wfn.org | [LCMS] CTCR considers revising policy on dissent

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	March 3, 2005 .................... LCMSNews -- No. 15

	CTCR considers revising policy
	on response to dissents

	The Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) is
considering revising its policy for how it responds to those who notify
the commission that they dissent from a doctrinal resolution or
statement of the Synod.

	At its Feb. 14-16 meeting in St. Louis, the commission asked its
staff to prepare possible policy revisions that would include providing
a "concise presentation of the Scriptural and Confessional basis" for
its response to statements of dissent. Currently, if the commission
finds no compelling reason in a dissent to recommend a change in the
Synod's position, it responds with a letter simply presenting its
conclusion.

	LCMS bylaws state that dissent to the Synod's doctrinal position
"is to be expressed first within the fellowship of peers, then brought
to the attention of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations
before finding expression as an overture to the convention calling for
revision or recision."

	How the CTCR responds to statements of dissent was part of
discussion surrounding one pastor's dissent involving a 2001 Synod
convention resolution that authorized districts to continue training
"lay deacons."

	The CTCR in December responded briefly to the pastor's dissent,
which he then resubmitted to the commission. The commission in February
reaffirmed its December response to the pastor but agreed to consider
revising how it responds in the future.

	At its February meeting, the commission also received a letter
of dissent from another pastor. This one was to 2004 Res. 3-08A, which
affirmed the conclusions of the CTCR's 1994 report, "The Service of
Women in Congregational and Synodical Offices." CTCR Executive Director
Samuel H. Nafzger said the dissent will be placed on the commission's
agenda for consideration and a response.

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	If you have questions or comments about this LCMSNews release,
contact Joe Isenhower Jr. at joe.isenhower@lcms.org or (314) 996-1231,
or Paula Schlueter Ross at paula.ross@lcms.org or (314) 996-1230.

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