The History of the Controversy Between Wisconsin and Missouri on the Doctrine of the Church

Abstract

V.J. Weyland’s essay, The History of the Controversy Between Wisconsin and Missouri on the Doctrine of the Church (1964), traces the theological and historical roots of the division between the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). While both synods agreed on core teachings—such as the nature of the una sancta, the role of the Means of Grace, and the priesthood of all believers—the controversy centered on whether synods and conferences are truly “church” with authority to exercise the Keys. Missouri, shaped by early disputes with hierarchical tendencies and Romanizing influences, adopted a position emphasizing the local congregation as the only divinely instituted form of the church, with the pastoral office as the sole divinely mandated ministry. Wisconsin, influenced by later debates and the Cincinnati Case (1899–1911), affirmed that synods, as assemblies of believers, also possess the Keys and may exercise discipline. Weyland highlights inconsistencies in both synods’ practices, such as communion customs and leadership structures, and concludes that divergent historical contexts produced differing emphases. He warns against reliance on human authority over Scripture, urging continual study of God’s Word to guide doctrine and practice. Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT‑4)