To Support Colleges and Universities of the Concordia University System

WHEREAS, Colleges and universities of the Concordia University System (CUS) have been serving The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and her congregations since 1864 by providing faithful, high-quality, Lutheran higher education to many tens of thousands of people throughout the nation and around the world; and

WHEREAS, Each of the colleges and universities within the CUS is committed to grounding all academic pursuits in the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and

WHEREAS, The colleges and universities of the CUS have afforded theologically sound liberal arts education and professional formation to thousands of students who serve in various vocations in the family, the Church, and civil society; and

WHEREAS, Countless students of the colleges and universities of the CUS have heard the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ proclaimed and expounded, through which many such students have come to faith and many faithful students have been strengthened in the Word; and

WHEREAS, God has provided priceless benefits to untold numbers of the faithful through professional church workers who were educated and formed at colleges and universities of the CUS; and

WHEREAS, The intensity and scope of the higher education landscape in which the LCMS colleges and universities operate is changing rapidly, which further increases scrutiny on the institutional boards’ ability to fulfill their fiduciary duties as agencies of the LCMS; and

WHEREAS, The Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions provide us with clear direction regarding our responsibilities toward civil authorities; therefore be it

Resolved, That the colleges and universities of the CUS be commended for their God-pleasing work; and be it further

Resolved, That with increased antagonism toward Christian faith and Christian educational institutions, the Synod in convention encourages the Board of Directors of the Synod and the universities to consider options to best preserve both ecclesiastical and secular rights, interests, and responsibilities of the universities and, as appropriate, take actions and institute processes accordingly, or if beneficial, to bring to the convention potential further action; and be it further

Resolved, That the congregations of the LCMS and their members encourage enrollment in the colleges and universities of the CUS, especially in programs that train workers for the Church; and be it further

Resolved, That the congregations of the LCMS be encouraged to provide spiritual and financial support for their congregants who enroll in a college or university of the CUS;

and be it further

Resolved, That each district of the LCMS be encouraged to create and fund scholarships for members of that district’s congregations to attend a college or university of the CUS; and be it finally

Resolved, That members of LCMS congregations be encouraged to support the colleges and universities of the CUS generously and regularly with their prayers, time, talents, and financial resources, all to the glory and praise of Almighty God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit