LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 3

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Convention Essay: “Christ Changes Everything”

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During the presentation, the chair was relinquished to the Rev. Dr. Jon M. Braunersreuther, president, Texas
District.

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[The entire text of the essay by the Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Egger, president, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, as well
as the response by the Rev. C. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Chuch, Austin, Texas., will be printed in
the 2026 Convention Proceedings.]

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Committee 4: Life Together

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With First Vice-President Lange assuming the chair, the chair recognized Chairman Christopher S. Esget, VicePresident, to continue the report of his committee.

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Res. 4-05, “To Clarify Nomenclature for Chaplaincy and Institutional Care Work and To Amend Related Bylaws”
(TB, 1:86–88), was read and introduced by the committee. Without debate, the resolution was adopted [Yes: 736; No:
34].

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Res. 4-04B, “To Clarify Oversight and Revitalize Role of Registered Service Organizations” (TB, 3:324), was read
and introduced by the committee.

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It was moved and seconded—it being clarified that the Commission on Constitutional Matters (CCM) had
approved the presentation of the amendment in advance—to amend at l. 32 to insert the first resolve from Ov. 4-32
(CW, 319):

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Resolved, That Bylaw 6.2.2 (a) be amended as follows, so that a witness service organization may have
board membership of at least two-thirds members from congregations of the Synod or its partner churches;

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PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING

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6.2.2 Policies shall distinguish the three classes of recognized service organization, with
criteria, procedures, and benefits appropriate to each, further distinctions being drawn within
the categories as needed:

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(a) A witness service organization, under the Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions,
engages in Word or Word-and-Sacrament mission society activity, support of specific
missions, mission-and- ministry training, church worker professional development,
church worker care, or other work directly related to the church’s proclamation. A
witness service organization is governed solely by Synod (or partner church)
congregations or a board comprising solely members, at least two-thirds of whom are
members of member congregations of the Synod (or its partner churches).

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(b) An educational service organization …

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(c) A mercy service organization …

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It was moved to close debate on the amendment; this carried [Yes: 790; No: 59]. The amendment failed [Yes: 195;
No: 664].

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It was moved to amend at l. 33 to replace the words “that intentionally promote actions” with the words “whose
words and actions are.” It was moved and seconded to close debate on the amendment and on the resolution; this
carried [Yes: 754; No: 113]. The amendment failed [Yes: 363; No: 512]. Res. 4-04B was adopted without amendment
[Yes: 823; No: 64].

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Res. 4-07, “To Condemn Political Violence and Encourage Participation in Public Life” (TB, 1:91–92), was read
and introduced by the committee.

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It was moved and seconded to amend the final whereas at p. 91, l. 25, after “persuasions,” to include “in particular
the public assassination of Charles J. Kirk.” It was moved and seconded to cease debate on the amendment; this carried
[Yes: 621; No: 271]. The amendment failed [Yes: 409; No: 487].

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In response to a question, it was noted that the forthcoming, commended CTCR report (ll. 37–38) is in process and
should be delivered soon. It was moved and seconded to cease debate on the resolution; this carried [Yes: 840; No:
56]. The resolution was adopted [Yes: 845; No: 60].

2026 Convention Minutes — Sessions 3 and 4 — Page 4