KENYA – The 2022 World Conference of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) continued on Wednesday morning, September 14, 2022, during which time the conference heard the second of four major lectures on the conference theme.
The morning began with a service of Matins, with ILC General Secretary Timothy Quill preaching. His sermon highlighted the conference’s commemoration of Holy Cross Day. Rev. Charles Froh, Conference Chaplain, served as liturgist.
Following Matins, Rev. Dr. Naomichi Masaki gave the second lecture of the conference, with a presentation entitled: “Liturgy as Jesus’ Own Service Through His Office: Reflections on the Question of Liturgy and Culture.” Dr. Masaki is Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana as well as Director of the ILC’s Lutheran Leadership Development Program.
In his presentation, Dr. Masaki analyzed how previous thinkers and organizations have discussed the relationship between liturgy and culture, noting in many a lack of emphasis—or even a denial—of the real presence of Christ’s body and blood in the Lord’s Supper. The influence of higher criticism on some scholars’ interpretation of the events of the Last Supper has gone on to negatively influence their understanding of the Lord’s Supper in the liturgy.
“When Jesus is gone in this way, what is left in the church but what we do to try to celebrate something?” Dr. Masaki asked. “Liturgy becomes what we dotoward God.” In this way of thinking, the focus on God’s service to us in the liturgy is lost; and, therefore, discussion of liturgy and culture often becomes simply about finding ways that allow us to express ourselves to God—not to enculturate God’s ministry to us through the Divine Service.
“Liturgy is not something we do,” Dr. Masaki stressed. “Basically, liturgy is Jesus’ service to us”—Him giving us His body and blood for our salvation.
He went on to share video clips of Lutherans worshipping around the world—in different languages, different cultures—and yet retaining the historic liturgy. “Why should we forsake our own rich tradition and go elsewhere to find something less good?” he asked.
Following a break, the conference turned to a Bible study by President/Bishop John Donkoh of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana (ELCG). President Donkoh led a study of Romans 12 and the Christian life. Then the ILC’s business manager and treasurer, Alison Blodgett, gave financial reports.
The morning ended with a report by Rev. Dr. Werner Klän of Germany on the ILC’s ecumenical conversations with the Roman Catholic Church, with comments also by Rev. Dr. Gerson Linden of Brazil. The topic is scheduled to be returned to later in the conference, after which a fuller news report on the subject will be published.
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