When Here Our Pathways Part: An Account of the Dissolution of Fellowship Between St. James Lutheran Church of West St. Paul, MN and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

Abstract

David Wietzke’s essay documents the theological and procedural events leading to the dissolution of fellowship between Saint James Lutheran Church (West St. Paul, MN) and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). The controversy centered on differing interpretations of biblical passages regarding the roles of men and women, particularly 1 Corinthians 11 and 1 Timothy 2. Over two decades, Saint James pastors publicly opposed WELS doctrinal statements, including “Scriptural Principles of Man and Woman Roles,” and authored their own counter-document, “Heirs Together of the Gracious Gift of Life.” Despite extensive dialogue, Bible studies, and appeals, doctrinal differences remained unresolved. In 1995, WELS suspended the pastors, and Saint James voted overwhelmingly to retain them, resulting in its departure from the synod. Wietzke’s account includes theological analysis, historical context, and perspectives from both sides, offering a detailed case study in confessional integrity, hermeneutics, and ecclesiastical process. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)