The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Commission on Theology and Church Relations convened in St. Louis Feb. 16–18.
CTCR
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.
Three-year schedule of daily Bible readings for 2021 to 2023
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has joined with the Lutheran Church—Canada and the North American Lutheran Church to compile a three-year plan of daily Bible readings and a year-long series of weekly readings on Martin Luther’s approach to the Scriptures.
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.
CTCR releases new report on confession and absolution
At its April 26–28 meeting, the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations adopted a new report that focuses on the spiritual benefits of individual confession and absolution for both laity and pastors.
Commission on Theology and Church Relations report: ‘Confession and Absolution’
Requested by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in convention, the Commission on Theology and Church Relations adopted a report on “Confession and Absolution” to address these matters.
CTCR report: ‘Women and Military Service: A Lutheran Perspective’
The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations adopted a report on “Women and Military Service: A Lutheran Perspective” to address the issue of women serving in the military, particularly in combat roles.
LCMS, LCC and NALC Leaders Release Joint Statement on Scripture
As an important step forward in the ongoing consultation between representatives of the Lutheran Church—Canada (LCC), The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the North American Lutheran Church (NALC), the participants who represented the three church bodies are releasing their joint statement on Holy Scripture, “God’s Word Forever Shall Abide: A Guiding Statement on the Character and Proper Use of the Sacred Scriptures.”
Convention adopts substitute resolution on ecclesiastical supervision, hears Linnemann
The substitute resolution — which concerns appeals in cases that involve the possible expulsion of an LCMS member — gives district presidents a voice in the process.
Ofgaa encourages delegates to have ‘joy in the Lord and Him alone’
The Rev. Berhanu Ofgaa, who experienced persecution at the hands of the Communist government in Ethiopia, encourages delegates to “rejoice in the cross of Jesus,” even in the midst of suffering.
Ordained, commissioned ministers and lay nominees elected to boards, CTCR
Convention delegates elect ordained, commissioned and lay nominees to LCMS boards and the Commission on Theology and Church Relations.
LCMS recognizes relationships with six church bodies
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod recognizes fellowship with six partner churches on four continents.
What can Lutherans do as voices in the public square?
CTCR offers clarification on Luther’s ‘two kingdoms’ doctrine.