Res. 7-05 — To Clarify Prior Approval Protocols for University Presidential Candidates

WHEREAS, Numerous overtures to the 2026 convention have addressed the Synod prior approval protocols, including presidential candidates for the Synod’s Concordia Universities and a desire for transparency and clarity; and

WHEREAS, The presidents of Concordia Universities serve as spiritual, academic, and administrative heads of their institutions, ensuring that the faculty and staff pass on the truths of Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions to those who are part of the Synod, those of other denominations, and others who do not know the true God and the Lord Jesus Christ; and

WHEREAS, Bylaw 3.10.6.8.2 governs the selection of a college/university president, including the prior approval panel for presidential nominees; and

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

WHEREAS, The Synod is grateful for the work of the CUS 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 process es for this important work; and be it further

Resolved, That the CUS, in consultation with the Office of the President and the Council of Presidents, prepare and publishes a prior approval protocol specific to candidates for college/ university presidents, including standards and processes; 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 willing to serve as college/university presidents 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.