The Moravian Church and WELS

The motto of the Moravian Church is “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, love.” Their website spells out what they consider to be the “essentials” – “God creates (and God’s creation is good), God redeems, God blesses; and we respond by having faith in what God has done and is doing; by loving God, loving ourselves, loving our neighbors and loving our enemies; and by looking to the future with hope because we know we will be with God.”

What is not essential for the Moravian Church is doctrinal unity. That explains the ecumenical nature of the church. It is a charter member of the World Council of Churches and the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States. It is in full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The church practices open communion. Its statement on the nature of Holy Communion is ambiguous. Its clergy roster includes women.

The Moravian Church is known for its mission work. One wishes that the church would have greater concern for doctrinal unity. People benefit the most when they are presented with all the truths of God’s word.