Expert: Gordon F. Stoneburner - 11/21/2004

Question
What & why are there differences in Lutheran churches. I have been Catholic for years, but no longer believe in a few of the Catholic teachings. I was seriously considering attending the Lutheran church until I found there are different Lutheran churches and beliefs. If this is true, would you explain the differences so that I can decide which is right for me? Thanks very much!

Answer
Melinda:
The Lutheran churches are as follows:
WELS - Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
LCMS - Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
ELCA - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

My background is both LCMS and ELCA with my father currently WELS, so I
can answer your question fairly well.

The difference between Lutheran churches is major!  I will attempt to point out some of the major areas:

ELCA:  teaches salvation outside of Chrisitanity, favors women pastors,
leans towards homosexual rights and ordination, teaches evolution, and is
fairly pro-abortion.

WELS:  Scripture alone is rule, therefore, in Christ's words, Christ is
the only way to salvation; does not favor women pastors (or voters),
opposes gay rights and views homosexuality as a sin, teaches creation, and
is strongly pro-life.

LCMS:  Scripture alone is rule, therefore, in Christ's words, Christ is
the only way to salvation; does not favor women pastors but allows women to vote in the church, opposes gay rights and views homosexuality as a sin, teaches creation, and
is strongly pro-life.

The basic difference rests on the differences in their views of scripture.
ELCA has moved towards a view that "scripture was written for that time
and place", whereas LCMS & WELS maintains that scripture is constant for all
times and places.

A great book for comparing all the diferences is "What's Going on Among
the Lutherans?" by Northwestern Publishing House (WELS).

The areas of agreement are: infant baptism and Christ's presence in
communion.  That's about it!

Let me know if I can be of further help.

In Christ's Service,

Gordon Stoneburner