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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 523

Resolved, That this bylaw amendment take effect at the close of 
the 2026 Synod convention. 
St. Thomas 
Magnolia, TX 
Ov. 9-39 
To Bring Resolutions with Strong District Support 
to Convention Floor 
WHEREAS, The Synod receives more resolutions each triennium 
than can reasonably be brought to the delegates of the national 
convention; and 
WHEREAS, The Bylaws provide for the P resident of Synod and 
the convention floor committees to vet, edit, and organize overtures 
submitted to provide oversight and to maximize the efficiency of 
the Synod convention (Bylaws 3.1.6.2 and 3.1.7); and 
WHEREAS, Committees often, but do not always, give priority to 
concerns and resolutions that have received support from multiple 
districts of the Synod; and 
W
HEREAS, Each triennium , significant numbers of overtures, 
including some that have the support of multiple districts, remain 
unaddressed at the Synod convention, or are referred to authorities 
outside the Synod acting in convention; therefore be it 
Resolved, That any resolution, or cause, receiving support from 
seven or more districts of the Synod, whether by action of their 
respective conventions or their boards of directors, be referred to 
the Synod in convention for full consideration; and be it further 
Resolved, That if such a cause or resolution receiving support 
from seven or more districts is found to be in violation of  the 
Synod’s doctrinal standards or Bylaws that cause be given for the 
dismissal of the resolution; and be it further 
Resolved, That such cause be published in the C onvention 
Workbook, Today’s Business, or announced by the chair to the 
convention; and be it finally 
Resolved, That the Bylaws be amended to reflect the above. 
Eastern District; Board of Directors, Eastern District 
Ov. 9-40 
To Create Process for Initiatives and Referenda 
WHEREAS, The Michigan District is organized under the laws of 
the state of Michigan; and 
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is organized 
under the laws of the state of Missouri; and 
WHEREAS, Our church body is based on a common constitution; 
and 
WHEREAS, The laws of Missouri (and Michigan) recognize the 
constitutional power of initiative and referendum; and 
WHEREAS, Under these constitutional principles, the people 
reserve to themselves the power to propose laws and to enact and 
reject laws —called the initiative —and the power to approve or 
reject laws enacted by the legislature—called the referendum; and 
WHEREAS, Under these constitutional principles, our 
congregations reserve to themselves all constitutional powers not 
previously granted, including the power to propose laws and to 
enact and reject laws —called the initiative —and the power to 
approve or reject laws enacted by the legislature—called the 
referendum; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod shall, within six months from the close 
of this convention, submit bylaw provisions to the congregations , 
setting forth procedures by which congregations can submit 
initiatives and referendums to the Secretary of Synod for approval 
by the congregations. 
Huntington Woods, Huntington Woods, MI;  
Circuit 18 (Birmingham), Michigan District 
Ov. 9-41 
To Provide Clarity about Amendments  
to Resolutions 
WHEREAS, The apostle Paul proclaims that “For God is not a God 
of confusion but of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33); and 
WHEREAS, The current practice at the Synod convention is to 
show changes to resolutions only in their final form in the 
publication of Today’s Business, with no clear explanation of the 
changes to the resolutions (e.g., Res. 7- 01A [2023 Today’s 
Business, 2B:309]); and 
WHEREAS, Many of the resolutions are significantly lengthy, 
especially those dealing with changes to the Bylaws; and 
WHEREAS, It is difficult for convention delegates to understand 
the changes between successive revisions of resolutions given the 
window between publications of Today’s Business, which is often 
short; and 
WHEREAS, Delegates who do not understand a revision will not 
be able to vote in good conscience on a given resolution; therefore 
be it 
Resolved, That the Commission on Handbook and other 
appropriate parties consider changes to the practice of bringing 
revised resolutions to the floor, to include a complete verbal 
explanation and print notation of changes made in a revision; and 
be it further 
Resolved
, That Synod convention processes seek to bring more 
clarity to the delegates who are voting upon the important matters 
considered. 
Florida-Georgia District 
Ov. 9-42 
To Change to Four-Year Convention Cycle 
WHEREAS, It has been studied and discussed for several years to 
move from a three-year district and Synod convention cycle to a 
four-year cycle; and 
WHEREAS, Such a change would save millions of dollars in 
district and Synod convention expenses; and 
WHEREAS, Moving to a four -year convention cycle would 
demonstrate a sensitivity to the financial challenges facing many 
congregations and a commitment to practice wise stewardship; and 
WHEREAS, In response to the COVID -19 pandemic some 
districts and the Synod moved to a four -year convention cycle 
without great difficulty; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Synod in c onvention adopt a four -year 
convention cycle, effective upon completion of the 2026 Synod 
convention. 
Board of Directors 
Eastern District 
2026 Convention Workbook
488 STRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATION