Brug explains in this essay, “there is [an] area of doctrine in which Walther played a key role in laying a sound foundation for confessional Lutheranism in America, that is, in the restoration of sound biblical principles of church fellowship. This development was crucial to the realignment of Lutheranism that took place through the Synodical Conference of North America. This doctrine took on new importance during the disputes concerning prayer fellowship that divided the Synodical Conference in the middle of the 20th century. A recovery of this doctrine is important for the ongoing discussions about open communion and ecumenical prayer services that have been and are taking place in the Missouri Synod. Walther has been claimed by both sides in some of these disputes, so a restudy of the development of his position on church fellowship is a good project for this bicentennial year.”
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