Res. 4-04 — To Clarify Oversight and Revitalize Role of Registered Service Organizations

WHEREAS, The 2016 Synod convention created a task force to review the current structure and recommend the best model for the Synod’s relationship to recognized service organizations (RSOs) (Res. 4- 03B, “To Convene Task Force to Review Recognized Service Organization Program and Bylaws,” Proceedings , 146–47); and

WHEREAS, The 2019 Synod convention adopted the recommendation of the task force in Resolution 4- 06A, “To Amend Bylaw Section 6.2 to Revitalize Synod’s Recognized Service Organization Program” ( Proc., 137–42), and began implementing the vast new recommendations; and

WHEREAS, 2019 Resolution 4 -06A (ibid.) granted RSOs numerous privileges, under the ecclesiastical oversight of district presidents who report any concerns to Synod’s mission offices (Office of International Mission or Office of National Mission) (Bylaw 6.2.1 [b–c]); and

WHEREAS, The Synod Board of Directors (BOD ), Board for International Mission, and Board for National Mission were charged with creating policy for RSO oversight, and implementation delegated to staff; and

WHEREAS, “Over the past five years, 115 organizations have been granted RSO status; in the same period, 77 have been terminated, denied or withdrawn. Of those 77, 49 organizations did not represent LCMS doctrine and practice adequately and RSO status was ended.” (President’s Report, Part 2, Today’s Business, 1:28); and

WHEREAS, Some mercy service organizations (Bylaw 6.2.2 [c]), such as adoption agencies, have been compelled by law or controlling regulation, on occasion, to facilitate actions contrary to the Word of God; and

WHEREAS, Other organizations intentionally promote and facilitate actions contrary to the Word of God; and

WHEREAS, The role of and faithful work of RSOs are to be commended, celebrated, and encouraged; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod remain patient as t he RSO office and Synod staff continue implementing all the revisions from the 2016 task force and 2019 resolution that resulted in the current Bylaw section 6.2, “Recognized Service Organizations” in collaboration with the appropriate district president; and be it further

Resolved, That the RSO office keep the BOD apprised of legal and regulatory constraints on the service of RSOs in the adoption and foster care space which may burden an RSO’s religious exercise, and the BOD is encouraged to monitor this area for potential to stand with our organizations in the unfettered “extension of the divine mercy without compromising the church’s scriptural and confessional standards” (Bylaw 6.2.2 [c]), to which they may be entitled under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States or other laws protecting religious liberty, and thus support and extend latitude to those RSOs striving to remain faithful while navigating these situations ; and be it further

Resolved, That the RSO o ffice withdraw RSO status from organizations that intentionally promote actions contrary to the Word of God, including but not limited to unnatural or unbiblical family structures ; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks for the work of our many faithful RSOs.