LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2016, Page 227

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are omitted from consideration for the Final Hearing Panel.
(b) The procedures for the final hearing shall
be the same as prescribed in Bylaws 2.14.7.6
–2.14.7.8.
(c) The chairman hearing facilitator of the Hearing
Panel shall provide the Final Hearing Panel with
a written statement of the matter and the Hearing
Panel’s report, minutes, records, and proceedings.
Action: Adopted (8)
(The chair hearing no objection to calling the vote, Res. 12-05A
was adopted as presented [Yes: 977; No: 40].)

To Care for Returning Missionaries
and Military Chaplains
RESOLUTION 12-06
Report R60 (CW, pp. 231–233); Overtures 12-03, 12-06, 12-09
(CW, pp. 416–418)
Whereas, Ordained missionaries and military chaplains have
diverse experience and skills in preaching the Gospel to various
peoples; and
Whereas, Missionaries and military chaplains serve in positions which eventually come to a conclusion and as a result are
available for and desire calls; and
Whereas, The Synod wishes to be diligent in its care for these
workers and their families; and
Whereas, The Synod desires to be a good steward of these gifts
from God; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Offices of National and International Mission
make available to all district presidents the names and status of all
returning missionaries and military chaplains whose current field
of mission is coming to a close; and be it further
Resolved, That the district presidents use the means at their disposal to disseminate these names and encourage congregations to
consider calling them; and be it finally

To Clarify Definition of Dissent
RESOLUTION 12-07A
R65 (CW, pp. 306–307)
Rationale
“The Lutheran Church has always affirmed the right and responsibility of expressing dissent from teachings and practices believed
to be at odds with God’s Word” (Commission on Theology and
Church Relations on p. 6 of its 2006 report, “CTCR Response to
Expressions of Dissent [2004–2006]”). Accordingly, the Synod has
established an agreed-upon procedure for dissent which respects
both the dissenter and the Synod.
When, then, a member of the Synod in such forums as “blogs, Facebook pages, and email pages publicly teaches and advocates that a
doctrinal position of the Synod as stated in a resolution of the Synod
is in error and does not use the Synod’s dissent procedures, he/
she/it may no longer be honoring and upholding the Constitution,
Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod and could thereby be subject
to a charge of false doctrine” (CCM Opinion 13-2665).
Given the development and expanded use of such electronic media
by members of the Synod, often to call into question matters of
doctrine and practice, at times attempting to excuse such conduct
as conversation “within the fellowship of peers” (Bylaw 1.8.2), the
Synod will do well to expand its bylaw section on dissent with the
following changes developed upon consideration of the opinion by
the CCM in its Aug. 2013 meeting (Opinion 13-2665).
Therefore be it
Resolved, That Bylaw section 1.8 “Dissent” be expanded to
address current concerns by adding the following wording:
PROPOSED WORDING
1.8 Dissent
1.8.1

While retaining the right of brotherly dissent, members of the Synod are expected as part of the life
together within the fellowship of the Synod to honor
and uphold the resolutions of the Synod.

1.8.2

Dissent from the doctrinal position of the Synod as
expressed in its resolutions and doctrinal statements
is to be expressed first within the fellowship of peers
(that is, with those who are competent to evaluate
the issue critically) and then brought to the attention
of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations before finding expression as an overture to the
Synod in convention calling for revision or recision.
The discussion among the fellowship of peers is to be
conducted privately and confidentially among those
who are competent rather than a public forum. While
the conscience of the dissenter shall be respected, the
consciences of others, as well as the collective will of
the Synod, shall also be respected.

1.8.3.

This right of brotherly dissent does not allow a mem-

Resolved, That the Offices of National and International Mission report annually to the Council of Presidents the names of
those workers who have not received a call since returning from
their field of service.
Action: Adopted (5)
(After its introduction, the chair asked whether there would be
objection from the assembly if he were to proceed to a vote on the
resolution after only one speaker. Hearing no objection, Res. 12-06
was adopted as presented [Yes: 1,046; No: 4].)

“12. Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution”

U P O N T H I S R O C K • Resolutions

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