LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2023, Page 126

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2. INTERNATIONAL WITNESS

To Provide Resources for Discerning
Validity of Requests to Support
International Mission Work

Action: Adopted (6)

Upon immediate closure of debate, as suggested by the chair, the
resolution was adopted by voice vote.

RESOLUTION 2-05
Overture 2-04 (CW, 267)
WHEREAS, The Synod’s church workers, congregations,
congregation members, districts, universities and seminaries,
auxiliaries, recognized service organizations (RSOs), and
synodwide corporate entities are regularly approached by
organizations or individuals requesting consideration for
support—in the form of financial contributions, materials, or
manpower, volunteer or otherwise—for various international
mission initiatives, objectives, and actions; and
WHEREAS, Certain requests for such support have little or
no discernable connection or coordination with the Synod’s
confessional and scriptural standards, with Synod mission
objectives and priorities, or with boards and staff authorized
by the Synod to carry out the same or similar international
mission initiatives, objectives, and actions; and
WHEREAS, Those receiving requests for such support
sincerely desire to expand the church’s mission and ministry
of the Gospel in a manner that (1) exhibits faithful
stewardship of God’s graciously provided resources for such
worthy endeavors; (2) reflects a continuing determination to
walk together as a Synod in unity of confession, purpose, and
action; and (3) demonstrates such unity in an intentional and
praiseworthy manner; and

To Study Synod Relationships with
Independent Lutheran Congregations
in Foreign Mission Areas
RESOLUTION 2-06A
President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, 1:24)
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
(LCMS) has a long history of working relationships (provision
of church workers and/or funding) with independent
Lutheran congregations located in its foreign mission areas;
and
WHEREAS, Some of these congregations have expressed
interest in becoming members of the Synod with the intention
of strengthening their confession, mission, and ministry while
enjoying the privileges of membership in the Synod (ability to
call rostered LCMS members, accessing the services of
synodwide corporate entities, etc.); therefore be it
Resolved, That the Board for International Mission (BIM),
in collaboration and consultation with the Council of
Presidents, study the Synod’s relationship with independent
Lutheran congregations in foreign mission areas; and be it
further

WHEREAS, Where proper guidance is not available to those
acting on such requests, it may cause confusion in our
common work and life together, and protocols established
with partner churches may be breached, resulting in
unintended offense against partner churches (Bylaw 3.8.3)
regarding mutually acknowledged rights and work in
fellowship with the Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That the BIM, as a part of its study, provide
recommendations to the 2026 Synod convention regarding
the possibility and advisability of developing a mechanism to
receive independent Lutheran congregations in foreign
mission areas into membership in the Synod.

Resolved, That the Synod direct the Office of International
Mission (OIM) to prepare practical resources to assist church
workers, congregations, congregation members, districts,
universities and seminaries, auxiliaries, RSOs, and synodwide
corporate entities who are approached by organizations or
individuals requesting consideration for support (i.e., in the
distribution of literature or other media, provision of
opportunities for presentations to individuals or groups,
financial contributions, materials or manpower, volunteer or
otherwise) of international mission initiatives, objectives, or
actions; and be it further

With the chair’s explanation and upon immediate closure of
debate, as suggested by the chair, the resolution was adopted by
voice vote.

Resolved, That in the preparation of these resources, OIM
develop and disseminate tools such as guidelines, frequently
asked questions, survey questions, or other assessments; and
be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod direct districts and encourage
church workers, congregations, universities and seminaries,
auxiliaries, RSOs, and synodwide corporate entities to make
full use of such resources.

126 | PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2023 (68TH) LCMS CONVENTION

Action: Adopted (6)

To Commend Use
and Attendance of FOROs
RESOLUTION 2-07A
President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, 1:24)
WHEREAS, A FORO, Spanish for forum, is a model for
collaboration in which congregations, pastors, districts, and
institutions of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
(LCMS) partner with the Office of International Mission
(OIM) in spreading the Gospel, planting Lutheran churches,
and showing mercy; and

Resolutions