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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

WHEREAS, 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