Unity Among Us? Three Theses on Church Unity: A Hermann Sasse-Inspired Perspective

Abstract

In this paper, I intend to posit three theses on the pursuit of inter-church unity, commonly known as ecumenism. Drawing extensively on letters and essays by Hermann Sasse, I seek to distill several ideas from what he wrote about ecumenism and apply them to the twenty-first-century church, specifically the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). The following theses do not argue solely for an outward and visible unity among Christians, as ecumenical movements often do, but rather a scriptural (and invisible) church unity based on agreement over doctrine. Moreover, if doctrinal unity is achieved through this pursuit, the blessings of outward unity or church fellowship may result. More often, the pursuit of unity will not produce church fellowship but remains valuable, even necessary, and will bless Christ’s kingdom. Lord willing, what I argue for will generate discussion and inspire ecumenical initiatives among Confessional Lutheran pastors.