Commission on Theology and Church Relations library
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) document library includes reports, statements, evaluations, and opinions.
Established by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in 1962, the Commission on Theology and Church Relations provides theological guidance to Synod leaders, congregations, church workers, and laypeople. The CTCR produces reports, statements, opinions, and study documents on matters in the church and in society.
CTCR report — ‘Christian Decision-Making and the End of Life’
As the legal environment surrounding assisted suicide and other end-of-life issues continues to change, this report offers an update to the CTCR’s previous work on the subject.
CTCR report – ‘A Chaste and Decent Life: An Update to Human Sexuality 1981’
The new report, which affirms the propositions found in the 1981 CTCR report titled 'Human Sexuality: A Theological Perspective,' addresses issues that have arisen since the original report.
CTCR statement on ‘Luther’s Large Catechism with Annotations and Contemporary Applications’
The CTCR forthrightly asserts that this volume does not change, question or supplant any doctrinal position of the LCMS, including any Synod teaching on contemporary cultural issues such as race or sexuality.
CTCR report – ‘A Snapshot of Trending Tools: Christians and Social Media’
The CTCR considers the use of social media and its impact on life and faith according to seven categories: community, trust, knowledge, influence, identity, temptation and vocation.
CTCR evaluation – ‘Lutheran World Federation’
The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations provides an overview of the Lutheran World Federation as a resource in advising partner churches about the LWF and the Commission’s concern over their joint membership with the LWF.
CTCR report – ‘Marriage Between Church and State: A Report on Clergy Serving as “Agents of the State” ’
LCMS President Harrison, Synod officials and LCMS entities asked the CTCR to prepare a report that addresses questions about this issue, including if pastors should continue to sign civil marriage licenses on behalf of the state.
CTCR opinion and addendum – ‘Communion and COVID-19’
The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations wrote an addendum and summary to reaffirm its March 20, 2020, opinion on “Communion and COVID-19” about online home Communion.
CTCR report – Human beings as gifts of God
Racism grounds the identity and security of human life not in the God who alone is our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, but in self. Racism is a sin against the First Commandment because it fails to receive other human beings as gifts from God.
CTCR report – ‘The Order of Creation: Theology, History, Definition’
What is the role of men and women in the church today? This report from the CTCR examines the history of the order of creation as found in Scripture, Lutheran theology and the LCMS.
CTCR paper – ‘The Child as a Gift of God’
This paper examines the many subtle ways that American culture rejects life as a fundamental gift of God and instead sees “having a baby” as a human accomplishment.
CTCR report – ‘An Inexpressible Treasure’
The Theology and Practice of Holy Baptism” serve as a great witness for those who have struggled with various aspects of this biblical teaching.
CTCR Bible study — ‘Immigrants Among Us: A Lutheran Framework for Addressing Immigration Issues’
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) has prepared a Bible study titled “Immigrants Among Us: A Lutheran Framework for Addressing Immigration Issues” to complement a 2012 CTCR report of the same name.
CTCR report — ‘The Royal Priesthood: Identity and Mission’
The royal priesthood is all believers whom God has made a kingdom and priests by working faith in Christ in them by the Holy Spirit. Individuals are priests through their Baptism, and as such offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, pray for this world and confess the faith in their daily lives.
CTCR report – ‘Confession and Absolution’
Requested by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in convention, the Commission on Theology and Church Relations adopted a report on “Confession and Absolution” to address these matters.