To Reject and Condemn Practice of Virtual (Online) Communion

WHEREAS, The churches of the Lutheran Confession have diligently and respectfully followed the practice of Communion in the midst of a gathered local congregation served by local pastors who are “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God,” (1 Cor. 4:1) as was handed down by Jesus to St. Paul and the first apostles and to us; and

WHEREAS, These local pastors are to “be found trustworthy” (1 Cor. 4:2 ESVUK) and have vowed “to administer the holy sacraments in accordance with their divine institution,” (Supplement to the Diploma of Vocation); and

WHEREAS, Our Lutheran Confession teaches specifically regarding Holy Communion (Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration VII 83–85): But this “blessing” or the recitation of the Words of Institution of Christ by itself does not make a valid sacrament if the entire action of the Supper, as Christ administered it, is not observed (as, for example, when the consecrated bread is not distributed, received, and eaten but is instead locked up [in the tabernacle], made into a sacrifice, or carried around in a procession). On the contrary, Christ’s command, “Do this,” must be observed without division or confusion. For it includes the entire action or administration of this sacrament: that in a Christian assembly bread and wine are taken, consecrated, distributed, received, eaten, and drunk, and that there by the Lord’s death is proclaimed, as St. Paul presents the entire action of the breaking of the bread or its distribution and reception in 1 Corinthians 10:16. In order to preserve this true Christian teaching on the Holy Supper and to avoid and eliminate many kinds of idolatrous abuses and perversions of this testament, this useful rule and guide is taken from the Words of Institution: nothing has the character of a sacrament apart from the use [usus] instituted by Christ or the divinely instituted action [actio]. (That is, when Christ’s institution is not observed as he established it, there is no sacrament.) This rule dare not be rejected in any way, but it can and should be followed and preserved in the church of God with great benefit. (Kolb & Wengert, 607–608); and

WHEREAS, It is not possible to provide in-person pastoral care or complete the “entire action or administration” of the sacraments “in a Christian assembly” when members of the congregation participate remotely using the internet or other electronic means; and

WHEREAS, The Sacraments were instituted by Christ to destroy doubt and bring the certainty of His forgiveness; and

WHEREAS, “Virtual” or “online” Communion, as it has been variously called, is a rejection of proper pastoral care, negates the ability to practice the immediate pastoral oversight of confession of sins and faith, breaks the “useful rule and guide” established by our Lutheran Confession, and creates uncertainty, doubt, and a division of the local gathered body of believers and a division in practice between congregations; and

WHEREAS, The Council of Presidents unanimously adopted the resolution: “To Encourage Advocating In-Person Communion,” (The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, “To Encourage Advocating In-Person Communion,” files.lcms.org/file/preview/6CAF272D-692A-4653-9005- A5C931CD045B, Sept. 11, 2021) where in the final resolved encourages congregations and pastors “to refrain from the practice of online Communion”; therefore be it

Resolved, That the pastors of the Montana District provide a careful biblical and cate cheti cal instruction to their congregations regarding Holy Communion, giving attention to the duties of a pastor and that of the congregation in this matter; and be it further

Resolved, That the congregations of the district be encouraged to clearly and unequivocally reject and condemn the practice of virtual (online) Communion by teaching members of the specific dangers;

and be it further

Resolved, That the president of the district (the ecclesiastical supervisor), seek information from all Montana District congregations about this practice and begin specific discussions to dissuade any congregation of this district that is considering, teaching,or practicing virtual (online)Communion; and be it finally

Resolved, That the district memorialize the Synod to broaden its