To Commend Luther’s Large Catechism with Annotations and Contemporary Applications

WHEREAS, 2013 Resolution 3-13A asked the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR), in collaboration with the Office of the President and Concordia Publishing House (CPH), to produce a cate cheti cal compendium that would be “more comprehensive and apologetic in scope”; and

WHEREAS, 2016 Res. 5-12 requested that the CTCR, in collaboration with the Office of the President and both seminary faculties, “explore the creation of an annotated and expanded edition of the Large Catechism for widespread use and study in the church”; and

WHEREAS, The CTCR completed this assignment, and in January 2023, published through CPH a volume of over 700 pages that included 70 contributors and extensive introductions and annotations to the text of the Large Catechism, accompanied by over 70 essays dedicated to addressing contemporary questions related to the Large Catechism; and

WHEREAS, The volume not only underwent review by the CTCR, but was certified by the doctrinal review process, while the President of Synod helped oversee the project and included his endorsement by way of an introduction praising the volume; and

WHEREAS, Upon release, the volume received intense criticism and opposition on the basis of social media attacks and online commentary; and

WHEREAS, Many contributors to this volume were vitriolic ally harassed privately and publicly for their participation in this project; and

WHEREAS, The CTCR was accused of promoting false teaching; therefore be it

Resolved, That that the Synod in convention express its thanks for the publication of this work by the CTCR and CPH; and be it further

Resolved, That the harsh and baseless attacks against this volume, the CTCR, and CPH be condemned as contrary to Paul’s command that “all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you” (Eph. 4:31); and be it further

Resolved, That the pastors, commissioned ministers, teachers, students, congregations, and schools of Synod be encouraged to use this resource for study and discussion, communicating to the CTCR and CPH what they find most helpful; and be it finally

Resolved, That members of Synod express any suggestions for improvement to the CTCR and to the office of the President in a spirit of Christian brotherhood and love with the aim of concord of theology and witness, and that such suggestions be taken into consideration.