Yes, the Lutheran Confessions do teach that the pope is the antichrist. He has claimed a position of supreme leadership in the church by divine right; he has deceived millions with his false teaching on justification, the central article of the Christian faith; he has anathematized the true teaching of the gospel; and historically he has claimed power in both civil and ecclesiastical realms. (See, in the Lutheran Confessions, the Smalcald Articles and the Treatise on the Power and the Primacy of the Pope for further explanation.) To the extent that the current popes still do the things described in the 1500s, they continue to fit the bill.
However, that Lutherans regard the pope as the antichrist is a *doctrinal* view, not a political position, and it does not have anything to do with disqualifying a Lutheran from holding public office in the state.
Yes, the Lutheran Confessions do teach that the pope is the antichrist. He has claimed a position of supreme leadership in the church by divine right; he has deceived millions with his false teaching on justification, the central article of the Christian faith; he has anathematized the true teaching of the gospel; and historically he has claimed power in both civil and ecclesiastical realms. (See, in the Lutheran Confessions, the Smalcald Articles and the Treatise on the Power and the Primacy of the Pope for further explanation.) To the extent that the current popes still do the things described in the 1500s, they continue to fit the bill.As a member of WELS, I agree completely with the above. Other WELS members here have stated they have never heard this in their congregations, but this is an issue that has been discussed in both the WELS congregations I have been a member of. I cannot remember it being discussed in a sermon, but most definitely in bible study classes.
It has always been taught that despite this, there are true believers in the Catholic church. This doctrine has never been taught as a hate issue. Just as we pray for non-believers, we also pray for Catholics to understand Grace is a gift from God, not earned by good works. Christ has done it all, there is no need for a vicar, we only need our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Having more relatives in my family that are Catholics than are not, this has never been an issue because they understand I bear no ill will against them, I only pray for their salvation.