Commission on Theology and Church Relations

District presidents hold first meeting of triennium

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Council of Presidents met in St. Louis Sept. 16–19.

Synod officers, board members installed in St. Louis

The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison was re-elected to a fifth term as LCMS president during the 2023 convention in Milwaukee.

Delegates queue to speak to Res. 4-06 on Thursday, Aug. 3, on the floor of the 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Milwaukee. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

Convention encourages in-person worship, recognizes 50th anniversary of ‘Walkout’

Life Together resolutions address in-person worship, the 50th anniversary of the Concordia Seminary ‘Walkout,’ the ‘Koinonia program, ‘Himnario Luterano’ and the Synod’s mission priorities.

The Rev. Delwyn Campbell, delegate to the 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), speaks during debate on Resolution 11-01 in Milwaukee. (LCMS/Frank Kohn)

Delegates adopt multiple resolutions on church and culture

The resolutions covered issues of racism, abortion, vaccines and more.

Floor Committee 5 watches as delegates debate recalling the committee to present Resolution 5-14 on Aug. 2 during the 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Milwaukee, Wis. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

Convention affirms closed Communion and biblical sexuality

Floor Committee 5 finished its business at the 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, presenting resolutions on Communion practice, Lutheran education, and marriage and sexuality.

A convention delegate studies an issue of Today’s Business during the LCMS convention on July 31. (LCMS/Frank Kohn)

LCMS convention adopts eight resolutions on structure and administration

The resolutions clarify multi-parish representation at conventions, fix various glitches in the convention Handbook and clarify Synod Bylaws.

Floor Committee 13 Chairman Rev. Scott C. Sailer, president of the LCMS South Dakota District, presents a slate of candidates to the assembly on Aug. 1 at the 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. (LCMS/Frank Kohn)

Delegates elect 21 members to five Synod boards

The ordained, commissioned and lay members will serve on boards of the LCMS and its entities.

The Rev. Dr. Brian S. Saunders, LCMS Iowa District East president, speaks with members of Floor Committee 5 as they prepare to present Resolution 5-08A. (LCMS/Frank Kohn)

Convention affirms in-person Communion

Delegates to 2023 convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) passed Resolution 5-08A, “To Affirm In-Person Communion,” by a vote of 842 to 140 (or 85.74%).

LCMS Iowa District East President Brian Saunders speaks with the Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, executive director of Commission on Theology and Church Relations during the discussion of Resolution 5-07 at the 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. (LCMS/Frank P. Kohn)

LCMS recognizes broken fellowship with Japan Lutheran Church

For only the second time in its history, the LCMS recognized that it is no longer in fellowship with another church body.

Oklahoma District President Rev. David R. Nehrenz, chairman of Floor Committee 1 (left), and Atlantic District President Rev. Dien A. Taylor, an advisory ordained member of Floor Committee 1 (right), present Res. 1-02A to the floor during the committee’s July 31 presentation to the 68th Regular Convention of the LCMS in Milwaukee. (LCMS/Frank Kohn)

LCMS convention adopts eight National Witness resolutions

The resolutions address church planting, mission to U.S. immigrant communities, multi-congregation parish support, church worker wellness and more.

Delegates to the 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod laugh during convention business on July 30 in Milwaukee. (LCMS/Frank Kohn)

Convention adopts three wide-ranging omnibus resolutions

The resolutions addressed approximately 60 overtures.

CTCR appoints Lehenbauer to fourth term

The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations met April 13–14 in St. Louis.

COP approves placements, discusses church work trends

The LCMS Council of Presidents met April 22–27.

‘A Chaste and Decent Life’: CTCR updates 1981 report

The update is a direct response to resolutions adopted by the Synod in convention in 2016 and 2019.

CTCR recommends fellowship with Ukraine, issues statement on Large Catechism volume

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Commission on Theology and Church Relations convened in St. Louis Feb. 16–18.

COP discusses Synod joys, concerns

The LCMS Council of Presidents met Nov. 14–16.