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Saint Mary Evangelical Lutheran Church acknowledges
there are many likeminded Orthodox, Confessional Lutherans in
heterodox synods and denominations. As a congregation, we
consider ourselves to be in
fellowship with likeminded Orthodox, Confessional Lutherans
holding the Biblical, Historical Lutheran Faith.
Often when a congregation is independent, defining what
being independent is becomes necessary.
The general usage of the term "independent congregation"
often means that a congregation is unaffiliated or not
officially a member of an established synod. Sometimes, pastors
may be members of established synods while their
congregation may indeed be "independent" of an
established denomination, synod or microsynod.
Many congregations in Lutheran denominations today are
autonomous. There often is a lack of doctrinal unity and
common confession of what is believed, taught and practiced.
The most common honest agreement that some of these synods
and denominations will agree on, is that they have accepted
a
"reconciled diversity." Such are united and can agree upon
one thing, "that they do in fact have disagreements with
each other!" This diversity and toleration is apparently
considered to be normal even when there is no unity of confession...
In contemporary Lutheranism, often when someone becomes a member
of a congregation affiliated with a particular synod, they are usually
considered attached to that synod and in fellowship with all
other members of congregations affiliated with that synod.
This fellowship exists regardless of what is believed,
taught or practiced. What is known as sinful and wrong in
some congregations is sometimes considered right and acceptable in
other congregations.
One cannot find the words "synod" or "denomination" in the
Holy Scriptures. These are man-made organizations governed
by man-made rules. Some may consider these man-made
organizations churchly, but not the Church.
Saint Mary Evangelical Lutheran Church looks forward to the
possibility of being affiliated in the near future with the
Association of Confessional Lutheran Churches (ACLC) and
other likeminded Lutheran Christians.
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