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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 542

Matthew 18:15 a nonpublic one done only in the presence of 
individuals is a sin against them. Thus, as in the latter case, 
reconciliation through apology is likewise necessary in the first 
one—but [in this case] a public one.” ( ibid., 389); and 
WHEREAS, This distinction is not adequately maintained in the 
current dispute resolution process of the Synod, but all sins are 
treated as if they were private sins according to Bylaw 2.14.3 (c); 
and 
W
HEREAS, The failure to deal with a public sin through public 
church repentance gives the impression that the respective sin is 
tolerated in the Church of God, thereby endangering souls who 
support and persist in such a sin; therefore be it 
Resolved, That Bylaw 2.14.3 be amended as follows: 
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 
Consultation 
2.14.3 When a member congregation or individual member of the 
Synod is aware of information which could lead to the expulsion of 
a member from the Synod under Article XIII of the Constitution, 
prior to any formal written complaint or accusation the member shall 
consult with his or her respective district president to seek advice 
and also so that it can be determined whether this is the appropriate 
bylaw procedure (Bylaw section 2.14) or whether the matter falls 
under Bylaw sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17, or 1.8; Bylaws 3.10.5.7.9 or 
3.10.6.9.6; or dispute resolution under Bylaw section 1.10. In regard 
to this consultation: 
… 
(c) If Bylaw section 2.14 applies  and the matter is a private 
dispute between two individuals, the district president shall 
ensure that the accuser has met face -to-face with the accused in 
the manner described in Matthew 18:15. Even if the alleged 
violation of Article XIII of the Constitution is considered to be 
“public,” this provision of Matthew 18:15 shall be followed. The 
reputation of all parties is to be protected as commanded in the 
Eighth Commandment. However, if the matter is a public sin that 
has caused scandal to an entire congregation, circuit, or district, 
then the respective district president shall commence action 
according to 1 Timothy 5:20 and Bylaw 2.14.4. In the case of 
such a public sin or scandal, the stages of admonition for private 
sin outlined in Matthew 18:15–16 shall not apply, as stated in the 
Lutheran Confessions (LC I [Eighth Commandment] 284). 
… 
and be it further 
Resolved, That Bylaw 2.14.4 be amended as follows: 
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 
Commencing an Action 
2.14.4 Under this bylaw (Bylaw section 2.14) the district 
president of the accused shall commence the following action when 
he becomes aware of information or allegations that could lead to 
expulsion of a member from the Synod under the provisions of 
Article XIII of the Constitution. The district president may become 
aware of such information by his own personal knowledge. Such 
information or allegations may also be conveyed to him in a formal 
written complaint or accusation made by a member of the Syn od 
who has carried out the above provision (Bylaw 2.14.3). In 
commencing such action, the district president of the accused: 
… 
(b) Shall proceed in the manner described in Matthew 18:15–16 
for private sins or 1 Timothy 5:20 for public sins as the required 
admonition in Article XIII of the Constitution, if applicable, 
continues to be carried out. 
… 
and be it further 
Resolved, That Bylaw 2.14.7.1 be amended as follows: 
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 
Hearing Panel 
2.14.7.1 At the time that the request for hearing is made, the 
suspending ecclesiastical supervisor shall forward to the Secretary 
of the Synod the statement of the matter and a written memorandum 
describing the manner in which there was compliance with the 
guidelines provided in Matthew 18:15– 16 or 1 Timothy 5:20 , 
“previous futile admonition” (Constitution Art. XIII 1), as well as all 
of the provisions of Bylaws 2.14.3–2.14.6.1. 
and be it finally 
Resolved, That Bylaw 2.14.10 be amended as follows: 
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING 
General Regulations 
2.14.10 The district president of the accused/suspended member 
and the district president of the accuser shall take those steps 
necessary to attend to the spiritual needs of all those affected and 
shall continue efforts to resolve those matters which led to the 
commencement of the formal action against the accused member. 
(a) In the case of a public sin involving an ordained or 
commissioned minister who has promoted false doctrine or who 
has introduced a practice contrary to Holy Scripture and the 
Lutheran Confessions, and has thereby scandalized a circuit, 
district, or Synod, the respective district president shall issue a 
public statement in cooperation with the President of Synod, 
Council of Presidents, and the Commission on Theology and 
Church Relations. The statement shall address how the false 
doctrine or practice is n ot to be tolerated in the Church of God 
and in the congregations of the Synod. Such statement shall be 
issued through regular mail and through digital communication 
(e-mail, the district newsletter, etc.). 
Mission of the Cross 
Crosslake, MN 
Ov. 10-13 
To Replace Dispute Resolution Process with 
Biblical, Workable, and Effective System for 
Ecclesiastical Supervision 
Preamble 
The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod is united in a common 
confession of Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions and is 
called to maintain unity in doctrine and judgment while addressing 
disputes in a fraternal and timely manner (1 Cor. 1:10; Matt. 5:24). 
Such reconciliation serves both the Gospel and the well-being of the 
church. 
The current dispute resolution process, codified in Bylaw section 
1.10, was established to resolve disputes within the church while 
avoiding secular litigation. In practice, however, the process has 
become lengthy, complex, and costly. Its extensive proced ural 
requirements and frequent reliance on in-person meetings can cause 
disputes to take years to address, or to remain unresolved altogether. 
When disputes concerning doctrine, practice, or church life are not 
resolved in a timely and meaningful way, the unity of the church 
suffers and confidence in ecclesiastical supervision is weakened. A 
process that is difficult to use in practice does not adequately serve 
congregations, pastors, or those charged with supervision. 
2026 Convention Workbook
507ECCLESIASTICAL SUPERVISION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION