The Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) has three primary functions: (1) to “assist the President of the Synod at his request in discharging his constitutional responsibilities for maintaining doctrinal unity within the Synod” and “for maintaining doctrinal integrity as he relates to other church bodies”; (2) to “provide guidance to the Synod in matters of theology and church relations”; and (3) to assist the members of the Synod in their witness regarding “societies, lodges, cults, or any organizations of an unchristian or anti-Christian character” (Bylaws 3.9.5.2 to 3.9.5.4). Further CTCR responsibilities include responding to expressions of dissent (Bylaw section 1.8) and approving church body requests for altar and pulpit fellowship (Bylaw 3.9.5.2.2). It also renders official theological opinions as requested or mandated by Synod bylaws. The CTCR consists of sixteen voting members and four advisory members. Voting members elected by the synodical convention include two parish pastors, one parish teacher, and two laypersons. Other voting members include four Council of Presidents (COP) appointees, including two pastors (one of whom is a district president) and two laypersons; four seminary professors (two from each seminary faculty); and three additional members (one of whom is a Concordia University System professor) appointed by the President of the Synod, in consultation with the Synod vice-presidents. The President and First Vice-President of the Synod and the presidents of the two seminaries are advisory members, with no term limits on their service. CTCR members elected in convention serve a six-year term and may be reelected once. Members appointed by the president or elected by a seminary or the COP serve three-year terms and may be reappointed twice. For the sake of efficiency, the commission operates with an executive committee and three working committees. The executive committee includes the CTCR’s officers, the chairmen of the three committees, and the executive staff (see below). While not rigidly defined, one of the working committees focuses on matters pertaining to church and ministry (including church relations matters), the second on other doctrinal issues, and the third on social and ethical matters of concern to Christians and the church. All official reports, opinions, or documents of the CTCR are approved before their release or publication by the entire commission meeting in plenary. CTCR officers during the past triennium were the Rev. Dr. Brian Saunders, chairman; the Rev. Dr. Roland Ziegler, vice-chairman; and the Rev. Dr. Gerhard Bode Jr., secretary. Chairs of the respective committees were the Rev. Dr. Naomichi Masaki (Committee One), the Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann (Committee Two), and Dr. Andrea Pitkus (Committee Three). The Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast began the triennium as CTCR chairman but relinquished his position upon retirement from the presidency of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. His successor, the Rev. Dr. Jon Bruss, replaced him as
ex officio member of the commission, while Saunders was elected to succeed him as chair. All other members of the commission are as noted in the Workbook directory. The CTCR is currently served by three executive staff members, two full-time and one part-time. From 1991 through 2007, the CTCR was served by three full-time executive staff members. Since 2008, however, one of those full-time executive staff positions had been continuously vacant, primarily due to Synod budgetary limitations. The Rev. Dr. Joel Lehen bauer, who has served on the CTCR executive staff since 1991, has been executive director since 2008. At its April 2023 meeting, the commission took action to reappoint Lehen bauer for a fourth five-year term (Bylaw 3.9.5.3.1[a][3–4]). The Rev. Dr. Richard Serina Jr. is associate executive director (2020–present) and the Rev. Dr. Larry Vogel is assistant to the executive director (2009–present; part-time deployed since 2020). In addition to facilitating the work of the commission detailed below in this report, the executive staff also responds to emails, letters, and telephone calls requesting further information about or clarification of the Synod’s view of various topics and teachings, and regularly presents to members, agencies, and other groups and meetings of the Synod on its responsibilities and work, past or present. Staff also represented the CTCR on the Created Male and Female Task Force and the Concordia University System Board of Directors this past triennium, coordinated and contributed to numerous intra-church and inter church relations meetings, and served as theological advisors for the LCMS Youth Gathering.
I. Theology A. Completed Assignments (Reports, Responses, Special Studies, and Study Documents) The CTCR organizes its work using a variety of categories, as described in its duly adopted policy guidelines. The primary form that the completion of assignments takes is in reports, which are ordinarily convention-requested documents that set forth what the commission regards as a soundly biblical and Lutheran exposition of a particular issue of importance to the church. Study documents include study guides of existing reports, Bible studies, or more preliminary studies intended to stimulate discussion. Additionally, special studies and responses to various theological, ethical, synodical, or ecumenical matters may be produced. In certain cases, the commission receives requests for opinions which require more explanation than a customary opinion and/or may be of broader relevance to the Synod, so those opinions would be included in this section. Completed assignments are listed below in chronological order of completion. Since 2014, due to budgetary constraints, the commission has been unable to print and disseminate its documents to the Synod, with limited exceptions. All completed assignments, once published, are available online at lcms.org/ctcr.
1.
Christian Decision-Making and the End of Life: An Update and Supplement to 1993’s Christian Care at Life’s End (1977 Res. 03-26) In compliance with the standing assignment to provide direction in matters of bio ethics, the commission reviewed its 1993 report, Christian Care at Life’s End, and concluded that an update to that document was needed. The 1993 report had attempted to provide more practical case studies that built on 1979’s Report on Euthanasia with Guiding Principles, which was appended to Christian Care at Life’s End. In the intervening years, medical and legal developments, particularly physician-assisted suicide, have changed the landscape dramatically. After outside consultation and internal discussion, a new report was drafted to address those developments from several vantage points: theological foundations for the sanctity of human life, medical-ethical considerations related to end-oflife care and decision-making, and the distinctively Lutheran approach to pastoral care and personal reflection at life’s end. It also includes extensive chronological and bibliographical resources as appendixes. The commission unanimously approved the report at its February 2023 meeting. Though this report was approved during the previous triennium and reported in the 2023 Workbook, it is included again in this triennium’s report and printed in the 2026 Workbook appendix.
2. Responses to Overtures 2023 Omnibus Resolution A included 12 overtures for referral to the CTCR (and in some cases also to other entities; see 2023 Convention Proceedings, 235–37). At its December 2023 meeting, the commission approved responses to those who had submitted these overtures, indicating various ways that their concerns were being or would be addressed. In numerous cases, the concerns of those overtures were taken up in current assignments.
3. Response to Wyoming District Request regarding Immortality of the Soul (2021 Wyoming District Res. 1-01) In July 2021, the Wyoming District communicated its Res. 1-01, which requested clarity concerning the Synod’s position on the immortality of the soul. The commission unanimously approved a response at its February 2024 meeting. The commission detailed the position of its 1969 report and affirmed the teaching on the immortality of the soul expressed by the 1973 convention (1973 Res. 2-03) in commending that report. The response is included in the Workbook appendix.
4. Mission and Ministry Principles and Practical Observations and Suggestions (2023 Res. 1-02A/2023 Res. 5-12) 2023 Res. 1-02A asked the CTCR to produce a brief document on mission and ministry principles to be disseminated to the COP, Office of the President, and Pastoral Formation Committee for their use in aiding small congregations and multi-congregation pastors and parishes. The CTCR produced a set of theological principles outlining the basic biblical and confessional parameters of the church and its ministry, as well as a set of accompanying practical observations and suggestions for how, within those parameters, the Synod might faithfully and realistically address its shortage of pastors and provide for congregations who are unable to obtain a regularly called pastor. The CTCR approved this document at its February 2024 meeting, shared it with the above-named entities at the February 2024 COP meeting for consideration and feedback, and then revised it in accordance with that feedback. The document was finalized at the CTCR’s October 2024 meeting. It is included in the Workbook appendix. In addition, 2023 Res. 5-12 asked the CTCR to produce a report on “the present challenges to Christianity in the North American context to equip pastors and congregations for faithful ministry and outreach in a post-Christian world.” However, this assignment is so closely related to the Mission and Ministry Principles and Practical Observations and Suggestions, which arises from the same convention via 2023 Res. 1-02A, that the commission believes it has already adequately addressed the concerns of 5-12 in its response to 1-02A.
5. Response to the 2021 Final Report of the Theological Conversations between the ILC and the Roman Catholic Church The President of the Synod officially requested that the CTCR respond to the Final Report of the theological conversations between the International Lutheran Council (ILC) and the Roman Catholic Church’s Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity. The CTCR drafted a response that assessed the arguments of the Final Report, noted which important issues remain and which should be further addressed, and commended the continuation of these discussions. At its October 2024 meeting, the CTCR unanimously approved the document and subsequently shared the draft with the President of the Synod, the chairman of the ILC, and other members of the ILC conversation team. The response is included in the Workbook appendix.
