The Role that Wisconsin's State of Confession Played in the Break-up of the Orthodox Lutheran Conference

Abstract

Mark Cares explores the theological and ecclesiastical tensions that led to the fragmentation of the Orthodox Lutheran Conference (OLC) in the 1950s, focusing on the Wisconsin Synod’s “state of confession” against the Missouri Synod. Initially supportive of Wisconsin’s doctrinal stance, the OLC grew increasingly critical of what it perceived as Wisconsin’s prolonged and ambiguous fellowship with Missouri. Disagreements over the timing, nature, and implications of a “state of confession”—including whether it necessitated immediate separation—exposed deeper doctrinal and practical divisions within the OLC. These culminated in a schism, resulting in the formation of the Concordia Lutheran Conference. Cares analyzes key documents, correspondence, and theological debates to show how differing interpretations of confessional fellowship, church fellowship, and the visible church contributed to the OLC’s collapse. The essay highlights the complexities of maintaining doctrinal purity and unity amid evolving ecclesiastical landscapes. —Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)