Author: The LCMS

CTCR Library — Marriage and Sexuality

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations provides Scriptural perspectives to explain God’s design for human sexuality and marriage between one man and one woman.

Life Together with President Harrison – July 2024

This edition features stories on close(d) Communion, teaching God’s Word at home, and church plants in Kansas and Texas; a video tour of the LCMS International Center; photos from the worship institute; and other resources.

CTCR Library — Man and Woman in the Church

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations examine Scripture to address the topics of creation, women's military service, women’s suffrage in the church, and women's service in the church.

CTCR Library — Life Issues

The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations has issued reports on the topics of abortion, reproductive ethics, cloning, human care, and end-of-life concerns and decisions.

CTCR Library — Social Issues and Citizenship

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod's Commission on Theology and Church Relations has issued reports, opinions, and Bible studies on the Lutheran view of church and state, racism, immigration, gambling, capital punishment, and the care of creation.

CTCR Library — LCMS Doctrinal Statements

The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations has archived three historic yet timeless documents: C.F.W. Walther’s "Theses on the Ministry," a "Brief Statement of the Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod," and "A Statement of Scriptural and Confessional Principles."

CTCR Library — LCMS Polity and Policy

The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations provides an introduction to the LCMS, guidelines on scriptural and confessional principles, and theological considerations for altar and pulpit fellowship with other church bodies.

CTCR Library — Religious Organizations, Movements, and Lodges

The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations provides evaluations of world religions, religious organizations, movements, and fraternal organizations and lodges.

CTCR Library — Bible Studies and Discussion Guides

The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations has compiled Bible study materials and presentation slides for pastors to use in guiding congregations through God’s Word while examining various church and societal matters.

CTCR Library — LCMS Task Force Updates

Established out of convention resolutions, LCMS task force report topics include abortion, life issues, licensed lay deacons, homosexual clergy in the ELCA, and ministering to homosexuals and their families.

CTCR Library — Conferences and Convocations

As an additional way of carrying out its assignments, the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations utilizes conferences and convocations to bring theological matters for discussion to the membership of the Synod.

CTCR Library — Individual Opinions for Study and Consideration

The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations commissioned three Concordia Seminary professors to write opinion papers after an organization published materials about human sexuality and gender identity.

CTCR Library — Minority Opinions

The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations shares minority opinions from members on CTCR reports about racism, civic event participation, lay teachers of theology, and the Divine Call.

CTCR Library — Responses to Expressions of Dissent

The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations responds to dissent from Synod members on topics including lay ministers, women's ordination, and participation in civic events.

CTCR Library — Staff Responses

The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations provides staff responses to CTCR reports on topics including racism, homosexuality, and the service of women in the church.