LCMS Announces Interim Measures in District President Child Porn Case, but Disciplinary Clarity is Absent

Public disclosures do not indicate whether bylaws governing suspension and expulsion have been activated.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) has announced limited interim administrative measures following the federal detention of Rev. Michael William Mohr in connection with child exploitation allegations. However, the announcement did not address key questions about the initiation of formal disciplinary procedures that could lead to expulsion. No public guidance has been issued regarding Mohr’s ecclesiastical status, including whether withholding the Lord’s Supper has been applied.

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Synod President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations against Mohr and confirmed that Mohr’s duties as president of the Central Illinois District (CID) have been assumed by First Vice President Michael Burdick.

Harrison’s letter noted that Mrs. Rebekah Wendling¹, a mental health professional, will be monitoring a CID reporting line (877-276-1740) for individuals who may been harmed by Mohr.²

Harrison’s letter did not announce formal suspension, removal from office, or initiation of disciplinary proceedings under Synod bylaws. There was only an oblique reference to discipline:

“Our church body has an ecclesiastical process for conduct unbecoming a minister of the Gospel. These processes will be followed.”

The letter does not clarify:

• Whether Mohr remains in good standing on the Synod roster;

• Whether he has been placed on restricted or suspended status;

• Whether or when formal proceedings have begun;

• Whether a disciplinary panel has been convened.

At the time of publication, no public statement has been issued by the Central Illinois District (CID)³ or Concordia Seminary (CSL) with regard to Mohr’s status with those institutions. Mohr remains identified as the CID president, but CSL has removed Mohr from its Board of Regents listing.⁴

LCMS Disciplinary Framework

The LCMS Constitution and Bylaws have a detailed system for addressing serious pastoral misconduct.

Suspended Status

According to LCMS Handbook (2023 Update), Bylaw 2.13.4: When formal disciplinary proceedings are initiated, a minister is placed under suspended status pending resolution. This removes the individual from normal ministerial standing and duties while preserving his membership and rights.

Proceedings for Sexual Misconduct

Cases involving sexual misconduct or criminal behavior are governed by Bylaw 2.17, which provides for formal charges, hearing panels, appeals, and expulsion procedures.

Supervisory Authority

Under Bylaw 2.15, district presidents are authorized to take immediate disciplinary actions in cases of immoral or scandalous conduct. Separate provisions allow for removal from boards and positions.

Current Procedural Ambiguity

As of publication, the Synod has not yet publicly confirmed whether any of these formal mechanisms have been initiated. The letter does not disclose:

• Whether proceedings under Bylaw 2.17 have commenced;

• Whether suspended status has been imposed;

• Which governing bodies are exercising oversight; and

• What procedural timeline is in effect.

The lack of this information makes it hard for members, congregations, and affiliated institutions to evaluate the timeliness and suitability of the Synod’s accountability framework. Likewise, it illustrates the gulf between the Biblical standard for the preaching office versus the corporate standard for membership.

Institutional Accountability and Credibility

The LCMS disciplinary system serves three main goals:

1. Protecting church members,

2. Upholding pastoral integrity, and

3. Maintaining public trust.

Synod’s credibility relies not only on results but also on transparent and prompt procedural actions. The publicly shared response demonstrates pastoral concern with some administrative adjustments, but fails to clarify how the church’s formal governance processes were triggered or who is accountable for them.

1. Public information regarding Wendling’s church affiliation and theological disposition has not been disclosed.

2. Videos obtained from a publicly accessible Google Drive folder linked here show a presentation by Wendling at an LCMS congregation in which mental-health “issues” are ascribed to biblical figures, including Jesus. Professional ethics standards generally prohibit licensed mental health professionals from issuing clinical diagnoses without direct examination and an established professional relationship. Speculative diagnoses of historical or biblical figures are not recognized as legitimate clinical practice under prevailing professional guidelines.
Note: the Google Drive folder has been made private.

3. CID has published a statement at https://www.cidlcms.org/notices/Rev-Gumz-Letter-Regarding-Reported-Clergy-Abuse-In-Central-Illinois-District-1-28-2026.pdf

4. The author of this article is a Board-appointed Regent of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Regents have no role in executive or disciplinary decisions in matters of this kind.