributed to disunity 
in the past; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention exhort its members to 
resist the temptation to imitate secular partisanship by lording it 
over each other and employing slander, coercion, secrecy, and 
power as the default means of addressing disagreements, but rather 
to seek to be servants of all (Matt. 20:25 –28), to engage in 
substantive and long-suffering efforts toward reconciliation with 
those who have something against us (Matt. 5:23 –25), and to 
display the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:1–11); and be it finally 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention require the organization 
of a task force representative of the Synod’s makeup as a whole to 
study and develop the following recommendations: to clarify the 
distinction between doctrine and adiaphora (matters of indifference 
neither commanded nor forbidden by God) in matters which are 
currently the source of conflict; to avoid imitating patterns of 
secular politics and partisan ways of relating to each other within 
the Church; and to address and resolve divisions of altar fellowship 
within the Synod where any such divisions are not a matter of 
conscience borne out of doctrinal necessity, but instead stem from 
differences of opinion or preference. 
Michigan District 
Ov. 4-45 
To Address Persecution in the Church 
WHEREAS, Our Lord stated that in the latter days His Church and 
her members would face persecution (Mark 13); and 
WHEREAS, This persecution has continued in many and various 
ways from the earliest days of the Church, in ways subtle and overt; 
and 
WHEREAS, This persecution will increase until our Lord comes 
again in glory; and 
WHEREAS, Many Christians, desiring to be good, faithful, and to 
make a good confession do not know how to, or are fearful to do so 
in such an environment; therefore be it 
Resolved, That pastors be encouraged to continue training and 
equipping the saints to face this persecution faithfully and in good 
conscience, and be strengthened in the same themselves; and be it 
further 
Resolved, That the SELC District give consideration to 
addressing this topic among her congregations and pastors to give 
advice and counsel; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the district memorialize the Synod to continually 
take up this issue to equip her church workers and congregations to 
face the persecution of these gray and latter days with faithfulness 
and joy, knowing that the Lord will work all things for the good of 
His Church and His sheep. 
SELC District 
Ov. 4-46 
To Judge Practice by Word Alone 
WHEREAS, The Word of God is pure, trustworthy, altogether 
righteous, and endures forever (Psalm 19, Isaiah 6:8); and 
WHEREAS, Faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ (Rom . 
10:17); and 
WHEREAS, Faith, drawn from the Word of God, directs our 
practice as well as our doctrine; and 
WHEREAS, Martin Luther promoted the embraced understanding 
of Sola Scriptura,  that is our Lutheran heritage and Scriptural 
foundation; and 
WHEREAS, Jesus declared, “The words I have spoken to you are 
spirit and life,” (John 6:63); therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod be encouraged to continue to search 
the Scriptures, to continue to abide in the Word (John 8:31–32) and 
to “read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest” (Collect for the Word, 
The Lutheran Hymnal [CPH, 1941], p. 14) the Word as both clergy 
and laity; and be it further 
Resolved, That we review and scrutinize our practice of the faith 
according to the Word of God so as not to prescribe or reject 
practices of faith and/or church life based on tradition or popes and 
councils,  but on the Word alone and, as it rightly exposits the 
Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, so as not to promote 
legalistic restrictions or limitations based on human reason but 
maintain the liberty for which Jesus set us free, with a conscientious 
permission of variation in the areas of adiaphora. 
St. Paul 
Albion, MI 
Ov. 4-47 
To Encourage Raising Up Public Servants 
WHEREAS, Our Lord commands us to pray for those who serve 
in public office: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, 
intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings 
and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and 
quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good and it is 
pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.” (1 Tim. 2:1–3); and 
WHEREAS, Our Lord commands us to respect these levels of 
government: “Let every person be subject to the governing