Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionProposed Resolution · Today's Business, 1st Edition
Res. 5-06 — To Amend Bylaw 3.9.5.2.2 (b)
- Status
- Proposed
- Floor committee
- 5. Theology and Church Relations
- Today’s Business page
- 102
- Reports cited
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WHEREAS, (1–3) speaks of “formal” recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship, which suggests that the Synod also informally recognizes fellowship, a confusing phrase understood by certain other churches to mean practicing church fellowship without recognized unity in the doctrine of the Gospel in all its articles; and
WHEREAS, (1–3) speaks of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations’ (CTCR) “approval” within the church fellowship recognition process which, more accurately, is the CTCR’s recommendation that the Synod in convention approve the recognition of such church fellowship; therefore be it
Resolved, That be amended as follows:
PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING Commission on Theology and Church Relations …
3.9.5.2.2 The Commission on Theology and Church Relations shall assist the President of the Synod at his request in discharging his constitutional responsibilities for maintaining doctrinal integrity as he relates to other church bodies. …
(b) It shall address itself to potential fellowship and/or partner church relations as follows: (1) FormalRecognition of altar and pulpit fellowship between the Synod and another church body shall be proposed at a convention of the Synod only after the approval of the commission recommends such recognition. (2) FormalRecognition of altar and pulpit fellowship between the Synod and a small, formative, emerging confessional Lutheran church body (identified as such by the President of the Synod as chief ecumenical officer) may be declared by the Synod President only after the approval of the commission recommends such recognition and the Synod President consults consultation with the Praesidium. Such recognition shall be subject to the endorsement of the subsequent Synod convention. (3) FormalRecognition of a mission of the Synod as a self -governing partner church shall be proposed at a convention of the Synod by the Board for International Mission only after the approval of the commission recommends such recognition.