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.
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.
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 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 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 provides staff responses to CTCR reports on topics including racism, homosexuality, and the service of women in the church.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations shares statements from other churches on topics including Scripture, cremation, and homosexuality.
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.