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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 480

preparation for the pastoral office (2019 Res. 6-02; 2023 Res. 6-
02A); and 
WHEREAS, CTSFW reported an audited 2024 annual operating 
budget of $17,310,173, of which approximately two percent was 
provided through direct corporate Synod funding, with the 
remainder supplied through gifts, endowment distributions, and 
tuition (Jon Bruss, “Ri se Again, Ye Lion -hearted! Strategic Plan 
2024–2029,” For the Life of the World, Vol. 29, no. 1 [Spring 2025]: 
4–6); and 
W
HEREAS, Seminary leadership has publicly acknowledged that 
corporate Synod once underwrote a substantially greater proportion 
of seminary operating expenses than is presently the case; and 
W
HEREAS, The formation of pastors who rightly teach, 
administer the Sacraments, and shepherd Christ’s flock is 
foundational to every other work of the Synod; and 
W
HEREAS, Faithful stewardship requires that corporate Synod 
funding priorities reflect the Church’s primary responsibility to 
form ministers of the Gospel; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention declare the full 
operational funding of CSL and CTSFW to be a primary 
responsibility of corporate Synod; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod direct the Board of Directors (BOD), 
in consultation with the President of the Synod, the Chief Financial 
Officer of the Synod, and the presidents of both seminaries, to 
develop and implement a multi -year plan that begins with an 
increased appropriation for both seminaries in the Synod’s fiscal 
year 2027 (FY27) corporate budget (July 1, 2026 –June 30, 2027), 
with the stated objective of moving toward full operational funding; 
and be it further 
Resolved, That the FY27 corporate Synod budget shall include a 
measurable increase in direct corporate Synod funding for each 
seminary, the amount of which shall be publicly reported and shall 
represent a material step toward full operational funding; and be it 
further 
Resolved, That the FY27 increase be achieved through the 
reallocation and prioritization of unrestricted corporate Synod 
funds, as determined by the BOD in the course of normal budget 
development, while explicitly preserving donor-restricted gifts and 
designated funding; and be it further 
Resolved, That the BOD report to the Synod no later than Dec. 
31, 2026, the specific FY27 dollar amounts appropriated to each 
seminary, the budget lines affected, and the projected increases for 
subsequent fiscal years; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for the faithful 
generosity of His people and pray for wise stewardship that 
strengthens both the Church’s mission and the formation of her 
pastors. 
Trinity (Decatur Rd) 
Fort Wayne, IN 
Ov. 8-16 
To Encourage Synod Transparency and Unity 
regarding Concluded HotChalk Litigation 
WHEREAS, The Synod gives thanks to God for His mercy in 
Christ and prays for a life together marked by humility, gentleness, 
patience, and bearing with one another in love, as we seek to 
maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:2– 3); 
and 
WHEREAS, The structure of the Synod orders and supports our 
life together in the proclamation of Christ and Him crucified, such 
that decisions made at the Synod level regarding shared ministries, 
including Lutheran higher education and institutional closures, have 
real and lasting effects on congregations and the people they serve; 
and 
W
HEREAS, The Synod Board of Directors  (BOD) has publicly 
stated that mediation has concluded litigation brought by HotChalk, 
Inc., relating to the closure of Concordia University, Portland, and 
that a financial settlement has been reached; and 
WHEREAS, The BOD “is the legal representative of the Synod 
and the custodian of all the property of the Synod” and “shall be 
accountable to the Synod in convention for the discharge of its 
duties” (Bylaw 3.3.4); and 
WHEREAS, Under Bylaw subsection, “Full Financial 
Disclosure,” “T he Synod and each of its agencies shall fully 
disclose their financial books and records to any member 
congregation of the Synod,” while also recognizing stated limits and 
requiring written explanation where information is declined or 
limited (Bylaw 1.5.4); and 
WHEREAS, Transparent communication regarding significant 
legal settlements involving S ynod resources supports faithful 
stewardship, promotes trust among congregations, reduces rumor 
and confusion, and strengthens the Synod’s ability to proceed 
together with clarity in an uncertain season; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God for 
His continued work through the Synod even amid hardship and 
legal challenge, and exhort all members to continue in charity, 
patience, and confidence in Christ as we walk together in our 
common mission; and be it further 
Resolved, That the Synod in convention respectfully request that 
the appropriate Synod officers and/or the BOD disclose to the 
Synod the total amount paid by or on behalf of the Synod in 
settlement of the concluded HotChalk litigation, to the fullest extent 
permitted by law and any binding settlement terms, and that such 
disclosure be made available to member congregations in a readily 
accessible manner; and be it finally 
Resolved, That if the settlement amount, or any portion thereof, 
cannot be disclosed, the Synod officers and/or the BOD provide a 
written explanation describing the general nature of the restriction 
or restrictions and the reason or reasons disclosure is not possi ble, 
consistent with the Synod’s commitments to financial disclosure 
and clear communication. 
Circuit 27 (Livonia) 
Michigan District 
Ov. 8-17 
To Encourage Transparency and Accountability  
in Legal Judgments and Settlements 
WHEREAS, Constitution Articles VII and XI establish the Synod 
as a voluntary association acting on behalf of its member 
congregations and vest final human authority in the Synod in 
convention; and 
WHEREAS, The Bylaws of the Synod charge the Board of 
Directors (BOD) with fiduciary responsibility for the Synod’s 
2026 Convention Workbook
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