Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2023 Convention2023 Overtures
All 260 overtures filed for 2023.
Filter by floor committee, submitter kind, or filing district. Multi-select within an axis (OR), combine across axes (AND). Click an overture for the full WHEREAS- and-Resolved text.
To Aid Churches Unable to Support Sole Pastor
Submitted by: Southern District
To Study Dual- and Multi-Congregation Parish Ministry Situations within the Synod
Submitted by: Circuit 1 (Altenburg); Missouri District
To Encourage Synod to Develop Resources to Aid Congregations and Schools regarding Gender Identity Issues
Submitted by: Missouri District
To Address Mental Health among Called Church Workers
Submitted by: congregations of each district of the Synod.; Board of Directors, Nebraska District
To Address Mental Health among Called Church Workers
Submitted by: Pastors’ Conference Indiana District
To Address Mental Health among Called Church Workers
Submitted by: Professional Workers’ Conference (Western Region) English District
To Address Mental Health among Called Church Workers
Submitted by: being to the church workers and congregations of the district.; Ascension, Fort Wayne, IN; Our Hope, Huntertown, IN; St. James, Logansport, IN; Circuit 10 (Lafayette), Indiana District
To Address Mental Health among Called Church Workers
Submitted by: Circuit 12 (Kokomo); Indiana District
To Mark Fiftieth Anniversary of Roe v. Wade with More Fervent Teaching, Proclamation, and Efforts to Promote God’s Gift of Life
Submitted by: Mid-South District
To Offer Clearer Information for Couples Using the Pill for Birth Control as to When and How Often It Acts as an Abort if aci ent
Submitted by: North Wisconsin District
To Increase Awareness among Synod Congregations of Human Trafficking
Submitted by: Mid-South District
To Direct LCMS Life Ministry to Support Congregations in Developing Mercy Ministries to Promote Culture of Life
Submitted by: English District
To Recognize and Thank the Synod for Strengthened and Expanded “Soldiers of the Cross” COVID-19 Response Initiative
Submitted by: SELC District
To Recognize and Thank the Synod for Strengthened and Expanded “Soldiers of the Cross” COVID-19 Response Initiative
Submitted by: North Wisconsin District
To Provide Triennial Synod Emphases
Submitted by: Texas District
To Prioritize “Living as the Baptized” as a Mission and Ministry Focus for the 2022–2025 Triennium
Submitted by: Kansas District
To Suggest Mission and Ministry Emphases for the Synod
Submitted by: Florida-Georgia District
To Encourage Return to In-Person Worship
Submitted by: Texas District
To Reaffirm Biblical Practice of Gathered Local Congregations with Rightly Called Local Pastors and to Encourage Congregations to Practice In-person Worship, Teaching, and Administration of Sacraments
Submitted by: Montana District
To Encourage House Blessings
Submitted by: Atlantic District
To Mark Fiftieth Anniversary of 1974 Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, “Walkout” with Thorough Teaching about the Controversy and Renewed Emphasis on Pure Doctrine
Submitted by: Mid-South District
To Address Scriptural Errors in Fellowship with the Japan Lutheran Church
Submitted by: Central Illinois District
To Study Triangular Fellowship
Submitted by: Northern Illinois District
To Reaffirm and Confess Doctrine of Closed Communion and to Encourage Its Practice
Submitted by: Minnesota North District
To Reject Practice of Internet Communion
Submitted by: Minnesota South District
To Reject Practice of So-Called “Internet Communion”
Submitted by: Central Illinois District
To Reject Practice of “Online or Virtual Communion”
Submitted by: Indiana District
To Reject Practice of Online or Virtual Communion
Submitted by: South Wisconsin District
To Reject and Condemn Practice of Virtual (Online) Communion
Submitted by: scope to include every district and adopt this at its 2023 convention.; Montana District
To Refrain from Practice of Online Communion
Submitted by: Iowa East District
