Unionism

Unionism is the practice of church officials joining with Christians of other denominations in activities not allowed by a confession of the pure Gospel and rightly administered sacraments. In the LCMS it is delineated by altar and pulpit fellowship. For instance, pastors are not allowed to preach from pulpits of heterodox churches nor are they allowed to administer the sacrament in those churches. Taking an official role in the worship service of a heterodox church gives creedance to thier false beliefs. Likewise welcoming a heterodox preacher into a Lutheran pulpit is bringing false teaching into the church.

The most notorious example of this was the Yankee Stadium event of 2001 when David Behnke, Atlantic Distirc President of the LCMS joined with church leaders from heterodox denominations (and also joined with leaders of nin-Christian religions - this is called syncretism) for a Service of Prayer on behalf of the city of New York which was grieving over the 9-11 tragedy. There were plenty of opportunities for President Behnke to show concern for Lutherans in grief and even for other Christians without practicing this gross example of unionism. Sadly the LCMS president nor the synod in convention ever held President Behnke accountable for this action.

See also: Syncretism