Open Forum with Robert Benne, Charles Arand, and Leo Sánchez

Editor’s note: The following announcement comes from Larry Vogel, of the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations.

Leaders of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and the Lutheran Church—Canada have been meeting regularly with leaders of the North American Lutheran Church over the past two years. Despite some differences, our churches are both committed to the authority of Holy Scripture and Book of Concord (1580) as a true exposition of Scripture.

One result of the meetings has been a commitment to work together to address critical social and ethical issues. Today, one of the central matters facing all Christians, including Lutherans, is how the church should relate with society. At 7:00 PM on December 16, 2013 our churches will sponsor an open forum on the theme, “The Gospel and Our Common Witness in the Public Square.” The forum will be held in Werner Auditorium on the campus of Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105.

The event is open to the public. We would like, especially, to invite Lutheran pastors and churches in the St. Louis metro area to attend. A major presentation on the theme will be given by Dr. Robert Benne, an esteemed Lutheran scholar who regularly addresses matters of society and culture from the perspective of Lutheran theology. Two Concordia professors, Dr. Charles Arand and Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez, will offer brief presentations on how Lutheran theology can address two current public square issues, the environment and immigration. There is no charge for this event.

The meeting is part of an ongoing series of dialogues between our churches, all of which seek to teach and live in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and the confessions of the Lutheran Church. We hope better to understand and to further agreement between our churches in theology and practice. In addition we are considering ways that our churches may, with theological integrity, cooperate in endeavors that benefit others. In so doing, we hope to strengthen Lutheran identity in North America.