Why ELST?

In the wake of the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly (CWA), many ELCA congregations, pastors, and lay people feel great unease with the direction of their church. While some suggest that the decisions over sexuality are merely differences in opinion, others see the vote as evidence of a church with real differences in its understanding of scripture and the very nature of church itself. A number of possible reactions have surfaced, including many congregations leaving the ELCA for other Lutheran denominations and the development of the Lutheran CORE freestanding synod. 

A local response has been the reinstituting of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Texas (ELST). Originally formed in 1851, the ELST is now a freestanding synod under the umbrella of Lutheran CORE. ELST is a loose affiliation of like-minded congregations. These congregations may be in the ELCA or other Lutheran church bodies. They may even be outside of the Lutheran identity, like formerly Lutheran congregations that joined the United Church of Christ denomination. The role of ELST is to gather those congregations that feel that no longer have a theological or confessional home, as their denominations have changed their teaching in rather remarkable ways.

Despite our best efforts at clear communication, it seems that there are still some who are unclear about exactly what the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Texas (ELST) is and what intends to accomplish. Though answers to the following questions have been offered in various places, we wanted to offer them in one place. If questions persist, we are available at the numbers and email addresses listed above.

Why was the ELST formed?

The ELST was formed to preserve unity in the Texas Lutheranism, and to serve as a model for other freestanding synods and congregations. Recognizing that many congregations would entertain the idea of leaving the ELCA, or even worse, that many laypeople and congregations would simply lose enthusiasm in the wake of the CWA, ELST was to be a gathering place for congregations that felt disenfranchised. While the politics of the church can be unseemly at times, we hope that ELST will gather congregations around the light of the gospel and the Lutheran confessions that have stood the test of time.

 Is the ELST a New Denomination?

No. For now the ELST will provide a structure within which Lutheran congregations from the ELCA and any other church body will work in unity to discern their future paths.

 If a congregation joins ELST, will it have to leave the ELCA?

No. It is true that some congregations that have already left or will leave the ELCA will also affiliate with ELST. But there is no imperative or encouraging from the ELST to leave the ELCA. ELST is not a new denomination, therefore joining it does not mean that a congregation must leave the ELCA, or any denomination.

Are you encouraging other congregations to leave the ELCA?

No. We respect that congregations, through their own deliberations, will decide to leave the ELCA or stay in the ELCA. We believe that a relatively small minority of congregations will feel the need to leave right away. Most will want to stay in the ELCA for a number of different reasons. We are not of the opinion that congregations necessarily need to leave the ELCA to continue the work of the Church.

Will ELST congregations stop being Lutheran?

Certainly not. If anything, ELST is working for unity around confessional Lutheranism and the solas of the Reformation: sola scriptura, sola fide, sola gratia, sola Christus. We seek to define ourselves over and above mainline Protestantism by firmly reclaiming our Lutheran identity.

Is this not just another split within Lutheranism?

No. The split already exists in the minds and hearts of many Lutherans. The ELST is an effort to preserve unity around traditional Lutheranism.

Is the ELST merely a reaction to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly’s adoption of the Statement on Sexuality?

Not at all. The adoption of the Statement on Sexuality is only a symptom of a far greater crisis in Lutheranism. The vast majority of Texan and American Lutherans desire a more centrist Lutheran tradition that avoids the extremes of harsh legalism and an undisciplined drift toward a purely social Gospel. 

We hope that this letter serves as a concise summary of who we are and what our purpose for organizing is. Blessings to you and your congregation during this time of discernment.