Meeting with the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations Feb. 18-19, a consulting group of eight men and eight women reviewed the first draft of a document on the scriptural relationship of men and women that was developed from two prior consultations on the subject.
The 110-page “Man and Woman–The Creator’s Tapestry” document was drafted by a committee of two CTCR members and four consultants. The report responds to a 1995 convention resolution asking for a comprehensive study of the scriptural relationship of man and woman.
At its regular meeting on Feb. 19-20, the commission approved plans for a fourth and final consultation, tentatively scheduled for May 12-13.
“At that time, there will be a review of the second draft and then it will go to the commission for final action,” said Dr. Samuel H. Nafzger, CTCR executive director. “There is a lot of work to be done in revising the draft. If it becomes obvious we cannot meet that schedule, the fourth consultation will be held in September.”
During its regular meeting, the CTCR also met with the Council of Presidents to review Congregation–Synod–Church, a document prepared and distributed by the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance.
“This document,” said Nafzger, “presents the theological principles undergirding the structure of the Synod and it will be the focus of a theological convocation to be held in St. Louis this August.”
The CTCR and COP are jointly sponsoring the August theological conference, which is funded by a special grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
In other business, the CTCR reviewed procedures for calling a new executive director. After reviewing nominations and biographical information, the commission’s executive committee will recommend three to five candidates to the Synod president. Following the president’s approval of the list — a standard procedure for all executive director positions with boards and commissions — the entire CTCR will interview the candidates and extend a call during the May meeting.
Nafzger is leaving the commission to head a new church relations branch in the Synod president’s office. He has served as executive director of the CTCR since 1975.
Posted March 6, 2008
