To Condemn Use of Internet Forums for Dispute Resolution and Grievance Airing within the Synod

WHEREAS, We are called in Scripture to resolve our disputes and disagreements in a manner that is worthy of our new life in Christ (Matt. 18: 15–17, James 1: 19–20, I Peter 3: 8–11, Eph. 4:26, Rom. 12: 17–21, Col. 3:13, John 13: 34); and

WHEREAS, The Synod has a dispute resolution process in place in its Bylaws for the sake of good order and administration of the church (Bylaw Section 1.10); and

WHEREAS, Koinonia has been widely accepted in the life of the church, calling parties to meet each other, learn about each other, celebrate areas of unity, and discuss areas of discord in a manner that seeks to understand and bring forth peace and resolution; and

WHEREAS, The 2016 Synod convention passed Resolution 4- 05A, “To Continue and Expand the Koinonia Project”, which the last resolve states: “Resolved, That each member of the Synod and each member of a Synod congregation will follow the principles of the Koinonia Project, namely, that when there is a disagreement regarding doctrine and practice the baptized will come together through their unity in Christ to live out that unity as they study the Word of God and pray” (Proceedings, 148);

WHEREAS, The use of the Internet including social media, blogs, chatrooms, etc., may have inaccurate information and provide space for speculation, gossip, and slander; and

WHEREAS, These same forms of social media frequently provide a forum for comments that are not regulated or monitored and may provide a forum for participants to respond to issues and events contrary to the Scriptures, the dispute resolution process and Koinonia; and

WHEREAS, Such comments may lead a brother or sister to break the Eighth Commandment; and

WHEREAS, The use of live-streaming for the sake of the Gospel is now being employed for the good of the Kingdom but so often is used out of context concerning individuals and/ or ministries, that enable criticism without any attempt to express concerns to the individuals and ministries; and

WHEREAS, That the Southeastern District Board of Directors at its regularly called meeting in December 2022 voted unanimously to submit this overture; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention condemn the use of live- streaming to find fault or criticized members of the Synod and the use of social media and its various forms to air grievances and disputes within the church and against fellow brothers and sisters in Christ; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention instruct the Council of Presidents to create policy and consequences for members of the Synod who inappropriately use the Internet to air grievances and disputes; and be it further

Resolved, That members of the Synod and especially leaders of the Synod including the President, vice-presidents, Secretary, district presidents, and circuit visitors disassociate themselves from organizations within and outside of the Synod who promote the misuse of the Internet to air such grievances and disputes; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod in convention affirm the dispute resolution process and Koinonia for the health and wellbeing of the church as means to seek resolution, peace, and harmony among brothers and sisters in Christ.