The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
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New Web Site Content

See "Recent Actions" below.

Recent Actions

At its December 2007 meeting, the CTCR unanimously adopted a document titled "Defending Pre-Implantation Human Life in the Public Square: A Response to Wyoming District Concerns about the [2005] CTCR Report Christian Faith and Human Beginnings." Although this document (as the subtitle indicates) was prepared specifically as a response to concerns expressed in a resolution adopted by the Wyoming District, the Commission believes that it can serve a broader purpose as well: namely, to encourage reflection and discussion in the Synod about the historic Lutheran approach to engaging critical moral and ethical issues in the public square.

By official action of the CTCR, therefore, this document is being made available on the CTCR's website (click on the link above). The document is in PDF format and can be printed out and copied for personal or group study and discussion. A copy of the letter that is being sent out to all congregation and church workers providing additional background regarding this response is also provided at this link.

The section of the website formerly identified as "Cults, Religions, Lodges and Movements" has been renamed "Religious Organizations and Movements" and has been updated to include thirty-two CTCR-approved evaluations of various organizations and movements. Added in December 2007 was the evaluation of Islam.

 

In March 2007 the Commission distributed the report "CTCR Response to Expressions of Dissent (2004-2006)" to the members of Synod. This report, approved in December 2006, is the CTCR's response to a number of expressions of dissent from resolutions of the Synod received during the past triennium. These expressions of dissent held in common one or more of the following issues: participation in civic events; ecclesiastical supervision and dispute resolution; the service of women in congregational and synodical offices; and laymen performing functions of the pastoral office. Because these various expressions of dissent share certain common concerns and arguments, the CTCR prepared this common response.

In February 2007 the Commission adopted a resolution recommending altar and pulpit fellowship between the LCMS and the American Association of Lutheran Churches (AALC), which was approved by the LCMS triennial convention in July 2007. See the Report and Recommendation to the President of the LCMS Upon Completion of Formal Fellowship Discussions with the American Association of Lutheran Churches dated October 2006 which provides information used in reaching this unanimous decision.

What We Do
The Synod established the Commission on Theology and Church Relations in 1962 to provide leadership in dealing with the Synod's needs and opportunities in the areas of theology and church relations. Since that time, the Commission has provided reports on a number of significant theological issues and has been the Synod's primary agency for carrying out its ecumenical responsibilities toward other Christians through its membership in the International Lutheran Council.  The Commission also provides resources and information regarding organizations, philosophies and religious movements.  The Commission provided leadership for a model theological convocation held in 2002.  Documents and statements from that convocation are available. 

Next meetings:

February 19-21, 2008
May 13-15, 2008
September 30-October 2, 2008
December 11-13, 2008

 

 



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