President Harrison writes letter about LCMS ecclesiastical supervision

Pastoral letter regarding LCMS ecclesiastical supervision

Nov. 11, 2025

A pastor or congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) that believes, teaches and/or acts contrary to the biblical and public teaching of the LCMS on sex and marriage should be brought to repentance or resign or be removed from the LCMS. From time to time, LCMS pastors or theologians make questionable statements or participate in questionable actions that are at best confusing and at worst heterodox or even heretical.

When such cases are brought to my attention, per the defined ecclesiastical supervision responsibilities of the LCMS president and district presidents, I bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate district president and request a briefing and often an investigation of the issues involved. Often the issues are transparent, and, upon further reflection and visitation by a district president, there is repentance, an apology and a promise to discontinue the objectionable behavior and do better. Sometimes an individual resigns at the urging of the district president after being encouraged to repent and recommit to the Scriptures and the church’s public confession.

Recently, complaints regarding a congregation of the LCMS Southeastern District have been made public. Regional Vice-President Christopher Esget was contacted by individuals concerned about issues in that parish that raised concerns relative to our public biblical confession and practice. Pastor Esget communicated face-to-face with the pastor in question. He also made me aware of the situation. I immediately contacted LCMS Southeastern District President Bill Harmon and requested he visit the parish and evaluate the situation as ecclesiastical supervisor. I learned that he was already visiting and doing the work we ask our district presidents to do. I then met with Pastor Harmon and Pastor Esget in September as a follow up. At that time, President Harmon explained his visitation and the steps he had taken to address the situation. Both Vice-President Esget and I were thankful for his work and satisfied that progress had been made and would continue. Any assertion that the situation was not being or would not continue to be addressed is false. I have specifically requested that the district president continue to address all ongoing concerns.

In my 16 years of experience, district presidents have always followed up on cases about which I inquire. Though the cases that do rise to my attention are often difficult, they are usually brought to a positive conclusion. This often takes significant time and effort. Sometimes complainants are disappointed by what they believe is an inadequate apology or inadequate corrective action.

Removal of a member from Synod requires not only a demonstration that the confession or conditions of membership have been violated or that serious offense continues to be given, but also that thorough admonition of the member has not resulted in repentance (LCMS Constitution, Art. XIII). This is as it should and must be.

Ecclesiastical supervision in the Synod has continued to improve during my tenure. Our district presidents have vastly increased their visitation and familiarity with congregations. At the same time, the nature of social media has meant individual cases, which always have happened and will happen from time to time, come to scrutiny quickly and very publicly.

Previous to this event, I had already resolved to request the Synod in convention provide for the appointment of a task force to evaluate the way we handle accusations and complaints, especially those dealing with doctrinal matters. I will propose that the task force gather opinions from across the Synod, particularly from those who have gone through the current process. The Book of Concord in its Preface notes the confessors’ commitment to resolve matters of doctrinal dispute quickly for the good of the church. We can do better, while also protecting due process for all involved.

Pastor Matthew C. Harrison
President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod