LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 5

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Presentation—Church Relations, Rev. Dr. Jonathan E. Shaw

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After a biographical introduction by the President, the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Shaw, director of Church Relations in the
Office of the President, presented on the work of his office representing the President of the Synod as the chief
ecumenical officer, and on the International Church Relations Conference.

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Shaw introduced Joseph Ochola Omolo, archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK), which
entered into fellowship with the LCMS in 2004. He thanked the LCMS for not bending to the culture and for
strengthening ELCK and its neighbors in a journey in which they are not alone. LCMS Church Relations meetings
have brought ELCK deeper into the Word and the Lutheran Confessions. He noted his convention’s recent unanimous
withdrawal from the Lutheran World Federation; leaving has been painful—but better the Word of God than all
worldly things. Fellowship with LCMS has real meaning to ELCK—together we proclaim the one Gospel, and look
forward to the day when every nation will bow down to Christ and confess him to be Lord. International church body
leaders, led by retiring Rev. James Krikava, sang the hymn “I Am Content! My Jesus Ever Lives!” in German, Czech,
and Spanish, joined by the convention in English on the last stanza.

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Committee 5: Theology and Church Relations

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The chair recognized Chairman Brian S. Saunders, president, Iowa East District, to begin the report of his
committee.

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Res. 5-01, “To Recognize Altar and Pulpit Fellowship with Evangelical Lutheran Christian Church of Bolivia”
(TB, 1:95–97), was read and introduced by the committee. Without debate, the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
Dr. Shaw introduced ICEL President Fernández, who addressed the assembly, and his General Secretary; after a warm
reception, the convention sang the doxology.

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Commission on Theology and Church Relations Executive Director Joel Lehenbauer made prefatory comments
regarding the next resolution, explaining that the Lutheran Mission—Australia has not yet had its constituting
convention, but is expected to recognize fellowship with the LCMS at that time. President Harrison would then declare
fellowship, as authorized by bylaw, which would then be ratified by the next LCMS convention.

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Res. 5-02, “To Support and Encourage Recognition of Altar and Pulpit Fellowship with Lutheran Mission—
Australia” (TB, 1:97–98), was read and introduced by the committee. Without debate, the resolution was adopted by
voice vote and the convention sang the doxology. Lutheran Mission—Australia President Matt Anker addressed the
convention.

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Res. 5-10, “To Request Commission on Theology and Church Relations Report on Human Organ Donation and
Transplantation” (TB, 1:106), was read and introduced by the committee. Without debate, the resolution was adopted
by voice vote.

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Res. 5-11A, “To Reaffirm Sanctity of Human Life Regarding Practice of In Vitro Fertilization” (TB, 2B:293–94),
was read and introduced by the committee.

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It was moved and seconded to amend as found in TB 4:385,
To insert, at TB 2B:293, after line 34, the additional whereas:
WHEREAS, The practice of IVF commonly uses gametes obtained from donors outside the marital union
thus violating the one flesh union between husband and wife and depriving children of their right to their
biological mother and father; and
And to replace the resolve at TB 2B:293, line 42, with the following resolve:

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Resolved, That the Synod condemn the practice of IVF especially because of the freezing and destruction
of human beings and the introduction of gametes from persons outside the marital union; and be it further

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It was moved and seconded to amend the amendment by striking the words “and depriving children of their right
to their biological mother and father.”

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It was then moved to refer the resolution to the committee; this failed. The committee will continue with this
resolution, bearing the two amendments, when it resumes its presentation.

2026 Convention Minutes — Sessions 5 and 6 — Page 6