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. At the request of the church, the CTICR also studies current theological issues and trends and provides advice to the church in the form of papers and statements.
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.
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.
Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 3 is online only; there is no print version.
How did we do?
Did you find what you were looking for? Did you find anything out of date or not working properly? Please tell us how we can improve this page.
