Theology _and Church Relations

• Church and Society
• Lutherans and Other Christians
• Lutheran Doctrine and Practice
• Man and Woman; Human Sexuality
• Scripture

The CTCR devotes considerable time and effort to provide theological guidance and resources in order to improve and deepen relationships with LCMS partner churches with whom the Synod is in altar and pulpit fellowship.

The LCMS is a member of the International Lutheran Council (ILC). The ILC is a worldwide association of established confessional Lutheran church bodies which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of an unconditional commitment to the Holy Scriptures as the inspired and infallible Word of God and to the Lutheran Confessions contained in the Book of Concord as the true and faithful exposition of the Word of God.

The commission monitors discussions with Lutheran church bodies and movements with which the Synod is not in altar and pulpit fellowship.

Through the CTCR and the president’s office, the Synod takes part in various ecumenical discussions and dialogues with other Christian groups.

The commission also provides guidance in addressing problems caused by polarization within the LCMS by sponsoring forums and conferences.

More detailed information on Church Relations is contained under the heading “Ongoing Assignments” in the document "What is the CTCR?".

View Partner Churches

The CTCR provides evaluations on a broad range of religious organizations and movements, from a Lutheran theological perspective. Select the topic below for a list of available evaluations.

Select a topic below to view available evaluations.

• Lodge Organizations
• Religious Organizations and Movements

Documents are prepared in response to a request for an opinion on a specific theological issue (e.g., from the president of the Synod, a district, board, commission or dispute resolution panel). To view opinions issued, please select a topic below:

• Church and Society
• Lutherans and Other Christians
• Lutheran Doctrine and Practice
• Man and Woman; Human Sexuality
• Scripture

The links below are to additional resources from sources other than the CTCR. Some are historic theological statements with continuing importance to the LCMS. Others provide theological commentary and guidance on more recent matters of concern in the LCMS and contemporary society.

Brief Overview of the LCMS

• An Introduction to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod [2001]

Doctrinal Statements of the LCMS Adopted in Convention

• A Brief Statement of the Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod [1932]
• C.F.W. Walther’s Theses on the Ministry [1851]

Church Statements by Other Church Bodies and Groups

• Same-Gender Relationships and the Church (ILC) [2009]

Task Force Reports

• ELCA Sexuality Decisions Task Force Report [2010]
• A Plan for Ministry to Homosexuals and Their Families [1999]