# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2026_S227 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) THEOLOGICAL DOCUMENTS­­—COMMISSION ON THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS Way Forward Way Forward Detailed Framework Paragraph 10.2.5 From Upon the receipt of a written allegation pursuant to the preceding Section 10.2.3 or an appeal pursuant to the preceding Section 10.2.4, the Bishop shall endeavour to meet the intent stated in the preceding Section 10.1. If successful, the Bishop shall record that the case is closed. If unsuccessful, the Bishop may, in his discretion 10.2.5.5 take such other steps as he considers pastorally appropriate. 10.3.4 Upon the receipt of an appeal pursuant to the preceding Section 10.3.3, the Bishop of the respective District shall endeavour to meet the intent stated in the preceding Section 10.1. If successful, the Bishop of the respective District shall record that the case is closed. If unsuccessful, the Bishop of the respective District may, in his discretion 10.3.4.4 take such other steps as he considers pastorally appropriate. 10.4.10 The Tribunal which determines the pastor, teacher or other church worker has breached Article 10.1.2 of the Constitution shall make a recommendation to the respective Bishop as to the disciplinary action to be taken by him. The recommendation shall be officially recorded by the respective Secretary. Detailed Framework To Add ‘or her’: The following changes to the LCA by-Laws are proposed to enable congregations and parishes to stipulate male-only candidates on call lists. Upon the receipt of a written allegation pursuant to the preceding Section 10.2.3 or an appeal pursuant to the preceding Section 10.2.4, the Bishop shall endeavour to meet the intent stated in the preceding Section 10.1. If successful, the Bishop shall record that the case is closed. If unsuccessful, the Bishop may, in his or her discretion Add ‘or she’: Paragraph 5.4.9.1 take such other steps as he or she considers pastorally appropriate. Add ‘or her’: Upon the receipt of an appeal pursuant to the preceding Section 10.3.3, the Bishop of the respective District shall endeavour to meet the intent stated in the preceding Section 10.1. If successful, the Bishop of the respective District shall record that the case is closed. If unsuccessful, the Bishop of the respective District may, in his or her discretion Add ‘or she’: From The Bishop of the District or the Bishop's representative shall convene a meeting of representatives of the parish to consider candidates proposed by the Bishop or the Bishop's representative on behalf of the Church Council of the District, by the representatives of the parish, and by any member of the parish through its secretary. Paragraph Article 8.1 From The Officials of the Church shall be a Bishop and an Assistant Bishop. They shall be elected for a term of office determined by the Church. The Bishop and the Assistant Bishop shall be pastors of the Church. To The Officials of the Church shall be a Bishop and an Assistant Bishop. They shall be elected for a term of office determined by the Church. The Bishop and the Assistant Bishop shall be pastors of the Church who have served on the LCA Roll of Pastors for at least six [6] years. take such other steps as he or she considers pastorally appropriate. Add ‘or her’: The Tribunal which determines the pastor, teacher or other church worker has breached Article 10.1.2 of the Constitution shall make a recommendation to the respective Bishop as to the disciplinary action to be taken by him or her. The recommendation shall be officially recorded by the respective Secretary. Page 35 of 50 Way Forward Way Forward Detailed Framework From All pastors whose names are recorded on the Roll of Pastors of the Church, excluding pastors emeriti, are eligible for the position of Bishop and Assistant Bishop. To A parish may stipulate that only male pastors be included on the candidates' list for call. The Bishop of the District or the Bishop's representative shall convene a meeting of parish representatives to consider candidates proposed by the Bishop or the Bishop's representative on behalf of the Church Council of the District, by the representatives of the parish, and by any member of the parish through its secretary. The following changes to the LCA constitution and by-laws are proposed to implement a requirement for pastors to serve a minimum period before eligibility for nomination for bishop or assistant bishop: Page 34 of 50 Paragraph 7.4.1.2 227 To All pastors whose names are recorded on the Roll of Pastors of the Church, excluding pastors emeriti, are eligible for the position of Bishop and Assistant Bishop, subject to: 7.4.1.2.1 Having served on the LCA Roll of Pastors for a minimum of six [6] years prior to nomination. 7.4.1.2.2 Having served in various settings within the Church, demonstrating breadth of experience and adaptability. 7.4.1.2.3 The nominations committee verifying that all nominees meet these eligibility requirements before presenting their names for consideration. Detailed Framework 10.4.7 Agencies (eg Australian Lutheran College, Lutheran Education Australia, ALWS) Under the Framework, an agency that is a calling body may call the pastor who best aligns with its ministry plans. 10.4.8 Auxiliaries The Framework does not require changes to the operation of LCA auxiliaries. 10.4.3 Ordination, Roll of Pastors and calls The Framework removes gender as a criterion for ordination but does not require other changes in the candidacy requirements for ordination in the LCA. The Framework does not require changes to the processes for receiving pastors onto, or removing pastors from, the LCA Roll of Pastors. Under the Framework, congregations and parishes are able to stipulate that only males are on their call lists. 10.4.4 Relationships The Framework does not require changes to the relationship between implementation of the Churchwide office and District offices or the relationship between these offices and congregation or parishes. 10.4.5 Governance and structures The Framework does not require changes in governance, incorporation or structure of the Church (LCA), including the composition of the College of Bishops. 10.4.6 Finance and risk management The Framework does not require changes to the operating finances or asset/liability ownership of the LCA. Page 36 of 50 Page 37 of 50 2026 Convention Workbook