To Study Ecclesiastical Supervision in Light of Lutheran Confessions

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Confessions, particularly Augsburg Confession VII, VIII, and XXVIII, and the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope, set forth a rich and careful doctrine of the Church, the ministry, and church authority; and

WHEREAS, These confessional writings emphasize that church ly authority is given for the sake of the Gospel, that human ordinances are not to burden consciences, and that bishops/superintendents are not to lord it over the church; and

WHEREAS, The Constitution and Bylaws of the Synod, including those portions concerning congregations, district presidents, the President of the Synod, ecclesiastical supervision, discipline, and expulsion, are intended to reflect and operational ize these confessional principles; and

WHEREAS, In recent years, difficult and highly visible cases of discipline and supervision have raised questions among pastors and laypeople about whether our current structures and practices fully and transparently embody our confessional teaching; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting and salutary for the Synod, from time to time, to reexamine its polity and practice in the light of Scripture and the Confessions, that we may repent where needed and strengthen what is good; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod request the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR), in consultation with the Council of Presidents, legal/handbook experts, and representatives of congregations, to undertake a comprehensive study of ecclesiastical supervision and discipline in the Synod, addressing at least:

• the biblical and confessional foundations for church authority, oversight, and discipline;

• the relationship between congregations, districts, and the Synod;

• the proper reach and limits of the president’s supervisory authority;

• the theological grounding for due process, appeals, and protections against conflicts of interest; and

• the ways in which current Synod structures and practices either serve or hinder evangelical, confessional oversight;

and be it further

Resolved, That this study pay particular attention to how our structures can best:

• protect the flock from false doctrine and scandalous life;

• protect pastors and congregations from arbitrary or politicized uses of authority; and

• encourage mutual trust and cooperation among congregations, districts, and the Synod;

and be it further

Resolved, That the CTCR be asked to present a written report of its findings and recommendations to the next regular convention of the Synod, including both theological analysis and, where appropriate, suggested directions for future constitutional or bylaw changes; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod encourage pastors and congregations to study this report once available, so that our life together may increasingly reflect both our confessional commitments and the gentleness and truth of Christ, the Chief Shepherd.