CTCR Statement on Civil Obedience and Disobedience

Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) Statement

At the March 2023 meeting of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)’s Board of Directors, the request was made of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) to review the 1966 CTCR document of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) entitled, “Civil Obedience and Disobedience”.  The CTCR met on June 13, 2023, and the following is their brief statement on this issue:  

“The 1966 LCMS Report of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations regarding Civil Obedience and Disobedience has a unique historical context set in the tumultuous 1960s, days of social and civil unrest in the United States. However, the first portion of the document is particularly useful in articulating a Biblical and Lutheran theological basis for consideration in regard to times and causes where Civil Obedience may be important or even necessary, even if uncomfortable, as well as times and causes where personal or congregational Civil Disobedience may also be a necessary response to injustice or improper use of civil authority (even though disobedience may bring consequences). The second portion of this document, although reflecting some unique American characteristics, may also be useful for consideration insofar as it may relate to life in Canada. The CTCR of LCC commends this document for study and consideration when difficulties arise concerning our life in the tension between the realms of faith and civil life, of God’s kingdom of the right hand and His kingdom of the left hand.”

The document may be accessed from the Missouri Synod’s website via the following link: Civil Obedience and Disobedience [1966].

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LCC’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations is responsible for providing guidance to the church in matters of theology and relations with other church bodies. The commission consists of the president of Lutheran Church–Canada; a faculty representative from each of Synod’s two seminaries; two elected clergy members; and two elected laypersons. Their reports dealing with current issues within the church are released periodically. Learn more Here.

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