Through Different Eyes: A Restrospective Examination of the Breakdown of the Synodical Conference

Abstract

The break in fellowship between the LCMS and the WELS was a messy affair. In many ways it resembles a divorce. Many churches, families and friendships were divided in the break up. As with a divorce, each child had their own theory or conclusions on why the parents separated. While some are closer to the actual truth than others, the reality remains that the family needs to find a new normal. The aim of this paper is to examine the testimony of those who do not understand what happened in those days, both those who lived through it and a half a century later. To that end, we examine the new normal that exists between our church bodies and assess the path ahead of us.