The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) emerged as a prominent conservative denomination within Lutheranism. Its core doctrine centers on the belief in justification by faith alone in Jesus Christ. This doctrine posits that through faith, believers are credited with the righteousness of Christ, thus being justified and made children of God. Lutherans reject the necessity of performing "good works" or religious acts to gain favor with God, contrasting with Roman Catholic practices that emphasize such deeds.
According to a recent article, there has been a resurgence of interest in Lutheran teachings in Italy, prompting the LCMS to respond by by sending the Rev. Tyler McMiller to the region as a missionary. McMiller's work involves catechizing individuals and caring for Lutheran communities in various Italian cities, including Naples, Florence, Sicily, Turin, Milan, and Padua. His experience highlights the growing curiosity among Europeans about a more vibrant form of Christianity than what they perceive in their increasingly secular surroundings. He emphasized in the article mentioned that everyone he works with there contacted him first.
However, the conservative stance of the LCMS raises questions about its compatibility with the diverse and progressive views prevalent in Europe. The LCMS's exclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals from active church life, prohibition of female ministers, and adherence to a literal interpretation of the Bible, including a six-day creation, align more closely with evangelical or fundamentalist Christianity. As the Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Rome seeks to establish itself, it will be interesting to observe how it navigates these doctrinal differences and whether it can resonate with the spiritual needs of the local population.
For a full explanation of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, you can watch this video:
