LCMS. Commission on Social Action / Concerns

The Synod established a Commission on Social Action in 1962 “to initiate necessary studies and to secure ‘position papers’ on subjects of critical interest in these complex areas [church-state relations, the church and social action and other issues with “theological implications”] from those agencies of the Synod directly involved.” Its function was more theoretical while the Board of Social Welfare dealt with programs and activities like institutional chaplaincy, service agencies, etc. (Proceedings, 1962, pp. 138-39)

In 1965 the commission was commended for its report and its “diligence and faithfulness in addressing themselves to the vital concerns which have come to their attention, particularly in their formulation of a Christian, Biblical and Lutheran ideology and pattern of action on questions of current social concern.” It was authorized to continue its work and to “initiate and conclude studies by faculties, organizations, and proven Christian scholars in fields currently presenting pressing problems to individuals and the church.” (Proceedings, 1965, p. 166)

In 1967 the Synod resolved to approve a full-time executive secretary for the commission. (Proceedings, 1967, p. 150) This position was never filled (“Report of Social Concerns Committee,” CTCR Report, Workbook, 1975, pp. 55-57)

By 1969 concerns began to arise about “the distinction between Christ’s kingdom and a political kingdom,” and the Synod invited its members “to study further the doctrine of the two kingdoms” and to “remain alert to the hazard … of issuing superficial moral judgments or urging particular forms of action in complex secular matters for which there is no clear Word of God.” (Proceedings, 1969, pp. 142-43)

The 1971 report of the commission to the convention states that the name was changed from “Social Action” to “Social Concerns” at the 1969 convention, but there is not a specific reference to that in the proceedings. The change would seem to reflect the concerns noted in 1969, although the commission’s 1971 report states: “As Christians, the members of the commission have always been concerned about social problems. However, action has continued to be of principal importance. The problem of translating rhetoric into action continues to be one of the principal concerns of the commission.” (Workbook, 1971, p. 387) The convention directed the Committee on Organization to study the possibility of combining the Commission on Social Concerns with the Board of Social Ministry and World Relief. (Proceedings, 1971, p. 151)

In 1973 the commission was merged into the Commission on Theology and Church Relations according to a joint recommendation of the Committee on Organization, the Board of Directors and the two commissions. It was to function as a full committee of the CTCR and its functions were to be incorporated into the CTCR. (Proceedings, 1973, p. 147) From 1973 to 1986 the Social Concerns Committee functioned as a special auxiliary committee of the CTCR and produced many of the CTCR reports on social issues such as abortion, euthanasia, sexuality, etc. Its reports to the conventions were separate appendices of the CTCR reports. In 1986 the CTCR restructured itself, did away with auxiliary committees and has functioned with three standing committees, one of which is on “social concerns.”