Definitions for "Conservatives"
Webster's dictionary states this, “tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions”. All pastors of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod make a vow to maintain our understanding of Holy Scripture as the inspired Word of God, and to care for the congregation that has called the pastor. A small group of pastors has referenced themselves as conservative, thereby labeling others as “less than conservative”. Please see Rev. David Buegler's article, Do You What is Happening in the LCMS? For more details. Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) – "The Commission on theology and Church Relations exists to assist the President of Synod in matters of church relationships and to assist congregations in achieving the objectives of Art. III, 1 and 6, of the Constitution of Synod." The Bylaws of the LCMS go on to define numerous other duties for the CTCR relating to theological issues and our relationship with other church bodies.