Official Workbook PDF page source text

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

WHEREAS, 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