Res. 1-02 — To Proclaim 2029 the 500th Year of Luther’s Catechisms

WHEREAS, The year 2029 marks the 500th anniversary of the publication of Martin Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms; and

WHEREAS, Luther’s catechisms remain among the most significant and enduring treasures of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, faithfully summarizing and teaching the doctrine of Holy Scripture for Christians of every age; and

WHEREAS, Luther’s catechisms have served for five centuries as foundational resources for evangelism, discipleship, Christian vocation, prayer, mercy, and instruction in the Christian faith; and

WHEREAS, The Small Catechism continues to serve as a valuable resource for pastors, congregations, schools, and heads of households in teaching the faith to children and adults; and

WHEREAS, Concordia Publishing House (CPH) has already made Luther’s Small Catechism available through digital resources, including the online catechism platform at catechism.cph.org (funded through the offering from the 2023 Synod convention), translations in multiple languages, and a mobile application available through major digital platforms, thereby extending access to Luther’s catechisms for individuals, families, congregations, and mission settings throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, The 500th anniversary of Luther’s catechisms provides a unique opportunity for renewed emphasis upon catechesis throughout the Synod in a manner consistent with the spirit of the ancient catechumenate and the Church’s historic commitment to forming disciples through the teaching of God’s Word and the Christian faith and doctrine within congregations, schools, seminaries, universities, and homes; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention proclaim 2029 the 500th Anniversary Year of Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms; and be it further

Resolved, That the President of the Synod be encouraged to establish a Catechism500 initiative and invite CPH, the seminaries, the universities, Lutheran Hour Ministries, Lutheran Heritage Foundation, LCMS Communications, the Office of National Mission, the Office of International Mission, districts, congregations, schools, and other appropriate entities to participate in planning and promoting a coordinated synodwide observance of this anniversary; and be it further

Resolved, That the Catechism500 initiative be encouraged to promote renewed catechesis throughout the Synod and develop resources and opportunities that highlight the enduring value of Luther’s catechisms for the Church’s mission of making disciples; and be it further

Resolved, That congregations, schools, districts, campus ministries, recognized service organizations, and other entities of the Synod be encouraged to celebrate this anniversary and participate in Catechism500 activities and initiatives;

and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod in convention rise and sing “Lord, Help Us Ever to Retain” ( LSB 865) in thanksgiving to God for the gift of Luther’s catechisms and in prayer that He would use them to strengthen the faith of future generations: Lord, help us ever to retain The Catechism’s doctrine plain As Luther taught the Word of truth In simple style to tender youth. Help us Your holy Law to learn, To mourn our sin and from it turn In faith to You and to Your Son And Holy Spirit, Three in One. Hear us, dear Father, when we pray For needed help from day to day That as Your children we may live, Whom You baptized and so received. Lord, when we fall or go astray, Absolve and lift us up, we pray; And through the Sacrament increase Our faith till we depart in peace.