Res. 10-02 — To Create a Task Force to Clarify Relationship Between Bylaw 1.10 and 2.14 and Consider Bylaw Changes for Dispute Resolution (Bylaw 1.10) and Expulsion of Congregations or Individuals from Membership in the Synod (Bylaw 2.14)

WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is united in a common confession of Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions and is called to maintain unity in doctrine and judgment while addressing disputes in a fraternal and timely manner (Matt. 5:23–24; 1 Cor. 1:10). Such reconciliation serves both the Gospel and the well-being of the church; and

WHEREAS, 1 Cor. 1:10 says, “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree , and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment ;” and

WHEREAS, The current dispute resolution process, codified by Bylaw 1.10, was established to resolve disputes within the church while avoiding secular litigation; in practice, however , the process has become lengthy, complex, and costly; its extensive procedural requirements and frequent reliance on in-person meetings can cause disputes to take years to address or to remain unresolved altogether; and

WHEREAS, The relationship between Bylaw 1.10 and 2.14 (hereinafter referred to as 1.10/2.14 processes) is frequently confusing and the processes need clarification; and

WHEREAS, Numerous overtures to this Synod convention (referenced above) indicate the necessity

• to clarify the relationship between the Bylaws concerned in the 1.10/2.14 processes;

• to clarify appropriate responses and differences in public vs. private disputes and/or grievances ; and

• to make the 1.10/2.14 processes more efficient and timely to complete: less costly, less complex, less cumbersome, and more transparent; and to address issues of required face-to-face meetings versus electronic communication; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention create a task force to study and recommend changes, if needed, to the 1.10/2.14 processes; and be it further

Resolved, That the task force consist of the following members:

• the President of Synod or his designee;

• the Secretary of Synod or his designee;

• three district presidents and two district secretaries selected by the Council of Presidents to represent each of the geographical regions of the Synod;

and be it further

Resolved, That this task force seek the input of experienced lay panel facilitators and reconcilers; and be it further

Resolved, That this task force, in its study, include special attention to changes in these Bylaws, address the concerns expressed including, but not limited to, the process being too costly, cumbersome, lengthy, and inefficient; and provide clear guidance regarding private/public processes and face-to-face versus electronic communications; and be it further

Resolved, That the report of recommendations made by the task force be made available to the congregations and pastors of the Synod no less than nine months prior to the 2029 Synod c onvention for the purpose of receiving input, comment, and feedback prior to publishing the 2029 Convention Workbook; and be it finally

Resolved, That the report and all feedback be assigned to the proper floor committee for the purpose of adopting resolutions to present at the 2029 Synod convention.