Doctrinal Statements & Theological Opinions

The Doctrinal Statements and Theological Opinions of the LCA are listed below. Some are available for download here (in PDF format). They are organised in two groups: Volume 1 and Volume 2.

VOLUME 1

• Foreword

A. Theses of Agreement

• Title and Contents
• Principles Governing Church Fellowship
• Joint Prayer and Worship
• Conversion
• Election
• The Church
• Office of the Ministry
• Eschatological Matters
• Scripture and Inspiration
• Lutheran Confessions
• Appendix to the Thesis of Agreement
• The Status of the Theses of Agreement and Other Doctrinal Statements
• The Permanent Status of the Theses of Agreement
• Document of Union

B. The Scriptures

• The Theses of Agreement and Inerrancy
• Genesis 1-3: A Doctrinal Statement
• The Use of Bible Translations
• A Consensus Statement on Holy Scripture
• Attachment 1: Towards a Common Understanding on the Authority of Holy Scripture
• Attachment 2: The Extent and Certainty of Canon
• A Guide for the Use of Bible Versions

C. Church Fellowship

• Altar and Pulpit Fellowship: Special Cases
• Fellowships and Declared Fellowships
• Relationship with Overseas churches
• Document of Agreement: German-speaking Lutheran Churches and LCA
• Guidelines for Inter-Church Marriages

D. Ministries in the Church

• The relationship between Graduation from Australian Lutheran College (formerly Luther Seminary) & Ordination
• Graduation from Australian Lutheran College (formerly Luther Seminary)
• The Right to the Use of the Title 'Pastor'
• The Use of Lay Evangelists in the Church
• The relationship of the Auxiliary Offices to the Office of the Ministry
• The Status of the Teacher in the Church
• Directives concerning Parish Workers
• Elders in the Lutheran Church of Australia
• Standard Procedures and Questions in Colloquising Prospective Church Servants of the LCA
• Call and Appointment
• What Constitutes a Call?
• Guidelines for Introducing the Practice of Separation of First Communion and Confirmation

E. The Sacraments

• The Mutual Recognition of Baptism (Roman Catholic and Lutheran Churches)
• Pastoral Practice in Reference to Holy Baptism
• Concerning the Sacrament of the Altar
• Infant Communion
• The Blessing of Children at the Altar

F. Women in the Church

• Right of Women to Vote at Meetings of the Congregations
• The Role of Women in the Church
• The Service of Women on Boards, Committees, etc.

G. Inter-Denominational Cooperation - Church Movements

• Dialogue with other Church Bodies or Organisations
• On Pastors Serving Full-time in Interdenominational Undertakings
• Women's World Day of Prayer
• The Lutheran Church of Australia and the Lutheran Charismatic Renewal
• Billy Graham Campaign
• The Use of Lutheran Churches by Other Denominations
• Theology of a Lutheran Radio Mission etc.
• Pastoral Attitude and Practice where a Pastor Is Attracted to or Associated with the Charismatic Movement

H. Ethical and Social Issues

• Attitude to Birth Control
• Abortion
• War, Peace, and Conscientious Objection to Service in War
• Homosexuality
  CTICR is currently studying ‘Human sexuality: key issues today’ with a view that it will be discussed at the 2013 Pastors Conference and presented to the General Convention of Synod in April 2013.
• The Involvement of the Church in Social & Political Problems
• Capital Punishment
• The Attitude of the LCA to Marriage, Divorce and Re-marriage
• The Use of Drugs
• Euthanasia or Mercy Killing
• Human Reproductive Technology
• Humanity's Treatment of Animals
• Marriage and De Facto Relationships
• Dancing
• Guidelines on Participation of Pastors in Protest Marches
• Declaration Concerning Communist and Other Persecution of Christians
• Statement on Apartheid

I. Doctrinal Issues

• Summary of Pastoral Statement concerning the Body-soul Issue
• Public Doctrine and Pious Opinion

VOLUME 2

• Contents
• Foreword

A. Theses of Agreement

• Theses of Agreement II: Joint Prayer and Worship

B. The Scriptures

• God and Inclusive Language

C. Church Fellowship

• The Lutheran Church of Australia's Application for Associate Membership in the Lutheran World Federation
• A Confessional Agreement between the Lutheran Church of Australia and the Lutheran Church-Canada
• Guidelines for Drawing Up a Statement of 'Recognition of Relationship' between the Lutheran Church of Australia and Another Lutheran Church Body

D. Ministries in the Church

• Female Elders
• The Ministry of the People of God and the Public Ministry

E. The Sacraments

• The Service with Communion for Ministry to those who are Sick
• The Treatment of Unused Consecrated Elements
• Some Pastoral Guidelines for Responsible Communion Practice
• The Celebration of the Lord's Supper with Thanksgiving
• The Distribution of the Sacrament of the Altar
• Distribution of the Sacrament of the Altar by Deacons, Elders or Lay Servers

F. Women in the Church

• Should Women Serve as Lay Readers in Public Worship?

G. Interdenominational Cooperation - Church Movements

• A Brief Evaluation of the Church Growth Movement
• Guidelines for Participants in Cross-Denominational or Non-Denominational Bible Study Groups
• The Lutheran Church of Australia and Interfaith Worship
• Pastoral Care of Isolated Members of the Lutheran Church of Australia

H. Ethical and Social Issues

• Human Rights
• HIV and AIDS

I. Doctrinal Issues

• A Statement on Mission
• Is the Pope the Antichrist?
• The Two Kingdoms and Social Ethics

J. Church-School issues

• The Lutheran Church of Australia and its Schools
• The Teacher in the Lutheran School
• The Public Ministry in the Lutheran School

K. Worship

• Rationale for Synodical Decision on Use of Approved Orders with Holy Communion
• The Use of Multi-purpose Worship Centres
• A Lutheran Approach to the Theology of Worship
• Guidelines for Services on Special Occasions
• Worship at Luther Campus: A Declaration and Appeal