Mohr Resigns from LCMS Roster
President Harrison visits the accused child pornographer in prison.
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) President Matthew Harrison reports that he visited Michael Mohr in federal custody today (February 9, 2026). Mohr was arrested on January 28 on allegations of producing child pornography and was detained pending his trial or a plea deal (most probable).
Harrison reports that he had suspended Mohr from the Synod roster, although no previous statements or reports confirmed an official suspension. To our knowledge, only Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, publicly announced Mohr’s suspension from an official role (Regent) before today.
Mohr agreed to resign from the Synod’s clergy roster, permanently removing himself from all LCMS ministerial roles and leadership positions. Harrison confirmed that Mohr will never be allowed to regain roster status.
Mohr has been assigned an unnamed chaplain for his spiritual care, “as required by bylaws.”
St. Louis Post-Dispatch Defamation
In this past weekend’s Post-Dispatch print edition, Harrison was defamed as the accused in the case, instead of Mohr. It is unclear whether the newspaper has issued a correction or an apology yet.
I'm confused. Harrison's letter doesn't say that he *had* suspended him, which would imply an earlier action, but that he suspended him, as in, today. This was evidently his first opportunity to do so, according to the Bylaws.
President Harrison and the Synod should sue the Post Dispatch.