LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2016, Page 246

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To Commend CTCR Document Gender
Identity Disorder or Gender Dysphoria
in Christian Perspective
RESOLUTION 14-09
Report R59 (CW, p. 172)
Whereas, In recent years the Commission on Theology and
Church Relations (CTCR) has received questions regarding sexual
identity from persons who are uncertain whether they are “truly”
male or female;
• those who are regularly dressing and presenting themselves
as a member of the opposite sex; and
• those who are participating in hormonal or surgical procedures to change their sex identification from male to female
or from female to male.
and
Whereas, The CTCR has also received questions from church
workers who have asked for guidance in pastoral care for individuals struggling with matters of gender identity; and
Whereas, Congregations, schools, and universities of the
Synod, being responsible to uphold the teachings of the Word of
God while also submitting to the governing authorities, are experiencing mounting pressures as a result of cultural and legal changes;
and
Whereas, The CTCR has responded by producing the document Gender Identity Disorder or Gender Dysphoria in Christian
Perspective (May 17, 2014); therefore be it
Resolved, That The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in convention commend the study, application, and use of this document
within its congregations, schools, and universities.
Action: Adopted (9)
(The chair proceeded immediately to call the vote on the resolution, and Res. 14-09 was adopted as presented [Yes 838; No: 16].)

To Thank Alliance Defending Freedom
RESOLUTION 14-10A
President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, pp. 21–31)
Whereas, Alliance Defending Freedom has worked since 1994
to support congregations and individuals as they advocate for their
right freely to live out their faith; and
Whereas, Alliance Defending Freedom has directly supported
various efforts of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)
in recent years, including but not limited to:
• Assembling a team to prepare LCMS President Harrison to
testify in 2012 before the House of Representatives Oversight
Committee on the religious liberty implications of the Health
and Human Services (HHS) Mandate;
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U P O N T H I S R O C K • Resolutions

• Serving as trial counsel for Hosanna-Tabor Church and Early
Childhood Center after the 6th Circuit’s decision to litigate
the case, if the US Supreme Court decided not to accept it for
review;
• Speaking at numerous LCMS events: Free to Be Faithful radio
program; the LCMS Praesidium; the President’s Committee
on Religious Freedom; Concordia Plan Services; and at the
launch of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty;
And
Whereas, Alliance Defending Freedom facilitated the LCMS
signing on to several amicus briefs on marriage and other issues
in various courts; and
Whereas, Alliance Defending Freedom has allied with LCMS
chaplains to secure legal protection of conscience for our LCMS
military chaplains; therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention thank Alliance Defending Freedom for its enduring work to defend religious liberty and
freedom; and be it further
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention thank Alliance Defending Freedom for its partnership and work with the LCMS; and be
it finally
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention pledge to continue its
partnership with Alliance Defending Freedom whenever possible for the mutual benefit of our common work in defending the
rights of congregations and individuals to live out their faith freely.
Action: Adopted (9)
(The assembly indicating its readiness to vote without discussion, Res. 14-10A was adopted as presented [Yes: 893; No: 9].)

To Affirm the Vocations of First Responders
RESOLUTION 14-11
President’s Report, Issue 3 (TB, pp. 330–335)
Whereas, To live in this world is to know our human propensity to sin against one another; and
Whereas, Our sin often results from our failure to help and
befriend our neighbor and often causes our neighbor bodily harm;
and
Whereas, Our nation has recently witnessed a series of illicit
acts of violence and their devastating and far-reaching consequences in our communities; and
Whereas, The ongoing results of conflict between victims and
perpetrators threatens order and rule of law in our nation; and
Whereas, Our Lord richly and daily provides all we need to
support this body and life, defends us against all danger, and guards
and protects us from all evil; and

“14. Church and Culture”