What key doctrine do Lutheran churches uphold regarding the presence of Christ in communion?

Lutheran churches uphold the doctrine of consubstantiation regarding the presence of Christ in communion. This doctrine asserts that, during the Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ coexist with the bread and wine. Unlike transubstantiation, which teaches that the substances of bread and wine completely change into the body and blood of Christ, consubstantiation maintains that the elements retain their substance while also being the true body and blood of Christ.

This belief is rooted in Martin Luther's understanding of the words of institution from the Bible, where he affirmed a real presence of Christ in the sacrament. Lutherans emphasize that while the bread and wine are present, the body and blood are also truly present "in, with, and under" the elements. This understanding allows for a tangible connection between the believer and Christ during the sacrament, highlighting the mystery of faith and the promise of Christ's presence in the communal act of communion.

In contrast, views such as symbolic presence reduce the elements to mere symbols, and spiritual presence only denotes a belief in Christ's presence through faith rather than in the physical elements themselves.