An Evaluation of "The Nature and Implications of the Concept of Fellowship"

Abstract

This evaluation, prepared by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s Commission on Inter-Church Relations (CICR), critiques the Missouri Synod’s 1981 CTCR document on church fellowship. While affirming many doctrinal statements, WELS expresses concern over key omissions and ambiguities, particularly the lack of a unit concept of fellowship and the failure to distinguish between “weak brethren” and “persistent errorists.” The CICR argues that fellowship must be governed by consistent scriptural principles across all expressions—prayer, worship, communion, and joint church work—not limited to altar and pulpit fellowship. Historical examples, including early Lutheran practice and Missouri Synod precedent, are cited to support WELS’s position. The evaluation concludes that the CTCR document, though well-intentioned, does not fully reflect scriptural teaching and risks promoting degrees of fellowship based on partial doctrinal agreement. WELS urges a return to clear biblical standards for fellowship at all levels of church life. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)