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On March 20, 2020, the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) unanimously endorsed “Communion and Covid-19” (CC19), an opinion on certain Holy Communion practices during the coronavirus pandemic. An anonymous document has been circulated within the Synod titled “Communion in Homes During Times of Crisis: Scriptural and Confessional Principles” (CIH). It is evidently written and/or endorsed by pastors who are now advocating and practicing online home Communion services in their congregations and who intend to continue the practice.
Since the author(s) of the CIH document encouraged further discussion of this issue, and for the benefit of the Synod, the CTCR has drafted “One little word can fell him: Ten reasons to question whether ‘online Communion’ is ‘truly good, right and salutary.’” This document was reviewed and endorsed by the CTCR several months ago (just before Easter), and is being released now to encourage and facilitate thoughtful, prayerful and fraternal reflection and discussion as we move forward into a time when (God willing) the worst days of the pandemic and its attendant consequences and challenges for the worship life of the church are behind us. This document examines the claims of CIH in light of the Scriptures and confessions. Therein, the CTCR offers “10 reasons in support of the CTCR conclusion given in CC19, that Lutheran churches should refrain from online Communion services.”
“One little word can fell him”
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