Ninth Sunday after Trinity

Convention Wrap-up

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As I reflect on my attendance at the synod convention last week, I wanted to share information about some of the matters debated there.

One issue close to many in the South Wisconsin District is the situation between Concordia Wisconsin and Concordia Ann Arbor. The convention delegation adopted a resolution of thanks for Concordia Ann Arbor. This topic is emotional for some, as it involves the difficult need to shrink the Ann Arbor campus and cut costs since maintaining the entire campus was not financially sustainable. But we remain hopeful that the smaller version of Concordia Ann Arbor can thrive!

There was a resolution to bring the voting for the synod president back to the convention floor, but the delegates decided to keep the presidential elections within each congregation. 

Another resolution requested clarity on the public reading of Scripture in the Divine Service, as the reading of God’s Word is understood from Scripture to be a task of the pastor.

The synod in convention adopted, for the first time, a resolution to promote adoption, too!

The proposal to reserve the title of “Chaplain” for ordained clergy also came to the floor and was adopted by an impressive 95%!

The last item of the convention surrounded martyrdom. Early in the convention, the delegates rejected an overture that would have made Charlie Kirk a martyr. Instead, a new resolution was put forward recognizing many thoughts throughout the world, including Charlie Kirk, who was believed to have died for their faith, and urged the Church as a whole to teach about martyrdom.

Overall, it was a fantastic week. Many resolutions were enthusiastically embraced, demonstrating our unity as a synod. Additionally, the music and liturgies we prayed each day provided wonderful nourishment for the soul.

If you’d like to learn more about the convention and my experience, feel free to contact me!

In Christ,
Pastor Rogness