To Commend and Encourage Continued Use of the Koinonia Project and Give Thanks to God for the Sainted Rev.Dr.Herbert C.Mueller,Jr.

WHEREAS, The Scriptures teach us to love one another and seek unity (1 Peter 1:3–8; Col. 3:12–14; Eph. 4:3); and

WHEREAS, Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34–35); and

WHEREAS, In a fractured society, where division and discord are sinfully celebrated and encouraged, the church has the privilege to give witness to Christ and His undeserved mercy and grace for all; and

WHEREAS, The members of the church, including the workers, are to be the light of Christ and the example of forgiveness, restoration, and love; and

WHEREAS, The Koinonia Project materials were written by the sainted Rev. Dr. Herbert C. Mueller, Jr., are available for review (lcms.org/about/leadership/president/koinonia-project), and are currently used by the Synod’s Council of Presidents (COP) at each meeting; and

WHEREAS, The Koinonia Project provides members of God’s church with a means through which we pray God will give greater harmony in our Synod’s “Life Together” by showing where there is agreement and disagreement, and identifying how we as a church can move toward greater unity in teaching and practice; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage the spirit of koinonia (fraternal conversation) throughout all the members and entities of Synod; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the COP to continue the use of the Koinonia Project among our professional church workers and laity; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod and district leadership encourage all professional church workers, lay leaders, and others across the Synod to gain competence in their ability to address conflict and promote biblical reconciliation for God’s purposes in congregations, schools, and families in our nation and the world; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod in convention gives thanks to God for the sainted Rev. Dr. Herbert C. Mueller, Jr., for his indefatigable service to the Synod as a pastor, district president, and Synod first vice-president and particularly for his work writing, producing, and implementing the Koinonia Project, by rising to sing stanzas 4 and 5 of “God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It” found on page 75 of the 2023 Synod convention Daily Worship booklet