[Tao Yin]

In the LCMS, the Book of Concord is considered our synod's "little t" truth understanding of the Bible's "Big T" Truth.

As far as I know, the ELCA considers both the Bible and the Book of Concord as historical documents with only elements of truth.

In the LCMS, we consider Luther's belief as only having elements of truth.

Interestingly, the pastors in the LCMS are required to believe the Book of Concord is in complete agreement with the Bible, but this is not required of the congregation.

[PastorTony]

Interestingly, the pastors in the LCMS are required to believe the Book of Concord is in complete agreement with the Bible, but this is not required of the congregation.

This is the same in most confessional churches. We are independent, but our church constitution states that elders and deacons must be in full subscription to the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith (our adopted confession) but church members only need to be in general subscription. This is to safeguard the church from having men teaching that are not in agreement with what the church has adopted as a doctrinal standard.