Concord Matters — Confessional Subscription in the ELCA: Past & Present

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When it comes to confessional subscription, it is important to know our history and understand the terminology that is used. Throughout the history of our country, Lutherans have asked the question, “What does it mean to be Lutheran in America?” The predecessors of the current Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) viewed the Augsburg Confession as being fully sufficient to answer this question. The Lutheran Church Missouri—Synod (LCMS), on the other hand, has centered on the entire Book of Concord, as it is in accord with God’s Word. These differences do have implications for theological integrity and understanding our need for a clear conscience in Christ, which is why we cling to the clarity that the Lutheran Confessions provide for us and continue to seek unity by His Word alone.

Rev. Dr. Mark Granquist, Professor of the History of Christianity at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to discuss the history of confessional subscription in American Lutheranism and the current view of the ELCA.