Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 2026 · 69th Convention, Phoenix › Page 323
LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 323

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

LIFE TOGETHER
and Gender Identity Issues,” has begun its work in studying these
problems among rostered church workers and in Synod schools,
identifying existing and needed resources, and developing programs
that might offer care to those struggling with these temptations and
their families; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage its member
congregations and church workers to pray for those whose families
have been affected by homosexuality, transgenderism, and sexual
libertinism, and also encourage them to remain steadfast in their
commitment to uphold and teach God’s design for marriage and
sexuality while navigating difficult familial relationships, and
lovingly support them as they bear these burdens; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod thank the Created Male and Female
task force for its work, and continue the task force in the next
triennium, with a specific encouragement to develop and facilitate
conferences, seminars, and retreats to help the families of our
congregations and church workers who have loved ones dealing
with these temptations; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod direct its seminaries, colleges, and
other responsible agencies (districts, recognized service
organizations [RSOs], etc.) to identify biblically faithful Lutheran
counselors who will abide by God’s revealed design for marriage
and sexuality, and aid in providing theological education and
standards to ensure their biblical faithfulness; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod direct its seminaries, colleges, and
other responsible agencies (districts, RSOs, etc.) to identify and
support theologically trained pastors, seminarians, and laypeople
who may wish to seek further training in counseling in order to
provide care to those struggling with these challenges; and be it
finally
Resolved, That the Synod encourage the institutions of the
Concordia University System to establish or expand counseling
programs that provide both for biblically faithful counseling to
students tempted by homosexuality, and transgenderism, and sexual
libertinism, and for the training of biblically faithful counselors to
care for those inside and outside of the church who are tempted or
whose lives and families have been affected by homosexuality,
transgenderism, and sexual libertinism.
Missouri District
Ov. 4-37

To Continue to Oppose Practice of Couples
Living Together outside Marriage and To Support
Pastors and Congregations Who Lovingly Call to
Repentance, Give Absolution, and Help to Live
in Harmony with God’s Word
WHEREAS, The Sixth Commandment commands Christians to
live chaste and decent lives in word and deed (SC I, Ed. 1942); and
WHEREAS, God’s Word condemns fornication, that is, sleeping
with someone who is not your spouse (Galatians 5; Ephesians 5;
Colossians 3); and
WHEREAS, Jesus calls Christians not to conform to the ways of
the world, but to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5) and to
“abstain from the passions of the flesh” and to “[k]eep your conduct
among the Gentiles honorable,” so that they may not accuse us of
being evil doers (1 Peter 2:11–12); and

323

WHEREAS, God’s Word does not want us to live in a way that
tempts others to sin. Living together outside of marriage not only
sets a bad example, but it also tempts the youth of the congregation
and those who may be struggling with sexual immorality to believe
that this is acceptable Christian living. Jesus says, “whoever causes
one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better
for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be
drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6); and
WHEREAS, God’s Word calls Christians to repent of sin and bear
fruit in keeping with repentance. St. Paul writes, “Brothers, if
anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should
restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest
you too be tempted” (Gal. 6:1); and
WHEREAS, Cohabitation before marriage in the Christian
congregation is a common source of grief for faithful servants of the
Word, whose work should “be a joy, not a burden, for that would
be of no benefit to you” (Heb. 13:17 NIV); therefore be it
Resolved, That the Synod affirm that couples living together
outside of marriage are living contrary to God’s Word; and be it
further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention voice their support for
pastors and congregations who lovingly call such couples to repent,
who offer absolution to them, and who help and guide such couples
to bear fruit in keeping with repentance.
Circuit 5 (Mitchell)
South Dakota District
Ov. 4-38

To Amend Bylaws to Provide Clarity
and Address Practical Considerations
for Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry
Rationale
The Office of National Mission (ONM) requests attention to the
bylaws that address the work of Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry.
Several updates are needed. First, the language utilized by
recognized service organizations and other agencies that provide
specialized spiritual care has changed over time. Organizations that
serve people who are ill, aging, or disabled no longer refer to their
work as being “institutional.” Additionally, the ONM’s Specialized
Spiritual Care Ministry endorses workers for broader work than
chaplaincy, which has historically referred to an ordained pastor
associated with a physical chapel in which worship services are
conducted. The term “institutional chaplain” utilized in Synod
Bylaws is outdated and leaves out the specialized spiritual care
work of the ministers of religion—commissioned who do not lead
worship services and serve in related chaplaincy or counseling
roles. Secondly, the ONM and the Office of International Mission
(OIM) have determined that the work of chaplains serving in the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is more closely aligned and
thus better supported by the Ministry to the Armed Forces which is
a department of the OIM. The bylaw that references the VA has the
calling agency as the Board for National Mission and needs to be
updated.
Proposed Action
Therefore be it
Resolved, That Bylaw 2.11.1 (h) be amended as follows:

2026 Convention Workbook