To Encourage Appropriate Use of Social Media

WHEREAS, The Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) in February 2019 issued a report titled, A Snapshot of Trending Tools: Christians and Social Media, which cites a definition of social media as “forms of electronic communication (such as websites for social networking and microblogging) through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (such as videos)” (Report R66.4, Workbook, 224); and

WHEREAS, “These rapidly changing methods of communication are considered indispensable in all areas of life—at home, at work, at all levels of education, in managing health care and providing entertainment” (Report R66.4, Workbook, 224); and

WHEREAS, The CTCR report seeks to consider how Christians can “best use—or, if necessary, avoid the use of— this technology to glorify our God and Savior, build up the Body of Christ and extend His kingdom in the world” (Report R66.4, Workbook, 224); and

WHEREAS, “Lutherans have always been open to the constructive use of new technologies for sharing the never- changing truths of God’s Word—think of Luther and the printing press! At the same time, Lutherans are clear-eyed about the power of sin, the world and Satan, and are therefore realistic and necessarily critical about how such technologies can be twisted and misused. Social media is a prime example of this and is also evolving and developing (in both good and bad ways)” (CTCR Executive Director Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, “CTCR report looks at ‘Christians and Social Media,’ ” Reporter Online, May 29, 2019, www.reporter.lcms.org/2019/ctcr-report-looks-at-christians- and-social-media); and

WHEREAS, Social media is neither inherently evil nor good, and while it can be used to help proclaim the Gospel, it has the potential to amplify and accelerate the harm that is caused by slander, libel, and other forms of false witness; and

WHEREAS, Much of the content on social media is driven by the world’s moral imperatives and utilizes the world’s vocabulary, presenting temptations to Christians and undermining Lutheran catechesis; and

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) provides helpful guidelines for its own social media community (www.lcms.org/about/privacy-policy/social-media- guidelines); therefore be it

Resolved, That Christians be encouraged to exercise caution and great care in choosing the words and images they publish on social media, taking into account the challenges involved in online communication, and making every effort to be both clear and compassionate in whatever they share; and be it further

Resolved, That Christians also be encouraged to exercise charity and patience in considering what their neighbor shares on social media, not assuming the worst but interpreting everything in the kindest way, while also seeking to respond in love with words and ideas shaped by the Holy Scriptures, the Lutheran Confessions, and the language of the Church; and be it further

Resolved, That Christians who use social media be encouraged to do so with thanksgiving to God for this gift, and to sanctify their online interactions with the Word of God and prayer (1 Tim. 4:1–5); and be it further

Resolved, That church workers and leaders, being held to a higher standard and representing the church by virtue of their office (1 Tim. 3:2, 7), are expected to exercise caution in their use of social media and lead by example; and be it further

Resolved, That we commend the CTCR Report A Snapshot of Trending Tools: Christians and Social Media for study and discussion by pastors, current and future church workers, and members of the congregations of the LCMS; and be it finally

Resolved, That, remembering our baptism and living as baptized children of God, we fear, love, and trust in God above all things while using social media as a means of loving and serving our neighbor. Committee 11 Chairman Terry R. Forke