Res. 7-04 — To Clarify Prior Approval Protocols for University Theological Faculties

WHEREAS, Numerous overtures to the 2026 Synod convention have addressed the prior approval protocols for theology faculty for our Concordia universities and a desire for transparency and clarity; and

WHEREAS, The Synod treasures our Concordia universities as institutions that pass on the truths of Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions to those who are a part of the Synod, those of other denominations, and many who do not know the true God and the Lord Jesus Christ; and

WHEREAS, The truth is passed on in classrooms as well as throughout our campus communities; and

WHEREAS, Theology faculty not only teach the faith with words, but also with their lives; and

WHEREAS, The Concordia University System (CUS) has on its website “Prior Approval Protocol for Theological Faculty of the Concordia Universities” (cus.edu/protocols-and-procedures, accessed May 31, 2026) and these protocols include the Standards and Process; and

WHEREAS, Bylaw 3.10.6.9.2 governs the prior approval panel for full-time theological appointments to the Concordia universities and the CUS has prepared a list of questions for those under consideration in its “Theology Faculty Information Form” (ibid.) including the categories: Church, Doctrine and Practice, Moral, and Duties; and

WHEREAS, The Synod is grateful for the work of the CUS in preparing the “Prior Approval Protocol for Theological Faculty of the Concordia Universities” (ibid.) and “Theology Faculty Information Form ,” (ibid.) as well as all who have served on prior approval panels and those who have gone through the prior approval process; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to the Lord of the Church for using the Synod and its agencies to preserve and enlarge the workers of the harvest; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to those engaged in the various prior approval processes for this important work; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention express thanks and appreciation to the CUS Board of Directors (BOD) for developing and making public their criteria for evaluating theology faculty candidates during their prior approval process (cus.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Prior-Approval-Protocol-for-Theology-Faculty-2.pdf); and be it further

Resolved, That the CUS BOD review the “Theological Faculty Information Form,” requesting input from the Council of Presidents ( COP), to discuss if there are other necessary categories and questions to be included on the form for the assessment of candidates for theological faculty positions in our universities; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod request that the calling university reach out to the local district president in order to notify the candidate’s district president of initiation of prior approval so as to ascertain the candidate’s effectiveness and suitability for a teaching position in light of his service to the Church; and be it further

Resolved, That the CUS, in consultation with the Office of the President and the COP, re -examine the size and composition of the university theological faculty prior approval panel and report their recommendation to the 2029 Synod convention; and be it further

Resolved, That Synod leadership publish articles in both The Lutheran Witness and Reporter to explain what the prior approval process is and how it is being carried out; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod lift up in prayer those who aspire to teach on theological faculties in our universities and pray that those involved in assessing candidates would be given discernment of what would best serve the church and that the Spirit would cultivate trust among us regarding those involved in the prior approval process.