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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