Official Workbook PDF page source text

Constitutional Matters to write a proposed amendment to the

Bylaws of Synod that creates a regular process for establishing

formal ecclesiastical relations between a micro -college sponsored by LCMS congregations and the Synod; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod President and Secretary consider proposing limitations in these bylaw amendments that include the following:

• that the micro-college be an undergraduate school restricted to a student population of 400 or less;

• that the micro-college offer instruction primarily through inperson classes;

• that the entire faculty and administration of the micro - college be members of the LCMS or members in good standing of LCMS congregations;

• that the micro -college receive regular ecclesiastical visitation with a visitation team to include, in addition to the district president of the LCMS district in which the micro - college resides, one representative each from the President of Synod, the president of the CUS, a Concordia University president or member of the theology faculty, and a seminary faculty member;

• that the doctrine and practice of the micro -college in all its faculty, teaching and preaching, worship practices, and campus culture be thoroughly Lutheran in accord with LCMS doctrinal commitments;

• that the micro-college be clearly separate from Synod legally and financially in a way similar to the requirements established for RSOs; and • that the micro-college not prepare or posture itself to prepare pastors for ordination or laymen to carry out the functions of the pastoral office, nor certify for membership on the roster of Synod teachers and other church workers;

and be it finally

Resolved, That this resolution be sent as an overture to the 2026 Synod convention as the record of the Wyoming District’s appeal regarding LCC’s ecclesiastical relationship with the Synod.

Wyoming District

Ov. 7-26

To Give Thanks for Board of Regents of Concordia College—New York

WHEREAS, Concordia College —New York (CCNY) was founded in 1881 and served faithfully as an educational institution of the church until it ceased academic operations on December 31, 2022; and

WHEREAS, The work of closing a college may continue for years after the vote for closure and the cessation of academic operations;

and

WHEREAS, The CCNY Board of Regents served diligently and faithfully to ensure an orderly closure of the college through March 2025; and

WHEREAS, The orderly work of the board has been to the benefit of the Atlantic District and the Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That the district in convention gives thanks to Almighty God for the members of the CCNY Board of Regents for their diligent, fair, and faithful work; and be it further

Resolved, That the d istrict in convention memorialize this resolution to the 2026 Synod convention so that the board may be recognized for their work by the Synod.

Atlantic District

Ov. 7-27

To Give Thanks for Leaders Who Developed Concordia University Wisconsin / Ann Arbor Partnership

WHEREAS, The congregations and people of the Michigan District have treasured a close relationship with Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) since its founding in 1963; and

WHEREAS, In July 2013, a strategic partnership between CUAA and Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) became official; and

WHEREAS, For over a decade this merger resulted in the flourishing of the Ann Arbor campus, with an expansion of programs and facilities, record growth in enrollment, a greater community impact, and, most importantly, the spiritual development of students in the Christian faith, resulting in numerous students being converted and baptized through the work of the Holy Spirit, choosing church work careers, and having a greater desire to embrace the Christian faith and our Lutheran confession; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God for the mission and ministry of CUAA since its founding in 1963, and especially for the years of the campus’s flourishing as a result of the merger with CUW; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention commend all leaders, past and present, of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor (CUWAA) and the district for their support of the mission and ministry of CUAA since its founding in 1963 and their remarkable efforts to s ee the campus flourish as part of CUWAA for the last decade, for their communication of the vision, and their encouragement and support of the many faculty and staff who helped the merger take place, to the glory of God; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention, with united hearts and voices, give thanks and praise to God for the blessings He has bestowed upon the kingdom at large through the work of His Holy Spirit and the ministry fulfilled in Ann Arbor, specifically, and as a whole through all our Concordia universities; and be it finally

Resolved, That the assembly rise and join in singing the common doxology as an expression of thanksgiving.

Michigan District

Ov. 7-28

To Conduct a Project Postmortem Examination of Concordia University Ann Arbor

WHEREAS, It is desirable to enhance the level of trust and support in the Concordia University System (CUS), and the respective Concordia institutions contained therein, regarding processes and decisions that lead to any substantial and material downsizing or elimination of any university; and

WHEREAS, There has not been an independent analysis of the actions taken by the Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor Board of Regents regarding the contractual framework and 2026 Convention Workbook

435UNIVERSITY EDUCATION