6. Response to the Lutheran Church of Australia’s Way Forward Proposal The President of the Synod officially requested that the CTCR evaluate the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Way Forward proposal to approve a path for women’s ordination, which was adopted by the LCA at its assembly in October 2024 and allowed for two different practices within the church. At its December 2024 meeting, the CTCR unanimously approved a critique of the LCA proposal and has since submitted it to the President’s office for consideration and dissemination. The response is included in the Workbook appendix.
7.
Use of Online Technology in the Church: Study Document (2023 Res. 5-13A) 2023 Res. 5-13A directed the CTCR, in conjunction with the COP and the Office of the President of the Synod, to produce a joint document considering the various uses of online technology in the church. After consulting with representatives of both the COP and the Office of the President, it was decided the CTCR would provide a study document on the uses of online technology in the church that would then be shared with the above-named entities, who would disseminate it throughout the Synod. The document evaluates five practical applications of online technology: live streamed services, virtual multi point parishes, online reproof and church discipline, online membership, and artificial intelligence– generated sermons. It was unanimously adopted by the CTCR at its December 2024 meeting and conveyed to the COP and Office of the President for distribution, study, and conversation. The study document is included in the Workbook appendix.
8. A Theology and Philosophy of Lutheran Education (2023 Res. 5-10) 2023 Res. 5-10 asked the CTCR to develop “principles of education rooted in Lutheran doctrine,” in consultation with representatives of the Concordia University System and its universities and Synod educational executives, among others, to be shared with Lutheran educators from kindergarten through higher education. The CTCR drafted a report that asserted the authority of Scripture in all matters of faith and life, including education, as well as addressing perennial questions in Lutheran education according to the three creed al articles of creation, redemption, and sanctification. The CTCR approved a draft of this report at its May 2025 meeting. The report was distributed to all ministers of religion—commissioned and ordained—by Concordia Publishing House. It is included in the Workbook appendix.
9.
Unity in Doctrine and Uniformity and Variety in Practice: Study Document (2019 Res. 5-11) 2019 Res. 5-11 tasked the CTCR with preparing a report on the relationship between unity in doctrine and uniformity and variety in practice, the current language for which is stipulated in Article III 7 of the Synod Constitution. After discussing the constitutional history of this issue, the commission produced a study document that examined disputes over adiaphora in three distinct periods of church history and the lessons they may teach us for reconciling disputes over adiaphora in the present. The commission unanimously adopted this study document at its October 2025 meeting. It is included in the Workbook appendix.
10. Deacons, Evangelists, and the Office of the Holy Ministry in the New Testament (2023 Ov. 5-48) 2023 Ov. 5-48 asked the CTCR to produce a document that “defines and distinguishes the New Testament terms used for the Office of the Public Ministry and its auxiliary offices, including special discussion of the offices of deacon and evangelist.” The convention referred this overture to the CTCR, which opted to accept it as an assignment. The commission produced a draft that explored the different New Testament terms related to the Office of the Holy Ministry and offered suggestions for how they might be best used in the future to avoid confusion. The commission approved this special study at its December 2025 meeting. The report is included in the Workbook appendix.
11.
Proper Administration of the Lord’s Supper: Some Practical Matters (2023 Res. 5-15) 2023 Res. 5-15 asked the CTCR to take up concerns related to upholding the proper elements and reverential administration of the Lord’s Supper, including the use of pre filled communion cup and wafer sets and the use of non-wheat hosts and grape juice. The commission unanimously approved a report addressing these concerns at its December 2025 meeting. The report is included in the Workbook appendix.
12.
Abortion—A Continuing Crisis: Update to 1984’s Abortion in Perspective (2023 Res. 11-04) 2023 Res. 11-04 asked the CTCR to update its 1984 guidance on abortion in light of recent developments, which include the 2022 Supreme Court decision striking down Roe v. Wade, the rise of medication abortion, and the use of fetal tissue in vaccines, among others. At its February 2026 meeting, the commission unanimously approved a document that addresses the changing nature of abortion in our current legal, political, and medical climate; a theology of life rooted in Scripture and Luther’s catechisms; and practical direction for clergy, congregations, and advocacy in the civil realm. The report was not published in time for inclusion in the Workbook, and so it will be included in the 2029 Workbook.
