WELS is not among the most widely known Christian church bodies in the United States. In cases where people do know something about WELS, the views expressed are usually not positive. Sad to say, WELS members may become more than a little defensive—maybe even embarrassed—about what we believe and practice.

Why don’t we pray and worship with all other Christians? 

It is not because we do not believe that there are Christians in other churches. We rejoice that even in churches that have false teachings and practices, by God’s grace there are people who have been touched by the gospel and who believe and trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior.

It is not because we believe that we are “better” than people in other Christian churches. We honestly admit that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Each Sunday we confess our own sins but also recognize that we are children of God only by his grace.

It’s not because we think we can judge the faith and hearts of other people. We know that only God can do that; the only thing we can use to determine what someone believes is what they say they believe.

Then why don’t we pray and worship with all other Christians? The answer lies in one word: love. Love for God’s Word. We don’t want to do anything to compromise the truth of God’s Word. Love for fellow Christians in other churches. We don’t want to give people the impression that false teaching is not dangerous to their faith. And finally, love and concern for our own faith. God’s Word often warns us not to do anything that will potentially endanger our own faith.

We are a synod that cherishes and values the fellowship and unity of faith that God himself has given us. When we kneel at the altar to receive Christ’s body and blood, we are united not only with Christ, but also with our fellow believers. When we join with others in worship and prayer, we are making a strong public confession that we believe what they believe. When we join with other members of WELS in carrying out mission work, we are carrying out that mission as people who believe the same truths of God’s Word and are working to share those same truths with others.