Res. 2-05 — To Give Thanks to God for 125 Years of Gospel Ministry, Partner Churches, and Mission in the Latin America and Caribbean Region

WHEREAS, The Office of International Mission (OIM) carries out the Church’s Christ-given task to spread the Gospel, plant Lutheran churches, and show mercy among the nations, grounded in Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions; and

WHEREAS, The year 2025 marked the historic milestone of 125 years since The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) began its vital mission work in Brazil, establishing a long legacy of planting the Gospel seed across the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region; and

WHEREAS, Through the power of the Holy Spirit, missionary church planting has led to recognized fellowship with ten church bodies across the LAC region, specifically Iglesia Evangélica Luterana Argentina (Argentina), Iglesia Cristiana Evangé lica Luterana de Bolivia (Bolivia), Igreja Evangélica Luterana do Brasil (Brazil), Iglesia Luterana Confesional de Chile (Chile), Iglesia Luterana en Guatemala (Guatemala), Église Évangélique Luth érienne d’Haiti (Haiti), Sinodo Luterano de Mexico (Mexico), Iglesia Evangélica Luterana del Paraguay (Paraguay), Iglesia Luterana San Pablo (Uruguay), and Iglesia Luterana de Venezuela (Venezuela); and

WHEREAS, Our missionaries directly and indirectly support church planting across ten countries, prioritizing the faithful preparation of local pastors to gather believers around Word and Sacrament where Jesus promises to give His life-29 giving forgiveness; and

WHEREAS, The Lord has graciously provided faithful alliance missionaries from our partner churches who, with their families, leave their homes to teach and plant churches alongside LCMS missionaries; and

WHEREAS, The Gospel mission in Hispanic contexts is being strengthened through extensive theological education, church planting, and mission support through FORO partnerships across the region; and

WHEREAS, The VDMA ( Verbum Domini manet in aeternum ) project provides orthodox Lutheran theological resources in Spanish and Portuguese to pastors and seminarians in 22 countries, with more than 420 recipients and over 54 titles distributed, greatly expanding access to Lutheran teaching where previously resources were scarce; and

WHEREAS, Spanish-language theological resources have grown significantly, including the full Confessional Lutheran Dogmatics published by Luther Academy in Spanish and the development of accessible materials such as the Spanish hymnal, Himnario Luterano, for use in mission settings; and

WHEREAS, Lutheran theological education in Hispanic contexts continues to expand through seminaries such as the Concordia the Reformer Seminary in the Dominican Republic (CMSCR), which is forming pastors (since 2017, 44 graduates from 12 countries, 99 deaconesses from 5 countries) and preparing future church leaders (currently 34 seminarians from 13 countries and 68 deaconess candidates from 11 countries), for Spanish-speaking communities; and

WHEREAS, CMSCR has become a source of joy, unifying the Hispanic churches as pastors are prepared for Word and Sacrament Ministry; and

WHEREAS, Lutheran church planting continues to grow among Hispanic populations, with new congregations established in multiple countries including Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic; and

WHEREAS, The Church’s mission among Hispanic peoples reflects the incarnational and ecclesial nature of the Gospel, bringing Word and Sacrament ministry into local communities and forming faithful Lutheran congregations; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God for the 125 years of faithful work being carried out in Brazil and among Hispanic populations through the OIM, offering highest praise for the continuous growth of the Gospel across the LAC region; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod formally express its deep gratitude for our ten partner churches in LAC; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod express its profound thanks to the Lord of the harvest for the dedicated alliance missionaries and their families, who faithfully serve under our supervision and support; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod commend and encourage continued expansion of Spanish-language theological resources, pastoral formation programs, and church planting efforts in Hispanic contexts; and be it further

Resolved, That districts, congregations, recognized service organizations, and individual members be encouraged to support the LAC mission fields and international Hispanic ministry through fervent prayer, financial contributions, stewardship, short-term teams, and participation in FORO partnerships; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod reaffirm its commitment to planting and strengthening faithful Lutheran churches among Hispanic populations worldwide, so that the pure Gospel may be preached, the Sacraments rightly administered, and Christ confessed among all nations; and be it finally

Resolved, That all glory be given to God for the continued spread of the Gospel and the life -giving signs and gifts of Christ shared throughout the region, trusting that His Word will not return empty but accomplish His saving purpose.