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LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 286

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

286

NATIONAL WITNESS

on “diversity, equity, and inclusion” emphasize the
unrealistic equality of outcome over against equality of
opportunity, and such emphases have been documented even
in a Synod university (2023 Convention Report R64,
“Ecclesiastical Visitation of Concordia University Texas,”
Office of the President, Workbook, 177).
• Anything that promotes homosexuality or other sexual
deviancies (LGBTQIA+). This includes questioning a
person’s gender, teaching that there are more than two
genders, or that a person’s gender can be changed.
Further, Synod schools should not sponsor or participate in any
events that advocate, teach or condone any of the above, nor should
there be displays of any type that promote any of the above; and be
it further
Resolved, That no Synod school teach non-Christian doctrine or
precepts or participate in events sponsored by any non-Christian
entity that promotes non-Christian doctrine or practices, nor should
Synod-sponsored church or school libraries utilize books to
advocate non-Christian philosophies, doctrine, or entities; and be it
finally
Resolved, That due to the vulnerability of our children, if any of
the above harmful philosophies and/or non-Christian religions are
taught at any Synod daycare, parochial school, or high school, the
appropriate Synod authorities should immediately stop the
offensive teaching and/or remove the offensive library or textbooks;
if appropriate, the authorities can then use the Synod dispute
process, since beginning with the dispute process would drag things
on ad infinitum while our children are being harmed.
Holy Cross
Kansas City, MO
Ov. 1-16

To Proactively Put in Place National Standards
for Our Schools to Protect Students
WHEREAS, Synod congregations and recognized service
organizations provide 1,745 schools, which are boldly and
successfully reaching children and their families with the saving
Gospel of Jesus Christ; and
WHEREAS, Our gracious Lord has blessed us with God-fearing
teachers who are simultaneously both saints and sinners; and
WHEREAS, There have been cases of moral failure that have
harmed students and damaged the public reputation of schools and
the churches who operate them; and
WHEREAS, The Synod has a moral obligation to proactively
protect children that we are entrusted with, wielding the first use of
the Law through national standards related to the safety of children,
which would have the effect of curbing potential inappropriate
conduct; and
WHEREAS, The National Lutheran Schools Accreditation
(NLSA), which serves as the accrediting body for the Synod, has
declined to implement some needed national standards for our
schools that could proactively protect children; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the NLSA to
implement a national standard that prohibits teachers from
communicating with students via Snapchat or any other electronic
application that automatically deletes messages so that they cannot

be retrieved by parents or authorities unless they are intentionally
saved; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the NLSA to
implement a national standard that prohibits teachers from dating
former students until the student has reached the age of 18 or older;
and be it finally
Resolved, That the NLSA be encouraged to implement other
appropriate proactive national standards for our schools, which are
intended to curb inappropriate conduct and safeguard the well-being
of students and our ministry to them.
Circuit 25 (Kenosha), South Wisconsin District; Circuit 26
(Racine), South Wisconsin District; Circuits 3, 4, and 6 (Metro
Northwest/Central/North Shore), South Wisconsin District
Ov. 1-17

To Commend and Give Thanks
for Lutheran Schools
WHEREAS, The Synod has maintained a strong and enduring
commitment to Lutheran education as a vital expression of its
mission to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and
WHEREAS, The Synod facilitates one of the largest Christian
school systems in the United States, with nearly 1,700 schools—
including early childhood centers, elementary schools, and high
schools—in addition to Concordia universities that prepare future
church and community leaders; and
WHEREAS, Lutheran schools are centers of academic excellence,
spiritual formation, formation in Christian character and life shaped
by faith, providing children and youth with a Christ-centered
education that equips them for lives of faithful service to God and
neighbor; and
WHEREAS, These schools serve as powerful outreach arms of
local congregations and mission efforts, welcoming students and
families from both churched and unchurched backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, Teachers, administrators, pastors, and support staff in
Lutheran schools labor with faithfulness, skill, and dedication, often
under challenging circumstances, to bring the light of Christ into the
lives of students; and
WHEREAS, The Holy Spirit in the Scriptures exhorts the Church
to honor those who labor among us (1 Thess. 5:12–13), to commend
what is good (Phil. 4:8), and to give thanks to God in all things (1
Thess. 5:18); therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God for
the ministry of Lutheran schools and for the countless lives shaped
by their Gospel-centered mission; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod commend the faithful work of
Lutheran school educators, administrators, and congregational
leaders who support these ministries with their time, gifts, and
prayers; and be it further
Resolved, That districts and congregations be encouraged to
invest in, support, and expand Lutheran schools as vibrant
expressions of the Synod’s commitment to Christian formation and
community engagement; and be it finally
Resolved, That this resolution be shared throughout the Synod
and beyond as a public expression of thanksgiving and support for
Lutheran schools and those who serve within them, to the glory of
God, as they spread the Gospel and build up Christ’s Church.
Board for National Mission

2026 Convention Workbook