B. Work in Progress and Standing Assignments The CTCR has numerous assignments on its agenda requested by convention action and underway but not completed in time for the submission of materials for publication in the convention Workbook. Additionally, the CTCR has multiple standing assignments stemming from convention resolutions that did not specify a particular response but urged the commission to consider how it might respond as circumstances necessitate or asked it to monitor developments.
1. Apostolic Succession (Bylaw 3.9.5.2.1 [a]) Synod Bylaw 3.9.5.2.1 (a) directs the CTCR to “bring matters of theology and church relations through special studies and documents to the membership of the Synod and to conferences.” In conversations with partner churches and prospective partner churches in various contexts internationally, it came to the CTCR’s attention that there are differing perspectives on the issue of apostolic succession and whether (or in what sense) apostolic succession is compatible with a biblical and confession ally Lutheran understanding of the doctrine of the ministry. Differing teachings and practices in this regard have at times caused confusion in our wider fellowship and have the potential to do so in the future. The commission is presently considering a draft that addresses apostolic succession from a historical, biblical, and confession ally Lutheran perspective. The commission intends to complete work on this report by the end of the triennium, though not in time for inclusion in the Workbook.
2. Third Commandment (2023 Res. 4-06) 2023 Res. 4-06 directed the CTCR to produce a study of the biblical, confessional, and practical dimensions of the Third Commandment, along with an accompanying Bible study. The commission is presently considering a report that treats the relevant Old Testament and New Testament passages, Luther’s catechisms, and a series of practical questions related to the Third Commandment’s applicability to Christian worship. The Commission intends to complete work on this report by the end of the triennium, though not in time for inclusion in the Workbook.
3. Church and State in Contemporary Society (2023 Res. 11-05) 2023 Res. 11-05 directed the CTCR to produce a document on church, state, and the Christian love of neighbor in an increasingly secularized society. Since the commission has an extensive document on the topic in its 1995 Render unto Caesar, which it still considers applicable today, the CTCR decided to produce a supplement to the 1995 report that summarizes its basic theological and practical guidance, then applies that guidance to a number of changing political circumstances the church has faced in the intervening thirty years, including those surrounding abortion, same-sex unions, religious liberty, the conscription and military service of women, and illegal immigration. It is expected that the new report will be completed by the end of the triennium, though not in time for inclusion in the Workbook.
4. Contemporary Racism and Racist Ideologies (2023 Res. 11-02A) 2023 Res. 11-02A urged the Synod to utilize the 1994 CTCR document on racism, Racism and the Church, but also directed the CTCR to examine contemporary “movements, methodologies, and ideologies that divide people by race.” The CTCR assigned this project to its executive committee, which examined the topic and related issues, including the constantly evolving forms of and debates over racism in American culture. After considering the ongoing relevance of its 1994 document and the general nature of the request from the 2023 convention, the commission has decided to place this request on its permanent agenda as a standing assignment, which would allow it to address those new “movements, methodologies, and ideologies” as they arise and as the commission deems appropriate.
5. Provide Assistance Regarding Bioethics (1977 Res. 03-26)
C. Requests for Opinions and Bylaw-Mandated Assignments
The 1977 convention encouraged the CTCR to address the moral implications of developments in bio ethics and biomedical technology in order to provide guidance to clergy, workers in those fields, and the entire Synod. The commission uses this standing assignment to address pertinent matters as they arise, such as the recent report on end-of-life decision-making (see I.A.1. above). It continues to monitor developments in artificial intelligence, transhumanism, medication abortion, IVF, fetal tissue vaccines, and euthanasia, among others, in preparation for potential projects on them in the future.
