1957 M. J. Witt Resignation

Another pastor at the 1957 WELS convention resigned over the Synod's rejection of Committee No. 2 (Church Union) report. Pastor M. J. Witt and his church, Trinity Lutheran Church of Spokane, Washington, had been protesting members of the Wisconsin Synod since either 1953 or 1955. The reason for the unknown date is because his letter says, "Since the 1953 convention at Saginaw...". The 1953 convention was in Watertown, Wisconsin, and the 1955 convention was in Saginaw, Michigan. Either way, here is his resignation letter.

Thirty-fourth Convention, the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Wisconsin and Other States, Assembled at New Ulm, Minnesota

Since the 1953 convention at Saginaw, the members of Trinity Lutheran, Spokane, Washington, and I as pastor have declared ourselves protesting members of the Wisconsin Synod.

This Synod convention by refusing to adopt the Floor Committee No. 2 resolutions has chosen to continue in fellowship with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  This convention has thereby not only chosen an un-Scriptural course but has also become partaker of the very sin of unionism against which she has admonished The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod during the last two decades. It is my conviction that this Synod by again violating God's principle ind injunction in Romans 16:17,18, has embarked on a course which makes Scriptural Christ-centered love and patience toward The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod an impossibility.

Out of love to the Wisconsin Synod and out of love and fear of the word of God, I am compelled to announce my severance of fellowship from the official Wisconsin Synod. It is my hope and prayer that the Synod will return speedily to God's will, God's Way and God's Word.

Sincerely,

M. J. Witt

(1957 Wisconsin Synod Proceedings, p. 145)