Canadian Lutheranism – Proving Ground for Lutheran Unionism? A Look at the Development of Canadian Lutheran Unionism

Abstract

John Berg’s 1979 paper examines the trajectory of Lutheran unionism in Canada, suggesting that Canadian Lutheranism may serve as a proving ground for broader Lutheran mergers in North America. The study traces developments following the formation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada (ELCC) in 1966, highlighting its efforts to establish altar and pulpit fellowship with other Canadian Lutheran bodies, including the LCMS Canadian Unit and the LCA Canada Section. Berg details a decade of negotiations, doctrinal discussions, and organizational planning aimed at forming a unified Canadian Lutheran church. Despite initial optimism and shared theological statements, the proposed merger faltered in 1977 over irreconcilable differences—particularly the ordination of women. Berg concludes that while full union was delayed, the ELCC and LCA-CS remained committed to merger talks, potentially influencing similar efforts in the United States. Canadian Lutheranism, he argues, may indeed be paving the way for future unionism. Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).