To Reject Internet Communion as Contrary to Word of God
Submitted by: Southern Illinois District
To Reject “Online” or “Virtual” Communion as Divisive of Church Fellowship
Submitted by: Pastors’ Conference Wyoming District
To Create True Synod-Wide Dialogue and Study with Respect to Celebration of Lord’s Supper in Homes during Online Worship
Submitted by: Texas District
To Address Use of Technology in Life of the Church and Ministry of Congregations
Submitted by: Mid-South District
To Form Theology of Virtual Worship Task Force
Submitted by: Southern District
To Commend Luther’s Large Catechism with Annotations and Contemporary Applications
Submitted by: Circuit 2 (St. Paul Metro); Minnesota South District
To Cease and Desist Publication of Luther’s Large Catechism with Annotations and Contemporary Applications
Submitted by: Circuit 14 (Indianapolis South); Indiana District
To Condemn Heresy of Transgenderism as Violation of Commandments and Creed
Submitted by: Pastors’ Conference Wyoming District
To Condemn Heresy of Feminism as Rejection of Created Order and of Distinction God Has Established Between the Sexes
Submitted by: Pastors’ Conference Wyoming District
To Reconsider Woman Suffrage in the Church
Submitted by: Circuit 18; Pacific Southwest District
To Address Use of Aborted Babies in Creating Vaccines and Other Medications
Submitted by: Nebraska District
To Encourage Synod to Clarify Our Stance on Fetal Tissues and Their Use Related to Pharmaceutical Products
Submitted by: Missouri District
To Advocate for Religious Exemption and Against Vaccine Mandates with Use of Vaccines Decided as Matter of Individual Conscience
Submitted by: Circuit 3 (Rice Lake); North Wisconsin District
To Reconsider Allowing “Brain Death” Criteria for Determination of Death at End of Life
Submitted by: English District
To Commission Biblical Study of Lending within the Church
Submitted by: Florida-Georgia District
To Recognize the Organization 1517 as Heterodox Tract and Mission Society
Submitted by: Saint Paul, Chesterton, IN; Pastors’ Conference, Wyoming District
To Distinguish Terms for Pastoral Office from Those for Auxiliary or Helping Offices
Submitted by: respective districts in keeping with 2016 Res. 13-02A.; Board of Directors, Iowa East District
To Affirm Residential Pastoral Education at Our Seminaries
Submitted by: Pastors’ Conference Iowa East District
To Establish Task Force to Determine Additions and Revisions for Training of Preachers within the Synod
Submitted by: Pastors’ Conference Michigan District
To Strengthen and Expand Routes to Ministry
Submitted by: Atlantic District
To Create Plan to Address Near-Term Pastoral Needs
Submitted by: the 2025 district convention cycle.; Board of Directors, Florida-Georgia District
To Encourage and Support Existing Learning-In-Ministry, Non-Residential, Distance Programs Leading to Ordination
Submitted by: Minnesota South District
To Encourage and Expand Support for Immigrant and Non-Anglo Pastoral Formation through Learning in Ministry, Non-Residential, Distance Programs that Lead to Ordination
Submitted by: Pacific Southwest District
To Encourage and Support Existing Learning-In-Ministry, Non-Residential, Distance Programs Leading to Ordination
Submitted by: Florida-Georgia District
To Increase Distance Education Opportunities to Train General Ordained Ministers
Submitted by: Northwest District
To Explore Non-Residential Opportunities for Pastoral Education
Submitted by: Southeastern District
To Encourage Further Consideration of Successful Completion of Specific Ministry Pastor Coursework before Ordination and Placement on Ordained Roster
Submitted by: Mid-South District
To Establish Specific Ministry Pastor Program Oversight Board and to Revise Bylaws Governing Program
Submitted by: English District
To Call for Re-evaluation of Specific Ministry Pastor Program
Submitted by: Circuit 26 (Racine); South Wisconsin District
To Support the Synod’s Specific Ministry Pastor Program
Submitted by: Southeastern District
To Support the Synod’s Specific Ministry Pastor Program
