CTCR

Close, closed, close[d] Communion: Three words, one meaning

The Synod in convention has spoken clearly to this issue on many occasions, including in 2023, when it adopted Res. 5-09 by 88.9%.

CTCR releases end-of-life update, begins work of new triennium

The new report follows and expands on the CTCR’s previous work on end-of-life issues.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”