CTCR Library — Biblical Authority and Interpretation
The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations addresses the inspiration and inerrancy of God’s Word, interpretive principles, and the relationship between the Gospel and Scripture.
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.
CTCR Library — Lutherans & Other Christians
The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations provides reports and opinions on the Lutheran understanding of church fellowship, inter-Christian relationships, church workers participating in civic events, and church relations in the 21st century.
CTCR Library — Christian Faith, Life and Witness: Lutheran Doctrine and Practice
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.
CTCR Library — Creation and New Creation: Lutheran Doctrine and Practice
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.
CTCR Library — Church and Ministry: Lutheran Doctrine and Practice
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.
CTCR Library — Means of Grace (Sacraments): Lutheran Doctrine and Practice
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.
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.
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.