Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Will's avatar

Thank you for this. I am not a Lutheran, but I found your defence of ‘closed communion’ makes complete sense within the liturgical and ecclesial contexts you describe.

Expand full comment
Michael's avatar

I am LCMS. At first I couldn’t quite tell if you were defending the practice, or attacking it lol. This was very well put together! I spent a lot of time deciding between the LCMS & WELS, I wish they were in fellowship. The ELCA has gone down a very concerning road… look what has happened to them in just a matter of 20 ish years. I think if us keeping it closed is the defense of falling apart as they (and the Methodist church unfortunately did as well…) did… I’m absolutely fine with it.

My only issue is that I wish we could come together more with the WELS. We Lutherans are maybe the most well known denomination due to history… but we don’t seem to be a growing church as much as I wish we could… so it does have its drawbacks.

Also, the issue of not knowing if someone is allowed communion… my church (Lutheran Church of the Atonement - Seattle,Wa) has a very simple solution that we practice—new or first time visitors are encouraged to speak with the pastor before service, it’s stated often. It seems to work pretty well.

Expand full comment

No posts