Res. 10-04 — To Seek Unity and Peace in the Synod and to Establish a Practical Statement for God-Pleasing Use of Digital Communications

WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed for the unity of His Church so that the world might believe He has been sent by the Father (John 17:11, 20 –23) and declared that all people would know we are his disciples by the love we have for one another (John 13:35); and

WHEREAS, The apostle Paul enjoins God’s people to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1–3); and

WHEREAS, The first objective listed in Article III of the Synod Constitution is to “conserve and promote the unity of the true faith (Eph. 4:3–6; 1 Cor. 1:10), work through its official structure toward fellowship with other Christian church bodies, and provide a united defense against schism, sectarianism (Rom. 16:17), and heresy”; and

WHEREAS, Unity in the Church is a gift from God (Rom. 15:5–6) which we should humbly seek from Him in prayer; and

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 (SC I, Eighth Commandment); 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 (SC I, Eighth Commandment; LC I [Eighth Commandment]); and

WHEREAS, Division and acrimony between Christians compromises the witness of the Church to the world and may impede the proclamation of the Gospel; and

WHEREAS, there are individuals and organizations that use social media platforms to publicly disparage the character of others, demonizing and dismissing their humanity; and

WHEREAS, The Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) , especially in its 2019 report, A Snapshot of Trending Tools: Christians and Social Media and its 2024 report, Uses of Online Technology in the Church: Study Materials has recognized the dangers that exist when using digital technologies as a means to critique fellow Christians and intervene in our agreed upon processes for resolving disputes ; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention strongly urge people across the church to pray fervently, both in corporate worship and as individuals, for the unity and health of the Synod, believing that all things are possible with God (Phil. 4:13); and be it further

Resolved, that the Synod in convention encourage all rostered workers and laypeople to commit themselves anew to guarding their tongues and keyboards, that we may “[speak] the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15) and avoid harming Christ’s flock through uncharitable or disorderly speech; and be it further

Resolved, that those using pseudonymous accounts for the purpose of sowing discord within Synod be encouraged to repent, delete their accounts, and confess to their pastor or ecclesiastical supervisor to receive absolution; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod call on individuals to “[bear] with one another in love” (Eph. 4:2), by providing forgiveness, by speaking well of each other, by praying for one another, by seeking peace, and by explaining everything in the kindest way; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod encourage its rostered workers, congregations, and laity 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 -41 person opportunities to engage each other in civil and respectful conversations; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the 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;

• the dangers of anonymous or pseudonymous attacks; and

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

and be it finally

Resolved, that the CTCR include this work in its report to the next Synod convention.