Theology for the real world
From time to time LCA Bishop John Henderson issues pastoral messages to our members in relation to current events in the world or the church.
Our Beliefs and Teachings
In the words of the classic Lutheran summary of faith, we believe that we are saved 'by grace, for Christ's sake, through faith'. In other words, there is nothing we can do to earn God's favour or to gain eternal life. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus Christ has won all this and more for us. We also believe that only the Bible is the source of inspiration and teaching.
The Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) subscribes to the central teachings (or confessions) of Lutherans worldwide (see What Lutherans Believe). We also adhere to the three ecumenical (or universal) creeds of Christians around the world.
Within these parameters, from time to time we produce statements that reflect our own understanding of various issues, for example, gender and sexuality (see below). These views can and sometimes do differ from the views of other Lutheran churches around the world. So, while there is agreement among all Lutheran churches about key doctrines (critically, salvation through Jesus Christ alone), there is also freedom to hold differing opinions on issues not considered central to the Christian faith.
Contemporary issues
The LCA does not ordain women, although it has been debating the issue for over a decade, nor does it ordain men in a same-sex relationship because it believes that this is contrary to God’s word. However, our church is committed to the compassionate pastoral care of all people, including those who identify as homosexual.
Development of statements and opinions
The Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations oversees this area of the LCA's work. At the request of the College of Bishops or the General Convention of Synod, it periodically studies a contemporary issue in the life of the church or society and prepares statements for information or adoption.
