To Reaffirm and Confess Doctrine of Closed Communion and to Encourage Its Practice

WHEREAS, Oneness at the altar presupposes oneness in faith and doctrine (Acts 2:42); and

WHEREAS, In the Holy Supper of our Lord, Jesus gives the communicant His own precious body and blood, which were given and shed for the forgiveness of sin, but those who fail to discern the body and blood bring judgement on themselves (1 Cor. 11:27–29); and

WHEREAS, The doctrine and practice of closed Communion flow out of the concern for unity of faith, a desire to be faithful to Scripture, and a desire to faithfully care for souls; and

WHEREAS, Closed Communion, properly practiced, requires that the pastors and congregations of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) commune only those individuals who belong to congregations which are now in altar and pulpit fellowship with us; and

WHEREAS, All members of the LCMS subscribe and accept without reservation the authority of Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions contained in the Book of Concord; therefore be it

Resolved, That this convention recognize the scriptural necessity of adhering publicly to both the professed doctrine and practice of closed Communion as adopted in 2007 Resolution 3-09; and be it further

Resolved, That all pastors are bound to follow this scriptural practice.