I am a devoted member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and my deepest belief is that we must honor our roots. The Reformation was not about innovation or novelty, but about preserving the purity of The Church. It’s crucial to remember that maintaining tradition is paramount as long as it doesn't conflict with Holy Scripture.

One such tradition is the three-tier Episcopacy, a normative structure in place since the early days of our faith. This structure ties us closely to those who came before us and ensures continuity within our church community. However, this has been lost within our synod.

I propose that we return to full Apostolic Succession through laying on hands from validly consecrated bishops, of whom we are already in fellowship with. This act would strengthen our ties with early Christianity and ensure that we are upholding traditions integral to our faith.

Anglicans, Catholics, Oriental and Eastern Orthodox, and the Assyrian Church of the East, have all maintained this practice, and we too should follow suit, for it is not just about maintaining an ancient practice; it's about solidifying our validity in the face of opposition.

This in no way makes any claim that our church has been invalid by any means, or that the body and blood of our savior is not present at our altars each week. I fully affirm the existing validity of our church, and our sacraments. To return to this tradition is to remain true to the ancient Christian faith, prove the validity of our church to our contemporaries, and to stop the exodus of our members to these other communions who recognize the importance of normative Apostolic Succession, and the Episcopacy.

Let's honor both scripture and tradition by reinstating full Apostolic Succession in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Please sign this petition if you believe in preserving these important aspects of our faith.

Here is how this might work...

It is imperative to recognize the existing validity of our church and honor the heroic efforts of our forefathers like Dr. CFW Walther, for keeping our church not only afloat, but flourishing in our country. So before we continue further, it is of the utmost importance we acknowledge the validity of our church, and our Eucharist. We have done wonderful work in the face of disaster to maintain sound doctrine, and continue to preach the Word of God, and administer the Holy Sacrament of The Eucharist.

That being said, now that we have moved beyond the crisis in our early days, and have developed fruitful, incredible friendship and fellowship with other communions, some of which have held to, and maintained full, normative apostolic succession. To such a degree that we can share in the Lords Supper with each other! We are also very cordial with different Anglican Communions who have held to normative succession.

For the cost of three plane tickets, we could arrange for the Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia to visit the United States, and properly consecrate our beloved Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, and at minimum two of our District Presidents as Bishops (President Harrison as Archbishop). From then on, by the normative standards of The Church throughout history, we can validly, and continually consecrate our own bishops, and pastors/ priests. 

The other option would simply be to call upon our friends in the ACNA or REC to perform the consecrations, though it would be FAR more fitting to receive this from fellow Confessional Lutherans. 

Existing polity can even be maintained, and the laity can remain completely unaffected! All that would change would be the ceremonial office that our presidents hold, and our future pastors would be ordained by validly consecrated bishops. 

What does this accomplish? 

Two primary things.

 

One. Continuity to the practice and traditions of the early church. Luther never wanted to create something new, rather he sought to maintain what was good and pure in The Church. We should always hold to the historic practice of the church, so long as that practice is not in conflict with the final and ultimate authority of our faith. Holy Scripture.

Two. Peace of Mind, and assurance for those tempted by other traditions. There are countless testimonies of those who have either passed over our church, or have departed from it due to claims from other traditions regarding the validity of our Church, and Sacraments, due to our lack of a historic episcopate. While these concerns are unfounded, and we DO posses validly called pastors, and we DO have a valid Eucharist. However, this return to tradition can once and for all cast off this concern. Under a historic, and validly consecrated bishop, the critique from our contemporaries loses weight, and can provide rest and assurance for those troubled by that accusation. 

This change is painless, entirely beneficial, and keeps us in tune with the goal of the reformation. Honoring the early Church, and the purity of the Gospel. 

God Bless you, and thank you for your time and commitment!