WELS Communion Practice
"Incidentally, closed Communion is not a particular invention of WELS. Until recent history it was held by virtually all churches. It is still held by most Christians--that is, the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches. Among Lutherans, it is still the official teaching of the Missouri Synod. It is open Communion that is a departure from the historic doctrine of Christianity." A quote from the following Q and A concerening Close(d) Communion.
The WELS practices Close(d) Communion and here is a Question and answer from the wels.net web site that concerns our practice. (A .PDF file)
An Essay from the WELS Seminary by Wilmer Hoffman which concerns itself with Close communion. (.PDF)
The doctrines and beliefs of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod are covered in a booklet called The Lord's Supper beliefs and doctrine are coverd in Article VI "The Means of Grace" on pages 16 and 17 in the This We Believe .PDF document.
From Luther's Small Chatechism there is the Sacrament of the Altar. An explanation that should be known to all Lutheran Confirmands.
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