Theology _and Church Relations

The Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) provides study documents, opinions and statements on theological issues. Established by the Synod in 1962, the commission provides guidance and leadership in the areas of theology and church relations. The commission also provides information, resources and evaluations concerning religious organizations and movements.

CTCR NEWS

International Conference on Confessional Leadership (October 31-November 2, 2012)

The face of Christianity, including Lutheranism, has changed dramatically in the recent past. Lutheran churches are being planted around the world, others are being revived in places like Eastern Europe and Russia, and national churches are growing throughout Africa and parts of Asia. The 2010 LCMS convention asked the CTCR to work with the Synod President and International Lutheran Council (ILC) in promoting confessional Lutheran teaching and practice worldwide.

The international conference is funded by a grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Recent Actions

Reports

Theology and Practice of Prayer: A Lutheran View—Study and Discussion Guide [2013] ^NEW
Immigrants Among Us: A Lutheran Framework for Addressing Immigration Issues [2012] ^NEW |

Los inmigrantes entre nosotros: Un marco de referencia luterano para tratar los problemas relacionados con la inmigración [2012] – en Español ^NEW |

Response to Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust [2012] ^NEW
Theology and Practice of Prayer: A Lutheran View [2011] |
Together with All Creatures: Caring for God's Living Earth [2010] |

Statements

Theological Opinions

Evaluations

Resources

Reports

The CTCR brings matters of theology to the membership of the Synod through special studies and documents. Select from the topics below for a list of available documents.

Church Relations

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

Evaluations

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.

Theological Opinions

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:

Other Resources

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.