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

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Convention Essay: “Christ Conquers Death”

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President Harrison resumed the chair to recognize the essayist; during the essay, he passed the chair to the Rev.
Richard Snow, president, Nebraska District.

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[The entire text of the essay by the Rev. Dr. Michael A. Thomas, president, Concordia University, Irvine, as well
as the response by the Rev. C. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas., will be printed
in the 2026 Convention Proceedings.]

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Presentation—Military Chaplains

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The Rev. Craig G. Muehler, director of the Synod’s Ministry to the Armed Forces, brought greetings on behalf of
LCMS military chaplains, thanking the assembly for prayers and faithful support, such that the Synod’s military
chaplains know the entire Synod stands behind them. He introduced three chaplain representatives: Chaplain Joel
Giese (Army), Chaplain Paul Rockrohr (Navy), and Chaplain Chad Potts (Air Force). Mueller asked for submission
of names and contact information of LCMS servicemen and women so they can receive the faithful pastoral care they
need and deserve. He also acknowledged the work of CPH in preparing the new resource for members of the military.
Mueller spoke about the work chaplains do in facilitating the free exercise of religion. Military commanders are
urgently requesting more chaplains. Mueller recognized veterans in attendance and spoke about the work of Operation
Barnabas, launched at the 2007 LCMS Convention. This program equips congregations to support military members,
veterans, and their families with the love of Christ in action.

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The Rev. Dr. Steven C. Hokana, assistant director of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, joined Mueller in
recognizing Rear Admiral Gregory Todd with the St. Martin of Tours Medal. Rear Admiral Todd recently retired after
serving as the Chief of Navy Chaplains. A full biography of Chaplain Todd and a description of the St. Martin of
Tours Medal can be found on page 371 in the Tuesday (Issue 4) edition of Today’s Business. Addressing the
convention as “Shipmates,” a term of endearment in the Navy, Todd expressed gratitude to God, his wife, and to the
LCMS as a whole.

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Committee 10: Ecclesiastical Supervision and Dispute Resolution

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The chair recognized Chairman Robert D. Beinke, president, New England District, to continue the report of his
committee; he began by introducing the committee members.

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Res. 10-02A, “To Create a Task Force to Clarify Relationship Between Bylaw 1.10 and 2.14 and Consider Bylaw
Changes for Dispute Resolution (Bylaw 1.10) and Expulsion of Congregations or Individuals from Membership in
the Synod (Bylaw 2.14)” (TB, 3:351–52), was read and introduced by the committee. After debate, the question was
called; this prevailed on a voice vote. The resolution was adopted by a voice vote.

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Res. 10-03A, “To Respond to Sexual Misconduct by Rostered Workers and Make Provision for Spiritual Care of
Those Affected” (TB, 3:352–53), was, after introductory comments, read and introduced by the committee. It was
read, at p. 353, l. 4, to insert after “manuals” the words: “giving consideration to the carrying to completion of
investigations into sexual misconduct regardless of resignation status, the maintenance of a publicly accessible
classification or designation for all rostered workers who resign before the completion of an investigation into credible
accusations of sexual misconduct, and the public reporting of cases in which a rostered worker is removed due to a
substantiated allegation of clergy sexual abuse.” By consent “clergy” in the as-read language was changed to read
“rostered worker.” At the orders of the day, the chair placed before the body the closure of debate; this prevailed [Yes:
609; No: 300]. The resolution was adopted as read [Yes: 852; No: 64].

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Committee 6: Pastoral Ministry and Seminaries

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The chair recognized Chairman Scott R. Murray, Third Vice-President, to continue the report of his committee.

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Res. 6-09A, “To Implore Council of Presidents to Fulfill 2019 Resolution 6-03A re Oversight of Specific Ministry
Pastors” (TB, 3:332), was read and introduced by the committee. The resolution was adopted by voice vote.

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Res. 6-10, “To Amend Bylaws to Address Seminary Adjunct Faculty” (TB, 1:118–20), was read and introduced
by the committee.

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The amendment in Today’s Business 3, TB 3:357, was moved and seconded, to insert, at TB 1:119, after line 47,
the following:

2026 Convention Minutes — Sessions 5 and 6 — Page 4