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.
Established by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in 1962, the commission provides guidance and leadership in the areas of theology and church relations. The CTCR provides reports, opinions, study documents, and statements on theological issues.
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.
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.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations shares statements from other churches on topics including Scripture, cremation, and homosexuality.
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.
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.
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.
In collaboration with Concordia Theological Seminary and Concordia Seminary, the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations responds to actions and declarations by ecumenical organizations.
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.
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.
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."
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.
The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations addresses the topics of confession and absolution, Holy Baptism, admission to the Lord's Supper, and guidelines for congregational communion statements.
The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations addresses the topics of creation in a Biblical perspective, caring for God's living earth, the natural knowledge of God in Christian confession and witness, and the end times.
The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations addresses topics such as the Divine Call, the royal priesthood, church discipline, and privileged communications in a pastor-penitent relationship.
The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations addresses the topics of Christians and social media, the mission of the church, evangelism, church growth, and church workers participating in civic events.