The CTCR receives and responds to requests for two types of opinions:
6. Inter-Christian Relationships (1981 Res. 3-03A) Since 1981, the CTCR has completed a number of documents relating to the subject of inter-Christian and inter-church relationships, some in specific response to 1981 Res. 3-03A and subsequent resolutions related to it. These include: Inter-Christian Relationships: An Instrument for Study (1991), The Lutheran Understanding of Church Fellowship: Study Materials (2000), The Lutheran Understanding of Church Fellowship: Report on Synodical Discussions (2001), Church Relations in the 21st Century (2009), Principles for “Cooperation in Externals” with Theological Integrity (2010), Theological Dialogue with Other Christian Church Bodies (2011), and Policy for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Declaring Altar and Pulpit Fellowship with Another Church Body (2009, rev. 2014, rev. 2021). The materials are all available on the CTCR’s website at lcms.org/ctcr. The Synod’s request for “practical guidelines … to assist officials, pastors, teachers, congregations, and individuals in the Synod in determining which practices and activities are appropriate to the various levels of inter-Lutheran and inter-Christian relationships in which the Synod is involved” (1981 Res. 3-03A) remains permanently on the commission’s agenda as a standing assignment. The CTCR continues to provide such guidance as needed and requested.
7. Beginning of Life Issues (2019 Res. 11-01A) 2016 Task Force 3-04 reviewed all previous CTCR resources related to relevant beginning of life issues and prepared an overture for convention consideration. 2019 Res. 11-01A then asked the CTCR to “review and revisit” all pertinent documents in its corpus “to determine whether and/or where updates to these documents are needed, particularly regarding IVF, and recent developments in genetic testing, and how such potential updates might best and most effectively be communicated to the Synod.” The commission and its staff have reviewed and continue to review these reports with an eye toward if, where, and how updates might be undertaken.
8. Biblical Six-Day Creation (2019 Res. 5-09A) 2019 Res. 5-09A encouraged pastors to study and discuss various CTCR reports related to biblical six-day creation, including Creation in Biblical Perspective (1970), Together with All Creatures (2010), and In Christ All Things Hold Together (2015). It did not request any direct action from the CTCR, but the commission continues to review its current resources and consider new ones. It has also developed a bibliography of resources defending biblical six-day creation that may be commended to the Synod prior to convention.
- Advisory opinions are requests for guidance from the Synod President, district presidents, and other Synod officers, boards, and commissions on matters of theology and practice under the general rubric that the CTCR “shall provide guidance to the Synod in matters of theology and church relations” (Bylaw 3.9.5.2.1) and “shall assist the President of the Synod at his request” (Bylaw 3.9.5.2).
- Bylaws also specifically require the CTCR, when requested to do so, to render opinions (within 30 days) on theological questions that may arise in cases of dispute resolution or cases involving potential expulsion of an LCMS member (see, e.g., Bylaw 1.10.18.1 [h]; 2.14.7.8 [h][3]).
The CTCR is also responsible for responding to expressions of dissent. Bylaw section 1.8 provides a process for orderly “dissent from the doctrinal position of the Synod as expressed in its resolutions and doctrinal statements.” That process involves, first, discussion “within the fellowship of peers” and thereafter the dissent is to be “brought to the attention of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations” (1.8.2). The CTCR received no official requests for bylaw-mandated opinions or for responses to expressions of dissent in this triennium. It did, however, receive several requests for advisory opinions on various matters.
1. President of the Synod Request for Opinion on Lay Reading of Sermons and Conduct of Worship in the Absence of a Pastor In November 2022, the CTCR received a request from the President of the Synod to provide a rationale and recommended guidelines for laymen who must publicly read sermons or conduct worship services in the absence of a pastor, whether in an emergency situation or for an extended period of time. The CTCR completed this assignment, which was unanimously approved at its May 2023 meeting, but was unable to include it in the 2023 Workbook. Therefore, the opinion is included in the present Workbook appendix.
2. President of the Synod Request for Opinion on Lawsuits between Christians or Members and Institutions of Synod In December 2024, the President of the Synod requested an opinion from the CTCR that would address the appropriateness of lawsuits between individual Christians, members of the Synod, or other institutions and corporate entities of the Synod in light of the CTCR’s 1991 report on 1 Corinthians 6 and the Lutheran Confessions. The commission approved an opinion on this issue at its February 2025 meeting and forwarded it to the Synod President for his information and use. The opinion is included in the Workbook appendix.