Submitted by: Circuit 15 (Mecklenburg); Southeastern District
To Regularize Specific Ministry Pastoral Formation
Submitted by: seminary’s program director in consultation with the president of; the district where the student serves and resides.; Board of Regents, Concordia Theological Seminary
To Increase Number of Students Preparing for General Ordination by Expanding Work of Cross-Cultural Ministry Center
Submitted by: Pacific Southwest District
To Increase Number of Students Preparing for General Ordination through Distance Learning Opportunities and by Expanding Work of Cross-Cultural Ministry Center
Submitted by: California-Nevada-Hawaii District
To Restore Both Biblical Languages to the Education of Future Pastors on All Pathways to the Office of the Holy Ministry
Submitted by: English District
To Create Third Pathway for General Pastoral Colloquy for Members of Synod Congregations Who Have Graduated with Accredited Masters of Divinity Degree from Non-Synod Seminary
Submitted by: Pacific Southwest District
To Examine Additional Pathway(s) for General Pastoral Colloquy for Members of Synod Member Congregations Who Have Graduated with an Accredited Master of Divinity Degree from a Non-Synod Seminary
Submitted by: California-Nevada-Hawaii District
To Expand Roles and Leadership of All Existing Ordained Ministers of Word and Sacraments
Submitted by: Southern District
To Consider Use of Deacons in Word and Sacrament Ministry
Submitted by: Northwest District
To Reconsider Use of Licensed Lay Deacons in Word and Sacrament Ministry
Submitted by: Pacific Southwest District
To Reconsider Use of Licensed Lay Deacons in Word and Sacrament Ministry
Submitted by: California-Nevada-Hawaii District
To Re-establish Path to SMP Ordination for Those Serving as Deacons in the Synod
Submitted by: Circuit 10 (Saginaw); Michigan District
To Prevent Admission, Reinstatement, or Colloquization of a Divorced Man into the Office of the Public Ministry Who Has Married Another Woman
Submitted by: Montana District
To Restore Binding Key to Rites of Ordination and Installation of a Pastor
Submitted by: Montana District
To Recommend and Implement Rigorous Program of Study in Circuit Winkels
Submitted by: Kansas District
To Increase Continuing Education Unit Opportunities throughout the Synod
Submitted by: English District
To Encourage Both Synod Seminaries to Continue Teaching Men for Faithful Service and to Petition the Synod to Dramatically Increase Funds Sent to Un designated Seminary Operations
Submitted by: Montana District
To Thank the Lord of the Church for the Life and Ministry of Rev. Dr. Laokouxang (Kou) Seying
Submitted by: Minnesota South District
To Provide Comment to 2019 Res. 7-03 Committee concerning CUS Governance Model Proposal
Submitted by: Texas District
To Provide Comment to 2019 Res. 7-03 Committee concerning CUS Governance Model Proposal
Submitted by: Florida-Georgia District
To Delay Process of Restructuring Concordia University System
Submitted by: the reorganization of the Concordia University System.; Northwest District
To Delay Consideration of Concordia University System Restructuring
Submitted by: California-Nevada-Hawaii District
To Suspend Recommendations of 2019 Res. 7-03 Committee
Submitted by: Michigan District
To Appoint Task Force to Refocus Concordia University System for Education of Professional Church Workers Consistent with Lutheran Confessions
Submitted by: Montana District
To Bring Accountability to Concordia Boards of Regents
Submitted by: bylaws to the Board of Directors for approval and implementation.; South Wisconsin District
To Reform Composition of Boards of Regents of Concordia University System Universities to Improve Doctrinal Fidelity and Amenability to Ecclesiastical Supervision
Submitted by: Montana District
To Make All Concordia University System Board-Appointed Regents Advisory Members
Submitted by: South Wisconsin District
To Address Concordia University Wisconsin/Ann Arbor Board of Regents Representation
Submitted by: Michigan District
