# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_2026_S1
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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Convention Minutes

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Session 9
Thursday a.m., July 23, 2026

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Matins

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The Rev. Dr. Alfonso O. Espinosa, chairman of the Board for National Mission and Third Vice-President-Elect
(West-Southwest Region), preached on 1 Corinthians 15:51–58 in the Office of Matins; Chaplain Daenzer served as
liturgist with Kantor Machemer providing accompaniment for the services of the day.

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[The entire text of Dr. Espinosa’s sermon will be printed in the 2026 Convention Proceedings.]

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President Harrison called the convention to order for its final session.

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The resolution in TB 6:436 was moved; the chair asked that this be processed after the consent calendar.

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Committee 11: Registration, Credentials, and Elections

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The chair called upon the Rev. James Maxwell, chairman of Committee 11 (Registration, Credentials, and
Elections), to update to the registration report, which read as follows:

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Voting delegates
Advisory delegates
Advisory representatives
Special guests and others

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The report was moved and adopted without discussion by voice vote.

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Consent Calendar

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The chair introduced the day’s consent calendar, as found in Today’s Business issue 6 (TB, 6:432), including Res.
3-03A, “To Thank God for Work of LCMS Disaster Response and Human Care Partners and To Require Districts to
Appoint Disaster Response Coordinators” (TB, 2B:281–82) and Res. 3-05A, “To Commend Efforts to Serve Worker
Wellness and Encourage Participation in Concordia Plan Services” (TB, 2B:283).

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It was moved to remove Res. 3-05A, “To Commend Efforts to Serve Worker Wellness and Encourage Participation
in Concordia Plan Services” (TB, 2B:283), from the consent calendar. This removal failed of the required 15 percent
of the voting delegates [Yes: 72; No: 689]. The consent calendar was adopted by voice vote, including Res. 3-03A
and 3-05A.

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The chair called the body’s attention to Special Standing Rule 25 (TB 4:374) and announced the “Proposed
Schedule to Act on Necessary Business” printed on the front page of TB 6. Without objection, the body agreed to
proceed on this schedule.

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Minutes

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The minutes of Wednesday’s Sessions 7 and 8 were presented and approved by consent.

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The resolution at TB 6:436, “To Publish Convention Delegate Seat Assignments,” was again moved and seconded.
It was moved and carried to cease debate. The resolution was ruled to have failed on a voice vote; division confirmed
[Yes: 280; No: 485].

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The chair noted Res. 10-08, “To Amend Bylaw 4.2.4 regarding Installation of District Presidents” (TB, 6:435).
This was presented verbally by Floor Committee 10 and adopted in Session 8. Bylaw 7.1.1 requires bylaw amendments
to be presented to a convention of the Synod in writing. This is therefore presented to the convention for ratification
to cure this defect. After an explanation, a call of the question carried and the convention ratified its earlier action.

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The resolution at TB 6:435–36, “To Address Modern Day Martyrdom,” was moved and seconded. Before the
movant could speak to his motion, the orders of the day were called, with the chair promising to come back to this.

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Committee 3: Mercy

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

2026 Convention Minutes (proposed) — Session 9 — Page 1