Once upon a time the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod was an impregnable fortress for confessional orthodoxy. No longer. Actions at the recent Synod convention in Denver (see News, p. 34) indicate that Missouri, along with most American denominations its size, now spans the theological spectrum. A few years ago Missouri allowed its fellowship with the conservative Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod to be broken and replaced with membership in a newly formed Lutheran council which includes the American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church in America. Now Missouri has begun to follow through on the implications of that membership by officially declaring “pulpit and altar fellowship” with the ALC, which is acknowledged to have proportionately fewer conservatives than Missouri.
Declaration of fellowship with the ALC is more of a symbol than anything else. Many Missourians who want, and often practice, fellowship with a wide range of Christians beyond those in the ALC are basically at home within the framework of ecumenical Christianity. But other Missourians opposed the declaration of fellowship because they believe the ALC does not enforce its doctrinal standards, especially its stated view of Scripture, as rigidly as it should. Ironically, one of those who opposed the declaration is the new Missouri Synod president; Jacob Preus replaced the man who more than anyone else led the way to approval of ALC fellowship. And enough Preus supporters voted for the ALC measure to enable it to pass.
To the extent that Missouri is reaching outward, other evangelicals can rejoice; those who recognize each other as brothers in Christ should be willing to cooperate in proclaiming the Gospel. Preus’ firm stand for the truthfulness of Scripture is also to be commended. However, as president, Preus will have a difficult task. Both his election and the fellowship declaration were approved by small margins. If Missouri is to return to a homogenous position, it will have to eliminate the large numbers of those on both ends of the spectrum who are dissatisfied with the outcome of one or the other of those important votes.
