How many synods?

[JM]

How many Lutheran Synods are considered confessional, traditional and conservative?

LCMS, WELS, LCC (Canada)?

Yours in the Lord,

jm

 

[Shane R]

Define confessional, conservative, and synod separately. That's not a joke or a snide remark. It's the key to the answer and discrepancies in how those words are used account for most of the variation between lists.

There are a couple of groups that choose to call themselves a diocese rather than a synod; is that functionally the same? Then there's the AFLC which generally checks 2 boxes but is not really a synod and is not particularly traditional. I don't know anyone on the outside who counts the small handful of Laestadian groups but they check at least a couple of the boxes. Etc.

 

[JM]

Please define, "define." jk

Confessional, sticking to the confessions only, and their historical interpretation, rejecting modern theological innovations.

Conservative, see above AND politically paleo con.

Synod, a group of Pastors/Bishops who meet to resolve questions on theology, administration and practice.

*Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold to the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle.

 

[LizaMarie]

How many Lutheran Synods are considered confessional, traditional and conservative?

LCMS, WELS, LCC (Canada)?

Yours in the Lord,

jm

All those you mentioned plus the ELS. WELS and ELS are in communion. LCMS is conservative. I don't know a lot about the LCC.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Confessional Synods which have Episcopal governance sometimes call themselves a Diocese; this would be the same as a synod.

Not all Confessional Synods are in fellowship. International Lutheran Council is a group of confessional synods, not all in full fellowship LCMS and LCC are members. Another group is Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference of which WELS is a member.

Synod means walk together.