Annual informal talks with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) held

For the last 12 years, representatives of WELS, the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS), and the LCMS have been involved in informal doctrinal discussions. An informal doctrinal discussion is one that addresses matters of doctrine and practice but does not imply that doctrinal agreement and a restoration of fellowship is imminent*. The most recent meeting took place in early December 2024. 

Over the years, these discussions have proven to be beneficial and productive. We have spent much time identifying the many areas in which all three synods are in perfect agreement. For example, we are agreed that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God. We are in agreement that the Lutheran Confessions are a true and faithful summary of the teachings of Scripture. We all stand firmly on the four great “alones” of the Reformation: salvation by grace alone, by faith alone, by Scripture alone, by Christ alone. All three synods officially confess that Communion is to be “closed Communion,” shared only with those who confess a common faith. We all believe in the sanctity of human life, in God’s design for marriage and sexuality, and that God has directed that only men serve as pastors. The list could go on. 

We have also had the opportunity to dispel caricatures and false assumptions that we have had about one another’s doctrinal positions and how those doctrines are applied and practiced. 

Another benefit has been that these talks have opened lines of communication between our synods that were not open before. We have spoken publicly with one voice about the principle of religious freedom. Our mission boards speak to one another about plans and provide advice on specific issues. A procedure has been put in place as to how to communicate with each other when a pastor or teacher decides to leave one synod and join the other. 

And there are, of course, discussions about the several doctrinal issues in which we are not in full agreement. We have spent much time talking about church and ministry, fellowship, and the role of men and women in the church. While we have found that the differences in some of these areas are not as great as we might have thought, we still recognize that differences remain. 

We all pray that God would use these talks to bring about full unity someday. Until then, there are many good reasons to continue these discussions. 

Serving together with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder

*WELS and the ELS share doctrinal fellowship with one another, but do not share fellowship with the LCMS.