After having briefly halted distribution of the Harrison-Teufelskatechismus, Matthew Harrison, president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, published a statement on February 2, 2023, in which he not only defends his decision to allow distribution to continue, but also condemns all of the critics of the Teufelskatechismus. Since the statement itself is very telling, I present it in its entirety:
Grace and peace in Christ.
Last week, I requested that Concordia Publishing House (CPH) pause distribution of Luther’s Large Catechism with Annotations and Contemporary Applications. I made this request out of an abundance of caution as an online disturbance was taking place over some brief quotations from the “Contemporary Applications” essays in the book. I have had time to re-evaluate the controverted sentences and found that while some things might have been expressed more clearly [let us see if he stays with this concession], nevertheless, there is nothing in the content of the volume promoting critical race theory (CRT), confusion of sexuality issues, or any theological position at odds with biblical and confessional Lutheranism. [This just shows how worthless “confessional Lutheranism” is; it remains what it always was — a cover for errors of every kind.] The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s doctrine is established only by the Scriptures and confessed in the Book of Concord. [President Harrison here condemns the doctrine of the fathers of the Missouri Synod and those of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as unbiblical and unlutheran (which is the same), and thus as unchristian, originating from Satan. For it is well known how the doctrine of the LC—MS on e.g. usury (which is explicitly condemned in the Large Catechism) and contraception is directly opposed to that of the Missouri Synod and the Lutheran fathers. But it should be expected, for Harrison is one who (along with most teachers in his synod) recommends Pastor Löhe as a corrective to Walther’s teaching and falsifies Walther in his mistranslation of Kirche und Amt.] By God’s grace we remain steadfast in this eternal [one has to laugh] truth and confession as we await the return of our blessed Savior Jesus Christ.
Frankly, I think each reader will be astounded at the content and quality of the volume. [Oh, will the reader “be astounded at the content and quality” of essays in which “some things might have been expressed more clearly”? Well, now we see how honest Harrison was in his weak concession.]
I have asked CPH to resume distribution [of essays in which “some things might have been expressed more clearly”]. According to the Bylaws of the Synod, I do not have the authority formally to withhold distribution of a book that has gone through the doctrinal review process. The Synod does allow — in fact it welcomes — the expression of concerns via the Commission on Doctrinal Review, which is then bound to follow the process outlined in Synod Bylaw 3.9.3.2.2 (p. 143 in the 2019 Handbook). The Commission on Theology and Church Relations (ctcr@lcms.org) and my office (president@lcms.org) are happy to hear both your affirmations and concerns.
I deplore the unchristian attacks on the servants of the church who edited and contributed to the production of the volume [the fact that Steven Paulson wrote an essay does not make him a “servant of the church” any more than Antichrist himself is a servant of the Church], including the editors, our faithful members of the CTCR, CPH and more. [Remember, the sheep shall never judge their shepherds; and if they do, they must be considered unchristian.] At the same time, we invite thoughtful critique and criticism, which will be given due consideration moving forward. [Given the utter condemnation of all criticism, this promise is completely meaningless.]
You may order the book at cph.org. [Yes, I also encourage everyone with an already strong faith — one that will not be damaged by the Harrison-Teufelskatechismus — to read this abomination.]
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen” (Jude 24–25).
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matthew C. Harrison
President, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Altlutheraner 