SERVICE AREAS

Theology and Inter-Church Relations

The Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations (CTICR) advises the church on matters of theology and doctrine and studies the theological implications of our relationships with other churches, at home and overseas. It also sponsors our formal bilateral dialogues, currently with the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Uniting churches in Australia.

Ecumenical Dialogues

Through its ecumenical dialogues, it has an ongoing program of theological discussion with the major church bodies in Australia, the CTICR hears reports from the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) and the NCCA's theological body, the Faith and Unity Commission, and it monitors developments within Lutheran World Federation and the International Lutheran Council.

We are engaged in bilateral dialogue with the Anglican Church of Australia (since 1972), the Roman Catholic Church (since 1976) and the Uniting Church in Australia (since 1979). The dialogue with the Anglican Church and the Uniting Church are each seeking mutual recognition, while the dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church is seeking theological convergence. Our Lutheran participants on each dialogue are elected by the Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations (CTICR), acting on behalf of the LCA.

Lutheran — Roman Catholic Dialogue

Lutheran — Uniting Church Dialogue

Anglican – Lutheran Dialogue

You can read about an important development in international Lutheran – Roman Catholic dialogues at our History of the Lutheran Church page (Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification).

Doctrinal Statements and Theological Opinions

Over the years the CTICR has produced Doctrinal Statements and Theological Opinions (DSTOs) and other resources on behalf of the LCA. The DSTOs are listed below (click on the accordion links). Some are available for download in PDF format.