Those were Trying Years!: Recollections of the "Split"

Abstract

Mark Braun’s essay, “Those Were Trying Years!” – Recollections of the ‘Split’, presented in 1999, explores the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s (WELS) break in fellowship with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) in 1961. Drawing on survey responses from 82 WELS pastors who lived through the controversy, Braun documents personal recollections of doctrinal disputes, regional tensions, and emotional fallout. The essay highlights key issues such as Scouting, prayer fellowship, and the military chaplaincy, and examines perceptions of Missouri’s theological shifts, triumphalism, and ecumenical ambitions. Braun also reflects on the impact of the split on WELS identity, mission outreach, theological development, and internal unity. While many respondents viewed the break as necessary and ultimately beneficial, others expressed concern over lingering legalism and parochialism. The essay offers a nuanced, grassroots perspective on one of the most defining episodes in WELS history. —Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)