Evangelical Lutheran Confessional Forum meets

The biennial meeting of the Evangelical Lutheran Confessional Forum, which consists of leaders of WELS and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS), took place October 19-20, 2026, at the WELS Center for Mission and Ministry, Waukesha, Wis.

A synod of about 120 congregations, the ELS is headquartered in Mankato, Minn., and has been in fellowship with WELS for 150 years. While leaders of the two synods routinely discuss matters of doctrine and church organization, they meet formally for two days every two years to discuss issues facing both synods. Included in those meetings are representatives from administration, missions, higher education, schools, communications, and stewardship. The group discusses theological issues, usually hearing presentations through prepared essays. Representatives also participate in individual meetings with their counterparts to discuss mutual opportunities and challenges.

Charlie Vannieuwenhoven, administrator of the WELS Board for Ministerial Education, attended the meeting for the first time this year. “It was good to meet with the representatives from Bethany Lutheran College [Mankato, Minn.] and talk about the challenges that especially small private colleges are facing,” he says. “Talking together through and about these issues is what helps to strengthen the unity that we enjoy.”

The next meeting will take place in October 2028 and will be hosted by the ELS in Mankato, Minn.

“We thank God for this fellowship, which he has made possible, and we pray that these meetings will continue to be opportunities for our church bodies to strengthen our fellowship ties through ongoing discussion of God’s Word and the mission he has given us,” says WELS President Mark Schroeder.