Commission on Theology and Church Relations

Serina accepts call to CTCR

The Rev. Dr. Richard J. Serina Jr., who will serve as associate executive director of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations, replaces the Rev. Dr. Larry Vogel, who retired earlier this year.

CTCR releases Addendum to ‘Communion and Covid-19’ opinion

The Addendum is titled, “One little word can fell him: Ten reasons to question whether ‘online Communion’ is ‘truly good, right and salutary.’”

Human beings as gifts of God

Racism grounds the identity and security of human life not in the God who alone is our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, but in self. Racism is a sin against the First Commandment because it fails to receive other human beings as gifts from God.

Call for nominations/applicants: Associate Executive Director, CTCR

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) announces an opening for the position of associate executive director, Commission on Theology and Church Relations, housed at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis.

Obituary: Rev. Dr. Norman Edgar Nagel, professor emeritus at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

A funeral service for Nagel will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

LCMS convention condemns physician-assisted suicide, remembers the persecuted church

On July 25, the Synod in convention passed resolutions to condemn physician-assisted suicide and to pray for persecuted Christians worldwide.

Synod recognizes fellowship with third church body in South Africa

The Synod in convention recognized fellowship with a South African church body, commended a report on cremation, and requested further study on “the relationship between unity in doctrine and uniformity and variety in practice.”

Synod in convention examines relationships of partner churches with LWF

Floor Committee 5 on Theology and Church Relations brought resolutions to the 2019 LCMS convention regarding the fellowship of partner churches with the Lutheran World Federation, while also commending the International Lutheran Council.

Convention continues balloting for Synod boards

Delegates elect members to national mission, international mission and other Synod boards at the 2019 Synod convention in Tampa, Fla.

LCMS convention reaffirms stances on life and marriage

Two resolutions — affirming the LCMS stances on beginning-of-life issues and biblical marriage — passed by wide margins on Sunday.

CTCR report looks at ‘Christians and Social Media’

The report seeks to consider how Christians can “best use — or, if necessary, avoid the use of — this technology to glorify our God and Savior, build up the Body of Christ and extend His kingdom in the world.”

‘An inexpressible treasure’: CTCR releases report on Holy Baptism

Other newly available documents from the CTCR are a discussion guide and Bible study to accompany the 2018 report on the royal priesthood and a Spanish-language version of the Bible study for the 2012 report on immigration.

‘Retention, evangelism, discipleship’: COP focuses on raising up the next generation

The LCMS Council of Presidents held its fall meeting in San Diego Nov. 12-15.

BOD continues on path toward best corporate stewardship

At its November meeting, the Board heard from its chairman about efforts to increase the efficiencies of corporate Synod so the church can use the savings on its “core competencies.” 

CTCR Bible study: ‘Immigrants Among Us: A Lutheran Framework for Addressing Immigration Issues’

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) has prepared a Bible study titled “Immigrants Among Us: A Lutheran Framework for Addressing Immigration Issues” to complement a 2012 CTCR report of the same name.

New CTCR report highlights the priesthood of all believers

The report stresses the complementary relationship that exists between the priesthood of all believers and the Office of the Holy Ministry.