To Provide Direction concerning Disputes Appearing on Social Media

WHEREAS,Social media platforms have become principal venues where an increasing number of members of the Synod publicly express disagreement with each other’s actions as well as their application of the Synod’s positions on doctrine and practice; and

WHEREAS, Such disagreements, when amplified online, risk undermining the unity of the Church, tend to confuse the faithful, and often distort the Synod’s confession to the wider world; and

WHEREAS, The Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) has recognized both the constructive and destructive potential of social media in its 2019 report, A Snapshot of Trending Tools: Christians and Social Media (resources.lcms.org/reading-study/ctcr-library-social-issues-and- citizenship); and

WHEREAS, Holy Scripture bids God’s people to live in harmony and unity with one another and to use edifying speech that builds up and not tears down (cf. Psalm 133:1–3; Eph. 4:29; 5:2); therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod encourage its roster ed workers, congregations, and lay members of its congregations to avoid using social media to express their disagreements, and for the sake of theological clarity, pastoral care, and a spirit of reconciliation, seek in-person opportunities to engage each other in civil and respectful conversations; and be it further

Resolved, That the CTCR further study how social media discourse impacts the unity of the Church and provide updated resources for congregations to respond faithfully to online attacks on Synod church workers and the congregations in which they are serving.