To Request Theological and Pastoral Statement and Bylaw Review regarding Social Media, Partisan Media, and Eighth Commandment in Ecclesiastical Proceedings

WHEREAS, The Eighth Commandment forbids bearing false witness against our neighbor and commands that we defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way; and

WHEREAS, Luther’s explanation of the Eighth Commandment in the Small and Large Catechisms warns against gossip and slander and calls for appropriate, orderly channels when confronting sin; and

WHEREAS, Our Lord’s words in Matthew 18:15–20 provide a pattern for addressing sin first privately, then with one or two witnesses, and finally, if needed, before the Church; and

WHEREAS, In our time, social media, blogs, podcasts, and other informal online platforms provide unprecedented means to spread accusations, insinuations, and commentary about pastors and congregations, often without accountability and without following the Lord’s pattern; and

WHEREAS, While legitimate concerns sometimes come to light through such channels, the Church must take great care lest unverified, anonymous, or partisan online content be treated as the equivalent of properly received testimony in ecclesiastical proceedings; and

WHEREAS, There is growing concern in the Synod that highly partisan or coordinated online campaigns can exert undue pressure on ecclesiastical supervisors and shape outcomes in ways that are not conducive to sober, evangelical judgment; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod direct the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR), in consultation with the Council of Presidents, to prepare a theological and pastoral statement addressing:

• the Eighth Commandment in the digital age;

• the proper handling of accusations against pastors and congregations;

• the appropriate and inappropriate uses of social media, blogs, podcasts, and similar media in relation to ecclesiastical supervision and discipline; and

• the distinction between information that may prompt investigation and evidence that may justly be used in reaching judgments;

and be it further

Resolved, That the CTCR statement include guidance on:

• the dangers of anonymous or pseudonymous attacks;

• the responsibility of Christians to refrain from sharing unverified accusations; and

• the need for church leaders to resist allowing online outrage or partisan media pressure to drive disciplinary decisions;

and be it further

Resolved, That the Commission on Handbook, in light of such a statement, be requested to review and, where appropriate, propose bylaw language or official guidelines making clear that:

• anonymous or partisan online content may be a prompt for further inquiry but may not be treated as inherently reliable evidence;

• ecclesiastical investigations must seek firsthand testimony and properly documented facts; and

• decisions in disciplinary cases are to be based on evidence gathered through appropriate, church ly procedures, not on the volume or intensity of online commentary;

and be it further

Resolved, That districts be encouraged to provide teaching resources for congregations on the Eighth Commandment and digital communication, to help members understand how to use social media in a manner befitting Christians; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod encourage all pastors and laypeople to commit themselves anew to guarding their tongues and keyboards, that wemay “speak the truth in love”(Eph. 4:15)and avoid harming Christ’s flock through uncharitable or disorderly speech.