wfn.org | [LCMSNews] WELS, ELS presidents decline talks

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	LCMSNews -- No. 133
	November 10, 2003

	WELS, ELS leaders decline
	talks with Missouri Synod

	The presidents of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
(WELS) and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) have declined an
invitation for talks with the Missouri Synod on areas of disagreement
and on ways to support each other.

	I am disappointed that both the ELS and the WELS declined to
meet with us, LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick said. But while I am
disappointed, I will continue the endeavor, respectfully and patiently,
to develop our relationship with both of these Lutheran bodies, as
fellow members of the Body of Christ, the Holy Christian Church on
earth.

	In letters to WELS President Karl Gurgel and ELS President John
A. Moldstad Jr., Kieschnick had asked to meet with each of them and with
representatives from each respective church body.

	Asked why each of the two presidents declined his invitation,
Kieschnick said, I believe it would be fair to say that, from their
perspective, they see no point in meeting with our Synod because the
doctrinal differences that led to the severing of fellowship with the
LCMS by the ELS in 1955 and the WELS in 1961 still remain.

	Kieschnick said he recognizes that there are points of doctrinal
disagreement, but he added that this is one of the primary reasons for
my invitation for fraternal discussions, issued in good faith.

	At the same time, Kieschnick continued, there is much that we,
as confessional Lutherans, have in common. Thats another reason I
issued the invitation to meet.

	There are important issues on which we agree and on which we
should be able to make a common witness with respect to contemporary
issues, such as abortion, euthanasia, stem cell research, the ordination
of women to the pastoral office, sexuality, marriage and family, to name
a few, he said.

	*********************************

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or Paula Schlueter Ross at paula.ross@lcms.org or (314) 996-1230.

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