# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2026_S7
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

1

Committee 3: Mercy

2
3

The chair recognized Chairman John L. Pingel, president, Eastern District, to begin the report of his committee.
He began with introductions.

4
5
6
7

Res. 3-01A, “To Commend and Encourage Life Ministry Efforts of Congregations, Schools, Districts, and
Recognized Service Organizations” (TB, 2B:279–80), was read and introduced by the committee after prefatory
remarks on the grant program and on loving “in deed and in truth,” as well as a presentation by members of a
congregation aided by a grant.

8
9
10
11

It was moved and seconded to amend at p. 280, l. 8, to strike “and RSOs” and insert “RSOs and faith-based
nonprofits.” Closure of debate was moved and carried by a voice vote. After an uncertain voice vote, the amendment
was adopted [Yes: 502; No: 317]. In response to a point of order it was explained that the Secretary will adjust the
title as appropriate to reflect an increased scope.

12
13
14
15

It was moved and seconded to amend at p. 280, l. 13, to insert, after “natural death,” the words “to support as they
see fit state and federal aid that helps people, families, and the underserved obtain food or medical care, in our own
land or abroad.” Closure of debate was called and carried by voice vote on the amendment. The amendment failed in
a voice vote.

16
17

Closure of debate was called and carried by voice vote. Res. 3-01A as once amended was adopted [Yes: 779; No:
68]. The orders of the day were reached.

18

Committee 10: Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution

19
20

The chair recognized Chairman Robert D. Beinke, president, New England District, to begin the report of his
committee.

21
22
23

The committee offered an amendment to Bylaw 4.2.4 as adopted, to add, after “circumstance(s),” the words, “as
determined by the Synod President.” This was adopted by voice vote. [It was determined that this would require
ratification in Session 9 due to Bylaw 7.1.1 (a).]

24
25

Res. 10-07, “To Respectfully Decline Overtures” (TB, 1:185), was read and introduced by the committee. Without
debate, the resolution was adopted by voice vote.

26

Committee 5: Theology and Church Relations

27
28

The chair recognized Chairman Brian S. Saunders, president, Iowa East District, to continue the report of his
committee.

29
30

Res. 5-08A, “To Reaffirm the Synod’s Positions on Men and Women in the Church” (TB, 2B:292–93), was read
and introduced by the committee.

31

It was moved and carried by voice vote to cease debate. The resolution was adopted [Yes: 742; No: 138].

32

Chairman Saunders introduced members of the committee who had not presented.

33
34
35

It was moved and seconded to reconsider Res. 3-01A, “To Commend and Encourage Life Ministry Efforts of
Congregations, Schools, Districts, and Recognized Service Organizations” (TB, 2B:279–80). Closure of debate was
called and carried on a voice vote. Reconsideration failed on a voice vote.

36

Committee 3: Mercy

37

The chair recognized Chairman John L. Pingel, president, Eastern District, to continue the report of his committee.

38
39

Res. 3-02A, “To Promote Awareness of Christian Adoption and Fostering Needs” (TB, 2B:280), was read and
introduced by the committee.

40
41
42
43
44

It was amended to add a final resolve, p. 280, after l. 42, “That Synod in convention will work on a digital resource
that lists agencies and RSOs that provide adoption services and what state(s) each agency serves.” It was moved and
carried by voice vote to close debate on the amendment. The amendment failed on a voice vote, confirmed by division
[Yes: 301; No: 543]. At the orders, closure of debate was called and carried by voice vote. Res. 3-02A was adopted
without amendment by voice vote.

2026 Convention Minutes — Sessions 7 and 8 — Page 8