wfn.org | LCMS - Nafzger: Synod's'differences' not primarily over doctrine

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod
Board for Communication Services

LCMSNews -- No. 67
October 17, 2002

Nafzger: Synod's differences'
not primarily over doctrine

The executive director of the Synod's Commission on Theology and Church 
Relations (CTCR) says he does not believe that differences currently 
plaguing the Synod are primarily doctrinal in nature.

"Our differences are largely about strategy -- how do we take the 
confession we all hold dear ... and apply it in a new day and a new age?" 
Dr. Samuel H. Nafzger said.

"We are not deeply divided doctrinally.  We are the envy of Christendom for 
the doctrinal unity we have, but we are at each other's throats over the 
strategy for preserving our confession and the need to get power to use our 
particular strategy for preserving it," he said.

"If we divide in the Synod," Nafzger said, "it will be a matter of 
sectarianism, not doctrine."

He said the Synod dare never compromise its doctrine, "but we must sing the 
same song in a new key."

Nafzger said much the same to the CTCR when it met in St. Louis Sept. 16 
18.  He urged the commission to give theological leadership on issues being 
debated in the Synod, such as church fellowship, admission to the Lord's 
Supper, aspects of the doctrine of the ministry, and the role of women in 
the church.

"The commission was put together for such a time as this," Nafzger said, 
adding that it is a "microcosm of the Synod."  Members include 
representatives of the Synod's two seminary faculties and the Council of 
Presidents; a university faculty member; parish pastors; a parish teacher; 
laypersons; and, as advisory members, the president and first vice 
president of the Synod and the presidents of the two seminaries.

Nafzger highlighted three assignments on which the CTCR has been 
working.  He urged the commission to complete them in time for the next 
Synod convention, in 2004, saying it's time for the CTCR to offer:

-- guidelines for relating to other Christians with whom Lutherans have 
serious doctrinal disagreements;

-- recommendations on women serving in all congregational offices that do 
not involve distinctive functions of the pastoral office; and

-- reaffirmation of the importance of the priesthood of all believers, 
while holding up the pastoral office as the only divinely instituted church 
office.

"I am convinced that if we set our minds to it, we can come to agreement on 
these issues and provide solid, positive theological leadership not only in 
the Synod, but throughout the world," Nafzger told the commission.

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