LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2026, Page 6

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Res. 7-09A, “To Give Thanks for Work and Ministry of Concordia University Ann Arbor” (TB, 3:338–39), was
read and introduced by the committee.

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It was moved to amend on p. 339, l. 7, by striking the words “and present.” Closure of debate on the amendment
carried in a voice vote. The amendment failed [Yes: 186; No: 708].

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Closure of debate on the resolution carried in a voice vote. The resolution was adopted without amendment [Yes:
818; No: 91].

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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 continue the report of his
committee with a resolution pending.

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Res. 5-05, “To Address Open Communion and Pastoral Exceptions in Extraordinary Circumstances” (TB, 1:101–
2), was read and introduced by the committee.

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It was moved to amend at p. 102, ll. 13–14, to strike “be urged pastorally and through sound catechesis to” and
replace with “and in accordance with the standards set forth in Articles II and VI 2 of the Synod Constitution.”

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It was moved to amend the amendment to change the first “and” to “must.” Closure of debate on the amendment
carried by voice vote; the amendment to the amendment failed [Yes: 414; No: 437]. Debate on the primary amendment
continued.

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Closure of debate on the primary amendment carried by voice vote. The primary amendment failed [Yes: 377; No:
506]. After further debate, closure of debate on the resolution carried by voice vote. Res. 5-05 was adopted without
amendment [Yes: 787; No: 114].

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Res. 5-09A, “To Address the Public Reading of Scripture in Public Worship” (TB, 3:325–26), was read and
introduced by the committee.

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It was moved to amend (TB 4:384) by appending at TB 3:326, l. 13, the words “and make recommendations for
action at the next Synod convention.” Closure of debate carried by voice vote. The amendment failed by voice vote.

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It was moved to amend at l. 13, to add after “convention” the words “and create study materials for use at
synodwide theological convocations, such as circuit forums and district gatherings.” Closure of debate on the
amendment carried by voice vote. The amendment was adopted [Yes: 453; No: 436].

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It was moved and seconded to strike, on p. 326, lines 5–13 in their entirety.

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With twenty minutes’ debate elapsed, automatic closure of debate on the amendment carried and the amendment
failed. Automatic closure of debate on the resolution carried. Res. 5-09A as once amended was adopted [Yes: 607;
No: 296].

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Special Recognition—New and Outgoing Officers

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The chair introduced the Secretary and vice-presidents elected for the upcoming triennium and recognized the Rev.
Dr. Scott R. Murray and the Rev. Dr. John C. Wohlrabe, Jr., outgoing vice-presidents.

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Presentation—International Mission: Showing Mercy

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The Rev. Airton Schroeder, vice-president for social ministry and diaconal work for the Evangelical Lutheran
Church of Brazil (IELB), presented to the convention, noting that near the start of his service on the board of directors
of IELB in 2014, presiding over the mercy area, he was invited to participate in the International Conference on
Disaster Response at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, leading IELB to organize a disaster response
program. This was put to the test in 2023 when major flooding struck Brazil. LCMS leaders, at IELB’s request,
provided assistance and visited Brazil. The experience led IELB to host disaster response conferences and to translate
and adapt content for training based on the theology of the cross, focused on the mercy of the cross. This partnership
with LCMS and resulting training and conferences have aided IELB’s response to further disasters and facilitated new
partnerships. The training and publications were important, the assurance that IELB was not alone was priceless, and
IELB recognizes its relevance in the context of society. He finished by thanking LCMS for its willingness to help
people around the world, for its support and for giving IELB the opportunity to participate in the life of LCMS.

2026 Convention Minutes — Sessions 7 and 8 — Page 7