# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2023_S279
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

LIFE TOGETHER
WHEREAS, That the Southeastern District Board of Directors at
its regularly called meeting in December 2022 voted unanimously
to submit this overture; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention condemn the use of livestreaming to find fault or criticized members of the Synod and the
use of social media and its various forms to air grievances and
disputes within the church and against fellow brothers and sisters in
Christ; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention instruct the Council of
Presidents to create policy and consequences for members of the
Synod who inappropriately use the Internet to air grievances and
disputes; and be it further
Resolved, That members of the Synod and especially leaders of
the Synod including the President, vice-presidents, Secretary,
district presidents, and circuit visitors disassociate themselves from
organizations within and outside of the Synod who promote the
misuse of the Internet to air such grievances and disputes; and be it
finally
Resolved, That the Synod in convention affirm the dispute
resolution process and Koinonia for the health and wellbeing of the
church as means to seek resolution, peace, and harmony among
brothers and sisters in Christ.
Board of Directors
Southeastern District
Ov. 4-13

To Condemn Use of Internet Forums for Dispute
Resolution and Grievance Airing
WHEREAS, We are called in Scripture to resolve our disputes and
disagreements in a manner that is worthy of our new life in Christ
(Matt. 18:15–17; James 1:19–20; 1 Peter 3:8–11; Eph. 4:26; Rom.
12:17–21; Col. 3:13; John 13:34); and
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has
a dispute resolution process in place in its bylaws for the sake of
good order and administration of the church (Bylaw section 1.10);
and
WHEREAS, Koinonia has been widely accepted in the life of the
church, calling parties to meet each other, learn about each other,
celebrate areas of unity, and discuss areas of discord in a manner
that seeks to understand and bring forth peace and resolution; and
WHEREAS, The use of the Internet including social media, blogs,
chatrooms etc., may have inaccurate information and provide space
for speculation, gossip, and slander; and
WHEREAS, These same forms of social media frequently provide
a forum for comments that are not regulated or monitored and may
provide a forum for participants to respond to issues and events
contrary to the scriptures, the dispute resolution process, and
Koinonia; and
WHEREAS, Such comments may lead a brother or sister to break
the Eighth Commandment; and
WHEREAS, The use of live-streaming for the sake of the Gospel
is now being employed for the good of the kingdom but so often is
used out of context concerning individuals and/or ministries, that
enable criticism without any attempt to express concerns to the
individuals and ministries; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention condemn the use of
social media and its various forms to air grievances and disputes

279

within the church and against fellow brothers and sisters in Christ;
and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention instruct the Council of
Presidents to create policy and consequences for members of the
Synod who inappropriately use the Internet to air grievances and
disputes; and be it further
Resolved, That leaders of the LCMS including the President,
vice-presidents, Secretary, district presidents, and circuit visitors
disassociate themselves from organizations within and outside of
the Synod who promote the misuse of the Internet to air such
grievances and disputes; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod in convention affirm the dispute
resolution process, and Koinonia for the health and wellbeing of the
church as a means to seek resolution, peace, and harmony among
brothers and sisters in Christ.
Board of Directors
California-Nevada-Hawaii District
Ov. 4-14

To Affirm and Engage Koinonia Project
to Resolve Conflict Due to Differences
in Ministry and Practice
WHEREAS, The Scriptures teach us to love one another and seek
unity (1 Peter 1:3–8; Col. 3:12–14; Eph. 4:3); and
WHEREAS, In a fractured society, where division and discord are
celebrated and encouraged, the church has an opportunity for
witness; and
WHEREAS, The members of the church, including the workers,
are to be the light of Christ and the example of forgiveness,
restoration, and love; and
WHEREAS, The Koinonia Project materials were written by Rev.
Dr.
Herbert
Mueller,
are
available
for
review
(www.lcms.org/about/leadership/president/koinonia-project),
is
approved for use by the Synod Council of Presidents (COP), is
currently being used successfully by the COP; and
WHEREAS, The Southeastern District in its 2022 convention
voted to forward this overture to the Synod convention for
consideration; therefore be it
Resolved, That the members of the Synod commit to seeking
unity with each other, bearing with each other, putting the best
construction on every situation, and offering the benefit of the doubt
to each other; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod leadership provide training for all
professional church workers and others across the Synod in the
Koinonia Project during the next triennium; and be it finally
Resolved, That the members of the Synod affirm and engage in
the Koinonia Project prior to and as part of the dispute resolution
process.
Board of Directors
Southeastern District
Ov. 4-15

To Encourage Meeting and Fellowship
across Circuits and Districts
WHEREAS, It was deemed expedient for the sake of good order
to divide The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod into districts and
2023 Convention Workbook