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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 389

2026 Convention Workbook
354 THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS
5. The Synod, based on its understanding of what the Scriptures 
and the Lutheran Confessions teach, has adopted resolutions 
which permit women to vote in congregational assemblies 
(without any limitations on the matters on which they may vote) 
and to read the Scriptures in public worship services, thereby 
indicating that these activities are not distinctive functions of the 
pastoral office nor do they constitute “ official functions [that] 
would involve public accountability for the function of the 
pastoral office” (cf. 1969 Res. 2-17; 1989 Res. 3-14) [emphasis 
added]; 
and 
W
HEREAS, The practice of having female readers of the Holy 
Scriptures in the public worship service was based on the faulty and 
limited view (a reductionist view) of preaching as an intrinsic 
function of the Office of the Ministry, without proper consideration 
that the Holy Spirit defines the public reading of the Holy Scriptures 
as preaching/heralding (Act 15:21) and the responsibilities of an 
overseer to be “[public] reading, exhortation, teaching” (1 Tim. 
4:13, author translation) and that St. Paul in his holy office calls 
himself a herald, apostle, and a teacher ( κῆρυξ καὶ ἀπόστολος· 
ἀλήθειαν λέγω ἐν χριστῷ, οὐ ψεύδομαι· διδάσκαλος) (1 Tim. 2:7), 
and because a careful reading of Scripture does not put the public 
reading of Scripture outside the office of preaching, but even 
equates that reading with preaching; therefore be it 
Resolved, That we exercise great care when it comes to the clear 
words of the Holy Spirit: that to read Scripture is to herald or 
preach it, and give thanks to God that it is so, because—in the days 
of the apostles —Jewish rabbis did not regularly preach Jesus the 
way Moses does, and yet through the public reading of Moses the 
truth was preached and hearts were prepared for the apostles’ 
teaching that Jesus is the Christ; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod hereby acknowledge Jesus Christ’s 
prohibition against females reading the Scriptures in the public 
services of His Church, rescind its erroneous 1989 Res. 3-14, as 
well as correct its statements, rubrics, and practices, and Synod 
pastors everywhere repent of the error of inviting females to 
publicly read (which is to preach/herald) the Scriptures in the 
services of Christ’s Church, even as we comfort those females that 
they have not sinned, who have followed their pastor’s and the 
Synod’s lead down this perilous path. 
Trinity 
Tryon, NC 
Ov. 5-29 
To Correct Erroneous Practice of Women Lectors 
WHEREAS, God created man first and then the woman (Genesis  
2; 1 Tim. 2:13); and 
WHEREAS, On the basis of this order of creation God commands 
women not to teach or to exercise authority over men in the 
churches, but to remain silent and learn in quietness and all 
submission, which St. Paul explains as follows: 
Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not 
permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to 
be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam 
was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into 
transgression. Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if 
they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self -control. (1 
Tim. 2:11–15 NKJV); 
and as follows: 
Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not 
permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also 
says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own 
husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in 
church. (1 Cor. 14:34–35 NKJV); 
and 
WHEREAS, “Learn in quietness and all submission” and “they are 
not permitted to speak” explicitly exclude women from speaking 
the Scripture lessons to the whole congregation in the Divine 
Service; and 
WHEREAS, Many congregations in the Synod have accepted the 
practice of women speaking the Scripture lessons to the 
congregation; and 
WHEREAS, The Commission on Theology and Church Relations 
(CTCR) 1985 report, Women in the Church: Scriptural Principles 
and Ecclesial Practice , by claiming on page 45 that there is no 
apostolic prohibition of women reading the lessons in the public 
service, directly contradicts St. Paul who says “Let your women 
keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak”; and 
WHEREAS, This practice, being contrary to the Word of God, is 
thereby destructive to the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace 
(Eph. 4:3) which we as Christians are to pursue; and 
WHEREAS, The public reading of Scripture is listed by St. Paul 
as one of St. Timothy’s official duties as pastor (1 Tim. 4:13; cf. 
Acts 13:15); and 
WHEREAS, While circumstances may arise when laymen may 
and even must read the lessons before the congregation in place of 
the pastor, the Scriptures specifically prohibit women from this task 
based on the order of creation; therefore be it 
Resolved, T hat the CTCR revisit and correct the 1985 CTCR 
report, Women in the Church: Scriptural Principles and Ecclesial 
Practice, specifically regarding the practice of women reading the 
Holy Scriptures publicly before the congregation; and be it further 
Resolved, That the CTCR revisit the issue of whether the public 
reading before the congregation constitutes an official duty and 
authoritative act of the pastoral office in view of 1  Tim. 4:13; and 
be it further 
Resolved, That Synod affirm that the men, as heads of their own 
households, should be the leaders in their congregations ; and be it 
finally 
Resolved, T hat the Synod call on its president and pastors to 
study together and teach their congregations what the Scriptures 
teach about the roles of men and women in the home and the church, 
that we might gain a better understanding and stronger agreement 
on what God’s Word says concerning our various stations in life. 
Mission of the Cross 
Crosslake, MN 
Ov. 5-30 
To Reaffirm Doctrine of Men Serving  
in Office of Holy Ministry 
WHEREAS, Scripture tells us that only certain men (1 Tim. 3:1 –
7; Titus 1:7 –9; Matt. 10:2 –4) can enter the Office of the Holy 
Ministry (1 Cor. 14:33– 35; 1 Tim. 2:11 –15; Titus 1:5 –9; 2 Tim. 
2:2); and