To Memorialize Commission on Handbook to Revise Number of Voters for Election of Presidents of Concordia University System Schools
Submitted by: South Wisconsin District
To Support Colleges and Universities of the Concordia University System
Submitted by: Atlantic District
To Request Comprehensive Review of Commissioned Ministry Colloquy Process
Submitted by: communicated to the South Wisconsin District Board of Directors; and the Board for National Mission by Jan. 1, 2024.; South Wisconsin District
To Recognize and Give Thanks for Work at Concordia College—New York
Submitted by: Atlantic District
To Give Thanks for Concordia College—New York
Submitted by: Southeastern District
To Honor and Give Thanks for Ministry of Concordia University, Portland
Submitted by: Northwest District
To Request Expanded Permissions for 1986 Small Catechism Translation
Submitted by: Oklahoma District
To Form Synodical Technology “Help Desk”
Submitted by: Southern District
To Establish a Commission to Study the Possibility of Utilizing a Health Sharing Community Group
Submitted by: Montana District
To Audit Concordia Plan Services Retirement Funding
Submitted by: Atlantic District
To Create a Restructuring Task Force to Consider Transfer of Synod Congregations, Ministries, and Assets
Submitted by: Atlantic District
To Change to Four-Year Convention Cycle
Submitted by: Southeastern District
To Appoint Task Force to Evaluate Current Electoral Circuit Parameters
Submitted by: parishes which cross district and circuit lines.; Southern Illinois District
To Re-evaluate Size Requirements for Electoral Circuits in the Synod
Submitted by: Florida-Georgia District
To Memorialize Synod to Study Circuit Size Requirements
Submitted by: Missouri District
To Change Electoral Circuit Requirement
Submitted by: Michigan District
To Change Size Requirements for Electoral Circuits
Submitted by: Southeastern District
To Eliminate Distinction between Electoral and Visitation Circuits and Communicant Membership Requirement of the Same
Submitted by: South Dakota District
To Strengthen Nonvoting Advisory Delegate Participation at Convention
Submitted by: Atlantic District
To Strengthen Nonvoting Advisory Delegate Participation at Convention
Submitted by: other districts to do the same, and implementing this practice at the; Pacific Southwest District
To Strengthen Nonvoting Advisory Delegate Participation at Convention
Submitted by: SELC District
To Strengthen Nonvoting Advisory Delegate Participation at Convention
Submitted by: Southeastern District
To Strengthen Nonvoting Advisory Delegate Participation at Conventions
Submitted by: California-Nevada-Hawaii District
To Strengthen Advisory Delegate Participation at Synod Conventions
Submitted by: Michigan District
To Restrict Synod Convention on Sundays
Submitted by: English District
To Have Next Available Convention of the Synod in Detroit
Submitted by: English District
To Require Ratification of Commission on Constitutional Matters Opinions
Submitted by: Texas District
To Provide Additional Information about Nominees for Elected Positions of the Synod and Districts
Submitted by: the 2025 district conventions.; Circuit 26 (Kensington); Michigan District
To Elect Synod President at Convention
Submitted by: Southern Illinois District
To Conform Election of Synod President to Longstanding Practice
Submitted by: Atlantic District
To Have Synod Regional Representation Determined by Regional Constituency
Submitted by: Florida-Georgia District
To Implement Term Limits for Synod President and First Vice-President
Submitted by: Texas District
To Establish Term Limits for Elected Officers of Synod
Submitted by: Nebraska District
To Amend Synod Bylaw 3.2.4.1 to Limit Terms of Office for President, First Vice-President, Regional Vice-Presidents, and Secretary
Submitted by: Circuit 2 (Metro West); South Wisconsin District
To Amend Constitution to Grant Lay Vote to Every Congregation
Submitted by: Southeastern District; Circuit 15 (Mecklenburg), Southeastern District
