LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2023, Page 257

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NATIONAL WITNESS
living under correctional controls such as probation, parole, and
court ordered supervision. Rehabilitation poses yet another
problem, namely recidivism. Two thirds are rearrested within
three years after release, four fifths within nine. Christian
concern raises questions of societal safety as well. Almost 3 out
of 4 households are burglarized at least once every 20 years.
Theft without forcible entry impacts 9 out of 10 families. An
effective prison ministry is needed, not only to address the
spiritual needs of those who have committed crimes, but also to
play an active role in their rehabilitation even after the day of
their release. An effective prison ministry is equally concerned
with both the criminal and the victims of crime.
Furthermore, according to Synodical Resolution 6-10, adopted
at the 1998 [sic; 1995] LCMS National Synodical Convention;
The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, by way of the Synod,
Districts, and congregations, endeavors to share the Gospel of
Jesus Christ with prisoners, ex-offenders, families of prisoners,
prison staff, and victims of crime as it seeks to carry out “The
Great Commission.”
Our mission is to share the Gospel message of life and salvation
in Jesus Christ with the incarcerated to reach the lost, strengthen
the faith of Christian inmates, and encourage them in their faithwalk along with the recently released and those whose lives have
been impacted by crime (LCMS Specialized Pastoral Ministry,
“Prison and Jail Ministry Plan—‘Not Forgotten,’” files.lcms.org,
Accessed March 16, 2023).
This ministry is also historically important. The 1998 Synod
convention adopted Res. 6-04A, “To Encourage Ministry to the
Imprisoned, Ex-Offenders, Their Families, and to Victims of
Crime,” referencing 1995 Res. 6-10, “To Emphasize Importance of
Prison Ministry,” as a reminder that in some meaningful way the
importance of “ministry to the imprisoned, ex-offenders, their
families, and to victims of crime” would lead to a viable program
providing this ministry on a large scale. Unfortunately, the
resolution lost its champion because he was called to be with the
Lord and there was no one at that time to take his place.
There can be no mistake of the value and positive reasons why this
ministry is important. Jesus himself spoke of this ministry when he
was in the temple reciting the words of Isaiah 61:1. Matthew 25:36–
40 also speaks clearly that our Savior commands us to do this
ministry. The Christology is high, perhaps as high as can be found
in all the New Testament. The eschatological discourse in these
verses, as Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs says, speaks to it as he offers this prayer
in his Concordia Commentary on Matthew 25 ([St. Louis:
Concordia Publishing House, 2018], 1362) and as the authors of the
Lutheran Service Book (LSB), write “For Guidance in our Calling”:
Lord God, You have Your servants to ventures of which we
cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils
unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not
knowing where we go but only that Your hand is leading us and
Your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord (LSB,
311).
WHEREAS, 1995 Res. 6-10 was approved to emphasize the
importance of prison ministry; and
WHEREAS, 1998 Res. 6-04A was approved to encourage ministry
to the imprisoned, ex-offenders and families, and to victims of
crime; and
WHEREAS, The Synod, empowered by the Holy Spirit in Word
and Sacrament, is in a vital position to offer comfort and hope to

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people affected by crime so that they may share in reconciliation
and abundant life; and
WHEREAS, The goal of the prison ministry program is to include
and motivate the Church to seize Gospel opportunities and
responsibilities to the imprisoned, ex-offenders, their families, and
train persons for ministry with the above; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod include prison ministry as a mission
program of the Synod and designate this as a mission objective; and
be it further
Resolved, That the Synod include prison ministry in their
activities, provide recruiting and training; and be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod link this mission to all of its districts
by providing a web page that will be a central information source
for support of all the activities and programs of the mission.
Grace
Los Angeles, CA
Ov. 1-06

To Continue to Address
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Issues
Preamble
Over the course of the 2019–2023 quadrennium, the Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Office of National Mission
(ONM) staff reflected on how best to respond to the Synod’s
ongoing desired goals, objectives, and possible beneficial actions
pertaining to sexual orientation and gender identity issues. The
ONM leadership especially considered 2019 Resolution 11-03A,
“To Encourage Synod to Develop Resources to Aid Congregations
and Schools regarding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Issues,” particularly its eight resolved statements:
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention affirm and faithfully
confess the biblical truth that God created humanity as male and
female; and be it further
Resolved, That we regard all those who experience sexual
orientation and gender identity issues as our neighbors, beloved
of God, and therefore condemn acts of abuse committed against
them; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention gives thanks for those
individuals who, despite same-sex attraction or gender identity
confusion, continue to live chaste and decent lives in repentant
faith, and that LCMS congregations, districts, and Synod entities
seek the counsel and leadership of such individuals in developing
faithful approaches to minister to those who experience samesex attraction and gender identity confusion; and be it further
Resolved, That pastors and congregations of the Synod be
encouraged to minister compassionately to those who experience
sexual orientation and gender identity issues through prayer, the
proclamation of Law and Gospel, the Sacrament of Holy
Baptism, corporate and individual confession and absolution, the
proper administration of the Lord’s Supper, the mutual
conversation and consolation of the brothers and sisters, and
pastoral care; and be it further
Resolved, That pastors and congregations of the Synod be
encouraged to minister compassionately to the families, friends,
and all others impacted by those who experience same-sex
attraction, those who are involved in same-sex relationships, and
those whose sexual self-understanding is shaped by a distressing
2023 Convention Workbook