The Rev. Dr. William Harmon of Williamsburg, Va., was elected to his first term as president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Southeastern District (SED) during the district’s 39th convention, held May 9–13 in Richmond, Va. He succeeds the Rev. Dr. John Denninger, who is retiring after serving three terms as district president.
Harmon, who was elected by voice vote, has served as pastor of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, Va., since 2008. He previously served the district for two terms as second vice-president and one term as third vice-president.
Also elected were:
- Rev. Dr. Lloyd Gaines Sr. of Clinton, Md., as first vice-president;
- Rev. David Ziehr of Hickory, N.C., as second vice-president;
- Rev. Tim Bohlmann of Waynesboro, Va., as third vice-president; and
- Rev. Dr. David Maack of Severn, Md., as district secretary.
The officers were installed during the convention.
Delegates adopted resolutions to:
- Strengthen the nonvoting advisory delegate participation at conventions by enabling a nonbinding advisory vote at district conventions;
- In connection with Life Sunday, encourage a Synodwide day of repentance and prayer for racial equality and healing, and urge “congregations and the people of the Southeastern District to do everything necessary that there be zero deeds or words among us that support or encourage racial divisions”; and
- Call for members of the SED to pray for peace and reconciliation in Ukraine, Russia and the world; support agencies and organizations within the church that promote peace and reconciliation and provide comfort to those displaced or affected by war; and pray for LCMS workers serving in these areas.
The convention theme was “The Great Sending.”
Posted June 8, 2022