To Consider Realignment of Constitution Article III Objectives 1 and 2
Submitted by: California-Nevada-Hawaii District
To Create True Synod-Wide Dialogue and Study with Respect to Controverted Matters
Submitted by: St. Matthew, Grand Rapids, MI; Texas District; Board of Directors, Michigan District; Board of Directors,; Pacific Southwest District
To Amend Bylaw 4.1.1.4 regarding Transfer of Congregations between Districts
Submitted by: Southern Illinois District and Dispute Resolution
To Amend Bylaw 2.14.5 (a–e) regarding Ecclesiastical Supervision
Submitted by: New Jersey District
To Amend Bylaw 2.11.2.2 re Candidate Status
Submitted by: Indiana District
To Provide All Standards of Accountability to Members of Synod
Submitted by: Ohio District
To Amend Bylaw 3.10.1.3 re Placement
Submitted by: Circuit 3; Southern Illinois District
To Be Cautious with the World’s Moral Imperatives
Submitted by: Pastors’ Conference (Eastern Region) Northern Illinois District
To Reject Racism and Advance the Gospel
Submitted by: Mid-South District
To Reject Bigotry and Advance the Gospel
Submitted by: Kansas District
To Speak Gospel Clearly in Cultural Context of Critical Race Theory
Submitted by: Minnesota South District
To Affirm Biblical Doctrines of Creation, Original Sin, and Redemption and to Reject Critical Theory
Submitted by: Minnesota North District
To Love Our Neighbor by Rebuking False Doctrine
Submitted by: Indiana District
To Reject and Condemn Critical Theory, Its Theologies and Ideologies, and to Rebuke Its Proponents
Submitted by: Circuit 1 (Southern); Montana District
To Reject Critical Theory and Its Proponents, Theologies, Ideologies, and Worldviews
Submitted by: Montana District
To Reject Critical Race Theory and Its Worldview in the Church
Submitted by: Southern Illinois District
To Exhort Those in Authority to Identify and Eliminate Social Justice (Woke) Ideology
Submitted by: South Wisconsin District
To Prevent Harmful Philosophies, Ideologies, and Contemporary Movements Contrary to the Christian Faith from Damaging Our Congregations, Schools, Colleges, and Seminaries
Submitted by: English District
To Advance Racial Equality and Great Commission
Submitted by: Southeastern District
To Support Racial Equality and Great Commission
Submitted by: Circuit 15 (Mecklenburg); Southeastern District
To Foster Multiculturalism in Exercise of Great Commission
Submitted by: Florida-Georgia District
To Provide Christian Resources in Addressing Racism
Submitted by: LCMS for action at the 2023 Synod convention.; Atlantic District
To Reject All Forms of Racism and Affirm Our Witness to All People
Submitted by: Nebraska District
To Affirm Biblical Anthropology and Denounce Racism as an Anti-Gospel Belief
Submitted by: Missouri District
To Condemn Racism, White Supremacy, and White Nationalism and Reaffirm Biblical and Confessional Common Humanity of All Peoples
Submitted by: Circuit 2 (St. Paul Metro); Minnesota South District
To Reject Racism, Rectify Past Wrongs of Commission and Omission, and Recognize Pacific Southwest District Successes, Failures, and Opportunities in Ministry within Communities
Submitted by: Pacific Southwest District
To Recognize Atlantic District Successes, Failures, and Opportunities in Ministry with Communities of Color
Submitted by: Atlantic District
To Affirm the Church’s Freedom to Celebrate the Divine Service
Submitted by: Central Illinois District
To Affirm Need for Open Churches during Times of Plague, Pestilence, and Pandemic
Submitted by: English District
To Affirm and Protect Freedom to Exercise Religion
Submitted by: Atlantic District
To Protect Christian Consciences
Submitted by: South Wisconsin District
To Offer Special Thanks to Our Supreme Court Justices
Submitted by: Circuit 3 (Rice Lake); North Wisconsin District
To Defend the Christian Conscience and the Church’s Daughters
Submitted by: Southern Illinois District
To Confess and Defend the Church’s Daughters and the Christian Conscience of All People
Submitted by: Pastors’ Conference Wyoming District