CANADA – Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee has stepped down as a member of the board of directors of the International Lutheran Council (ILC). Dr. Bugbee informed the board of his plans to do so in early 2025. He intends to continue serving in pastoral ministry in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
“Dr. Bugbee’s warm personality, long pastoral experience, and deep understanding of the life of the Church and our Lutheran Confessions have been an invaluable aid in the building of the International Lutheran Council over the years,” said ILC Chairman Juhana Pohjola. “We thank the triune God for Robert and for his long service, and we pray he will continue to find joy and strength in his pastoral ministry in the service of Christ’s Gospel.”
In announcing his decision to step down from leadership in the ILC, Dr. Bugbee thanked the board for the opportunity to serve with them over the years and assured them of his continued prayers. “I thank you all sincerely for your many kindnesses toward me,” he said, “and commend the vital work of our Council to the Lord.”
At the time of his resignation, Dr. Bugbee was the longest-serving member on the board. Dr. Bugbee first joined the executive leadership of the ILC following his 2008 election as President of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC). He became Vice-Chairman of the ILC in 2010, and continued in that role until 2017 when he stepped down as President of LCC in order to return to parish ministry.
At that time, Past President Bugbee notes, he expected it also to be the end of his service with the ILC. But the board requested Dr. Bugbee continue serving on the board as a member at large. He also continued to serve the ILC as a member of the board’s Executive Leadership Group.
Dr. Bugbee’s service with the ILC’s board of directors officially came to a conclusion on June 1, 2025. In gratitude for his many years of leadership in the International Lutheran Council, the board presented Dr. Bugbee with a plaque on August 29, 2025.
The International Lutheran Council is a global association of confessional Lutheran churches which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of an unconditional commitment to Holy Scripture and to the Lutheran Confessions.
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