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.
CTCR Library — Statements from Other Church Bodies and Entities
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations shares statements from other churches on topics including Scripture, cremation, and homosexuality.
CTCR Library — Responses to Reports, Actions, and Statements by Ecumenical Organizations
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.
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.