3. Joint Seminary Board of Regents Request for an Opinion on Admission to Seminary for Divorced Men In November 2024, the commission received a request from the joint board of regents of Concordia Seminary and Concordia Theological Seminary on the admission of prospective seminarians who have been previously divorced. The commission produced an
opinion addressing whether divorce disqualifies a man from serving in the Office of the Public Ministry and whether the remarriage of a divorced man makes him unsuitable for the Office of the Public Ministry. At its May 2025 meeting, the commission unanimously approved this opinion and subsequently conveyed it to the boards for their information and use. The opinion is included in the Workbook appendix.
II. Church Relations The CTCR has the responsibility to “assist the President of the Synod at his request in discharging his constitutional responsibilities for maintaining doctrinal integrity as he relates to other church bodies” (Bylaw 3.9.5.2.2). This includes circumstances in which a church body officially requests recognition of fellowship by the Synod. The commission’s approval is required for each such fellowship request. In light of the many changes occurring in worldwide Lutheranism, the Synod has had increasing numbers of fellowship requests in recent years and the CTCR seeks to address them both efficiently and faithfully. The following shall report on (A) formal requests for fellowship that have been approved by the commission or may be approved prior to the convention, and (B) official theological conversations with various church bodies that the commission does not believe will eventuate in formal recognition of church fellowship.
A. Requests for Church Fellowship Approved by the CTCR 1. Evangelical Christian Lutheran Church of Bolivia (ICEL) In June 2022, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bolivia (ICEL) formally communicated a request to begin fellowship conversations with the LCMS concerning altar and pulpit fellowship. After multiple rounds of discussions, including a trip to Bolivia by Lehen bauer and the Office of the President’s church relations representatives, the CTCR considered ICEL’s request at its February 2025 meeting. Following the presentation by and discussion with ICEL president Limberth Fernandez, the CTCR unanimously approved the request and recommended formal recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship, pursuant to Bylaw 3.9.5.2.2 (b) (2), and forwarded its recommendation to the Office of the President for declaration and subsequent endorsement by the Synod in convention. President Harrison declared recognition of fellowship with ICEL in May 2025. The CTCR has submitted an overture to the 2026 convention urging formal endorsement by the Synod.
2. Lutheran Mission—Australia (LM—A) When the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) moved to change its constitution to allow for women’s ordination in 2024 (see I A 6 above), a group of confessional Lutherans formed the Lutheran Mission—Australia (LM—A). Both before and after the LM—A was officially constituted as a church body, LM—A representatives engaged in conversations with the LCMS. At its December 2025 meeting, the commission met with LM—A President Matt Anker and unanimously approved recommending church fellowship according to Bylaw 3.9.5.2.2 (b)(2). That recommendation was conveyed to the Synod President with the understanding that his consideration of formal recognition will be delayed until after the LM—A’s inaugural convention in August 2026. If and when such recognition is declared by the Synod President, it will come before the subsequent LCMS convention for endorsement.
3. Mission Province in Sweden (MPS) The Mission Province in Sweden (MPS)—formerly Mission Province of Sweden and Finland—was formed in 2003 to support the ordination of confessional Lutheran pastors in the liberal Church of Sweden. Representatives of the MPS began meeting with the LCMS in 2006 and have held several rounds of theological conversations, expressing an interest in altar and pulpit fellowship consideration by the LCMS as early as 2009. After multiple conversations in the current triennium involving the Synod President’s church relations staff and CTCR members and executive staff, the commission planned to give continued consideration to the MPS’s request at its May 2026 meeting.
