History of the Church "La Santa Cruz": How This Church Became Affiliated with the WELS

Abstract

Abstract Thomas Zimdars’ essay recounts the complex journey of La Santa Cruz Lutheran Church in Monterrey, Mexico, from its troubled affiliation with the Lutheran Synod of Mexico (LSM) to its eventual acceptance into the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church (CELC), affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). The congregation endured decades of pastoral misconduct and doctrinal conflict, particularly surrounding false teachings on the Lord’s Supper. Seeking doctrinal purity and faithful pastoral care, La Santa Cruz declared independence from the LSM in 1983 and requested affiliation with the CELC. The essay details correspondence, doctrinal evaluations, and disputes over property and pastoral appointments, culminating in the congregation’s formal acceptance into the CELC in 1984. Despite ongoing tensions with the LSM and legal challenges, La Santa Cruz remained committed to confessional Lutheran doctrine and the faithful proclamation of the Gospel. Abstract prepared with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).