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LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 300

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

MERCY

300
acts of mercy in times of crisis, trained and coordinated Lutheran
Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers, trained leaders, and
supported congregations and districts in times of disaster; and
WHEREAS, LCMS Disaster Response currently works through
104 key leaders across 35 districts and six recognized service
organizations (RSO), supporting a network of more than 9,200
trained LERT volunteers and more than 80 pieces of specialized
disaster equipment, enabling faithful and compassionate response;
and
WHEREAS, In the past triennium, LCMS Disaster Response and
its volunteers have responded to disasters, (including hurricanes
Helene and Milton in 2024, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and other
emergencies) and has provided enhancements with new training
options for LERT volunteers and trainers, showing Christ’s mercy
in tangible acts of service and bringing the comfort of the Gospel
with pastoral care to thousands of survivors; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks and praise
to God for His mercy and provision through the ongoing work of
LCMS Disaster Response, especially for the witness and service
offered through LERT volunteers, districts, and RSOs; and be it
further
Resolved, That the Synod encourage continued support and
prayer for those affected by natural disasters and for those who
serve faithfully in times of crisis; and be it further
Resolved, That each district appoint a district disaster response
coordinator to work directly with LCMS Disaster Response and
offer LERT training modules in the district; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod commend LCMS Disaster Response,
its staff, leaders, and volunteers, to the Lord’s continued care,
asking Him to strengthen their work in mercy and to bless their
proclamation of the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed;
and be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod joyfully confess that every act of
mercy flows from Christ Himself, “who comforts us in all our
affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any
affliction” (2 Cor. 1:4), to the glory of God and the comfort of His
people.
Board for National Mission
Ov. 3-04

To Give Thanks For and Support
Human Care Efforts
WHEREAS, Holy Scripture calls us to love our neighbors as
ourselves (Mark 12:31) and to bear one another’s burdens (Gal.
6:2); and
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has a rich
history of caring for those in need, including immigrants, people
affected by natural disasters, and the most vulnerable in society; and
WHEREAS, Recently the Synod has faithfully supported human
care efforts, including relief for those affected by disasters such as
Hurricane Helene and support for legal immigrants through various
recognized service organizations; and
WHEREAS, These efforts reflect the mercy and compassion of
Christ, bringing hope and healing to those in need; and
WHEREAS, The congregations and members of the Synod have
generously contributed time, resources, and prayers to sustain these
vital ministries; and
2026 Convention Workbook

WHEREAS, The work of human care ministries strengthens the
witness of the church, demonstrating Christ’s love in action;
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God for
the faithful work of those engaged in these human care ministries;
and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod encourage its congregations, members,
and partners to continue their generous support of human care
efforts, including disaster relief and aid for immigrants and
refugees; and be it further
Resolved, That the congregations, members, and partners of the
Synod be encouraged to support these efforts with their time,
including participation in Lutheran Early Response Team training;
and be it finally
Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks for these
efforts, encourage continued support for human care ministries, and
seek additional ways to extend Christ’s mercy to those in need, that
the church at large may continue to bear witness to the love of Christ
through acts of mercy and service.
Southeastern District
Ov. 3-05

To Establish District Commission
on Immigration and Immigration Resources
WHEREAS, The issue of United States immigration procedures is
under great scrutiny nationally and within the boundaries of the
LCMS Atlantic District, and neighboring districts; and
WHEREAS, The district has been at the forefront of welcoming
immigrants into its congregations since its founding in 1906,
including called church workers specifically for immigrant
populations; and
WHEREAS, The district has fostered immigrant pastors in recent
years to complete the process of entering the clergy roster of the
Synod, with 18 first-generation immigrants currently serving
district congregations; and
WHEREAS, The membership of the district congregations
currently is composed of a substantial number of first- and secondgeneration immigrant families, representing significant percentages
of the membership in many congregations; and
WHEREAS, The blessing of those immigrant members has
produced leaders serving in diaconal and parish ministries as well
as at the district level; and
WHEREAS, Some of these members currently fear unjust
detainment and deportation; and
WHEREAS, Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions speak
directly to care and hospitality for the stranger; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, the Commission on Theology and Church
Relations (CTCR) published the report, Immigrants Among Us: A
Lutheran Framework for Addressing Immigration Issues, that
advises congregations and other members concerning immigrants,
and in 2018, the CTCR published a complementary Bible study
based on the 2012 report; and
WHEREAS, Lutheran Social Services of New York (LSSNY) and
Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee
Service) are collaborative partners in programs and opportunities
for refugees, asylum-seekers, and immigrants; and