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%).
Commission on Theology and Church Relations
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.
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.
‘Profound unity and purpose’ in Kenya
In September, representatives from the LCMS gathered in Kisumu, Kenya, with representatives from 34 of the Synod’s partner churches to discuss the work of the confessional Lutheran church around the world.
The sin of racism: A Gospel response
The church needs to condemn all sin, including racism, and articulate God’s love in Christ for all.
Obituary: Rev. Dr. Osmar Otto Lehenbauer, former president of the LCMS New England District
The Rev. Dr. Osmar Otto Lehenbauer died on June 28 at the age of 92.
Shaw, Hemmer, Rabe installed at International Center
The three men had all begun serving prior to their installations.
CTCR report addresses marriage and the state
The report follows several requests, in recent years, for the CTCR to address the question of whether or to what extent LCMS clergy should continue to serve as agents of the state in officiating marriages and signing civil marriage licenses.
‘Church in a messy world’: BOD looks back on pandemic year
The LCMS Board of Directors met Aug. 26 in St. Louis.
Update from LCMS President Harrison about vaccine mandate
Please study this collection of resources, which provides a summary of what we know about the COVID-19 vaccines, their relation to the issue of abortion, and what we can (and cannot) say about these matters from the Synod’s perspective.

