Q. Does the LCMS hold a particular opinion as to who (pastor, elder, layman-woman) should or may read in front of the congregation the Sunday morning Scripture verses (including the Gospel books)?

A. In 1989 Res. 3-14, the Synod resolved "That the congregations of the Synod proceed with care and sensitivity in making decisions permitting the lay reading of the Scriptures, recognizing decisions in this regard lie in the area of Christian judgment." The Synod's official position, therefore, is that there is no Scriptural "thus says the Lord" regarding who may or may not read the lessons in worship, but that congregations themselves are responsible for making decisions in this regard which take into account various factors and sensitivities relevant to their own situation. In taking this position, the Synod has not distinguished between various "parts" of the Scriptures (Old Testament, Epistle, Gospel, etc.). For more information, you may wish to read the report of the Synod's Commission on Theology and Church Relations on "Women in the Church."