B. Meetings and Discussions with Other Churches and Groups Since the inception of the CTCR in 1962, when it absorbed the responsibilities of the church relations–focused Committee on Doctrinal Unity and Committee on Finnish Relations (1962 Res. 6-03), the commission has assisted the President of the Synod in conversations with other church bodies. The CTCR was expressly designed to aid in “discussions of theological and/or ecclesiastical relationships with the synods comprising the synodical conference; sister churches in foreign countries; groups of churches, councils, federations,” among others (1962 Reports and Memorials, 251). At the President’s request, the CTCR has been involved in many official and unofficial theological conversations with a variety of Christian denominations and organizations over the years. For an explanation of the role and benefits of such conversations, even where full altar and pulpit fellowship may not be immediately foreseen, the commission commends its 2011 report, Theological Dialogue with Other Christian Church Bodies. In the present triennium, CTCR staff and select members have participated in four such discussions: with the Anglican Church in North America (in collaboration with the Lutheran Church-Canada), the North American Lutheran Church (in collaboration with the Lutheran Church-Canada), the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and Evangelical Lutheran Synod (jointly), and the Anglican Catholic Church, the Anglican Church of America, and the Anglican Province of America (jointly). Detailed information on the nature and content of these theological conversations may be found in the report of the Office of the President on Church Relations.
III. Religious Organizations and Movements The CTCR is charged with assisting “congregations and ordained and commissioned ministers of religion in fulfilling their commitment to witness publicly and privately to the one and only Gospel set forth in the Holy Scriptures” (Bylaw 3.9.5.4 “Fraternal and Other Organizations”). This bylaw includes the Synod’s longstanding provisions for dealing with lodges as well as other organizations which have “an unchristian or anti-Christian character.” In providing resources and information to the members of the Synod regarding such organizations, philosophies, and religious movements, the CTCR website features a section designated “Evaluations” (see lcms.org/ctcr). Evaluations fall into two general categories: lodge organizations and religious organizations and movements. The evaluations consider, from a Lutheran theological perspective, a broad range of religious practices, organizations, movements, claims, and individuals—both Christian and non-Christian. In addition to material previously available, during the past triennium the commission has provided several new evaluations. New topics addressed include Deepak Chopra, Falun Gong,
Hillsong, International House of Prayer, Neo-Paganism, and New Apostolic Reformation. A goal of the commission is to continue to provide Spanish-language translations of its evaluations. The entire current listing of topics addressed by CTCR evaluations includes (new documents this triennium are noted in bold below): • •
Lodge Organizations: o
Elks Lodge
o
The Lodge
o
Fraternal Order of Eagles
o
Membership in Certain Fraternal Organizations: A Pastoral Approach (also available in Spanish)
o
Moose International
o
Abrahamic Religions
o
Baha’i Faith
Other Religious Organizations and Movements: o
Alpha Course
o
Beth Moore Ministries (also available in Spanish)
o
Center for Progressive Christianity
o
Christian Reconstructionism
o
Church of Scientology (also available in Spanish)
o
Buddhism (also available in Spanish)
o
Christian Identity Movement
o
Christian Science (also available in Spanish)
o
Church less Christianity
o
Cursillo Movement (also available in Spanish)
o
Cults—An Overview (also available in Spanish)
o
Deepak Chopra
o
Enneagram
o
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
o
Gideons International
o
God’s Learning Channel
o
Human Potential Movement
o
The International Churches of Christ (also available in Spanish)
o
International House of Prayer
o
Jehovah’s Witnesses (also available in Spanish)
o
Joyce Meyer Ministries
o
Kabbalah
o
Emergent Church
o
Falun Gong
o
Hillsong
o
Gnosticism
o
Hinduism
o
Islam (also available in Spanish)
o
Joel Osteen
o
Judaism
o
Latter Day Saints (also available in Spanish)
o
Moralistic Therapeutic Deism
o
Neo-Paganism
o
New Apostolic Reformation
o
Newer Atheists
o
Rastafarians
o
Reiki
o
Salvation Army
o
Secular Humanism (also available in Spanish)
o
Seventh-day Adventism (also available in Spanish)
o
Swedenborgianism (New Church)
o
Transhumanism
o
Unitarian-Universalist Association (UUA)
o
Unity School of Christianity
o
Vineyard Ministries
o
Word-Faith Movement
o
Near Death Experiences (also available in Spanish)
o
New Age Movement
o
New Atheism
o
The Occult (also available in Spanish)
o
Red Letter Christians
o
Restorationism
o
Satanism
o
Secularism
o
Shriner’s International
o
The op host ic Prayer Ministry
o
Unification Church (also available in Spanish)
o
United Pentecostal Church International
o
Universalism
o
Wicca
o
Yoga Brian S. Saunders, Chairman Joel D. Lehen bauer, Executive Director