Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2023 ConventionCommittee 5Theology and Church Relations
To Address Scriptural Errors in Fellowship with the Japan Lutheran Church
- Committee
- 5. Theology and Church Relations
- Submitted by
- Central Illinois Districtdistrict
- Workbook page
- 289
WHEREAS, The Japan Lutheran Church (JLC) grew out of Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) mission work in Japan beginning in 1948. It was organized as an autonomous church body in 1968 and became an LCMS partner church in 1971; and
WHEREAS, In April 2021, the JLC held its convention online. During that meeting, the church body made two decisions contrary to Scripture:
1. The JLC amended its bylaws to remove the word “male” from the section on requirements of called pastors.
2. The JLC elected as its vice-president an “ordained deaconess” who now publicly describes herself as a “pastor,” is currently given this same title by the JLC, and regularly and openly carries out the distinctive functions of the pastoral office; and
WHEREAS, These decisions have destroyed the scriptural basis for the longstanding relationship of altar and pulpit fellowship between the LCMS and the JLC; and
WHEREAS, In July 2021, LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison wrote to the leadership of the JLC to explain the import of these decisions and to seek the JLC’s repentance and return to the true and clear teaching of Scripture on the Office of the Holy Ministry: “The LCMS has, throughout its history, consistently held and ‘declare[d] clearly and unequivocally… that the Scriptures teach that only men may hold the pastoral office’ (1998 Res. 3- 25A)”; and
WHEREAS, This is a matter of sacred truth and we have a conscience-bound commitment as a confessional orthodox Lutheran church body to confess this truth and to remain faithful to it; therefore be it
Resolved, That the 2022 Central Illinois District pray and urge the JLC to repent and return to the biblical and confessional Lutheran teaching regarding the Office of the Public Ministry; and be it further
Resolved, That the Central Illinois District memorialize the 2023 Synod convention to revoke/dissolve partnership with the JLC, which was adopted in 1971, if it still remains in these errors at the time of the 2023 Synod convention.