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International Lutheran Council (ILC)

By Mathew Block

Turkish Lutherans consecrate first bishop

by | Apr 8, 2025

ILK Bishop Feymi Madzhirov. (Photo: Jouni Haverinen).

TURKEY – On April 6, the Istanbul Lutheran Church (İstanbul Luteryen Kilisesi – ILK) celebrated the consecration of Rev. Feymi Madzhirov as the church’s first bishop. The service took place in Adana.

“When there is a call from God and the Church, you accept it with obedience and great joy on the one hand, and you must tremble on the other,” said Bishop Madzhirov. “As do all servants of Christ, I want to serve His church with all my heart always.”

“When I read the related verses from Paul’s epistles, I understand that I am never adequate for the task in myself and that I am always in need of the grace from God to fulfill the duty,” Bishop Madzhirov continued. “I must admit like Moses that I in myself am not well-equipped for the responsibility (Exodus 4:10) on the one hand. But on the other hand, I know that the needed strength comes from God, and so I can joyfully respond to the Lord, like the prophet Isaiah, ‘Here I am!’ (Isaiah 6:8).”

Bishop Madzhirov previously served since 2009 as Leading Pastor of the ILK, a role which is now encompassed in the position of bishop. The church calls the installation its first bishop “a significant milestone” not only for Bishop Madzhirov but also for “the continued growth of our church and mission.”

Bishop Madzhirov initially studied theology through a Presbyterian seminary in Sofia, Bulgaria, completing his studies in 1999. He later studied Lutheran theology under Rev. Risto Soramies of Finland, the ILK’s founding pastor. Bishop Madzhirov was ordained in 2005, with Rev. Risto Soramies supervising, and with Rev. Pekka Makipaa, Rev. Vasko Lozanos, and Rev. Suleyman also participating.

Rev. Feymi Madzhirov is consecrated as Bishop of the ILK. (Photo: Jouni Haverinen).

Officiating at the consecration of Bishop Madzhirov was Bishop Ivan Laptev of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria (Евангелическо-лютеранская церковь Ингрии – ELCI), assisted by Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (Suomen evankelisluterilainen Lähetyshiippakunta – ELMDF) and Bishop Hans Jönsson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia’s (Latvijas Evaņģēliski Luteriskā Baznīca – LELB) Liepaja Diocese.

Bishop Pohjola also brought greetings on behalf of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), which he serves as Chairman. Joining him was another Finnish pastor, Rev. Ville Typpö, who previously served as head of the Turkish church.

“It brings me great joy to bring you greetings from the ELMDF and the ILC on this solemn and historical day,” Bishop Pohjola said. “You have received the office of bishop to serve the Istanbul Lutheran Church with the pure Gospel of Christ and rightly administered Sacraments. It is a calling to servanthood, not of lordship over your brothers in ministry and the congregations. The episcopal office serves the unity of the Church with the truth of the Word of God and patient brotherly love and guidance.”

“On behalf of the International Lutheran Council, I want to encourage you that the Istanbul Lutheran Church has brothers and sisters all over the world, who rejoice with you today and pray for you and your church,” Bishop Pohjola continued. “Your episcopal ministry signifies unity with other church leaders of the International Lutheran Council, who share the same confession, mission, and hardships.”

The Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland has deep connections with the church in Turkey. The ILK’s founding pastor was Rev. Soramies, who would go on to serve as the first bishop of the ELMDF.

LELB Bishop Hans Jönsson, ILK Bishop Feymi Madzhirov, ELCI Bishop Ivan Laptev, and ELMDF Bishop Juhana Pohjola. (Photo: Jouni Haverinen).

The consecration service for Bishop Madzhirov happened a day after the conclusion of the ILK’s “Lutheran Days in Turkey” event, held April 4-5. This conference took as its theme verse “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). A key topic of discussion during the meetings was the strengthening of confessional Lutheranism in Turkey.

The history of Lutheranism in Turkey dates back to 1709, but the ILK itself was formally established in 2003. In addition to serving Lutherans in Turkey, it also serves Turkish-speaking Lutherans in Bulgaria, where it operates under the name “Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bulgaria” (Евангелиска Лутеранска Църква в България – ELCB).

The Istanbul Lutheran Church became an observer member of the International Lutheran Council in 2024. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria, the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia are also members of the ILC. The International Lutheran Council is a global association of confessional Lutheran churches which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, grounded in the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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LCANZ and JLC removed from membership in the ILC

by | Apr 3, 2025

WORLD – The International Lutheran Council (ILC) has removed the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) and the Japan Lutheran Church (JLC) from observer membership in the ILC. Both were removed for departing from the doctrinal positions required of all members in the ILC’s bylaws.

The decision to remove the two churches came during a meeting of the ILC’s Board of Directors on March 21, 2025, and followed a long period of outreach to the two churches in question. The churches were formally informed on March 30.

“The International Lutheran Council has previously expressed our dismay to both the LCANZ and the JLC over their decisions to depart from the clear teaching of Scripture and the doctrinal standards of the ILC by approving the ordination of women,” noted Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the ILC. “Since then, we have several times expressed our desire for respectful dialogue on this matter and encouraged the churches in question to return to the teaching of Scripture on ordination. But the churches have made clear they have no intention of doing so.”

The Japan Lutheran Church voted in 2021 to open ordination to women, in contravention of Art. II.1.D.2.b of the ILC’s bylaws. That led to an automatic reduction in their status in the ILC from full membership to observer membership, in keeping with Art. II.3.a. In November 2021, the ILC began outreach to the JLC, informing them of their change in membership status, reaffirming the doctrinal requirements for ILC membership, and seeking an opportunity to discuss this serious issue in the hopes of finding a resolution.

The Lutheran Church in Australia and New Zealand voted to approve women’s ordination in 2024, and was likewise automatically reduced to observer membership from its former associate membership. The LCANZ had been advised multiple times over many years that a decision to adopt women’s ordination would jeopardize their continued participation in the ILC, and this was reaffirmed in a letter to the LCANZ in November 2024.

In both instances, the International Lutheran Council assured the LCANZ and the JLC that it remained open to discussing this issue in a spirit of love and mutual respect, and that our earnest desire was that they might return to the teachings of Scripture and be restored to their previous membership status in the ILC.

In January 2025, the ILC reached out again to the Japan Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand, informing them that unless they demonstrated a willingness to discuss this issue and an openness to returning to the doctrinal position required for ILC membership, the board would have no choice but to remove them as observer members. Both wrote back to say they will carry forward with the ordination of women.

Consequently, the ILC board voted on March 21 to remove the LCANZ and the JLC from observer membership in the ILC, in accordance with the procedures required in Art. II.3.c.i of the ILC’s bylaws.

“We grieve this rupture in the long relationship the ILC has enjoyed with these two church bodies,” said Dr. Schulz. “And we continue to pray for repentance and a return to biblical doctrine and practice, so that we may welcome them back into the ILC.”

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The International Lutheran Council is a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies and groups which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of an unconditional commitment to Holy Scripture and to the Lutheran Confessions.

Meeting of the Augustana Working Group in Rome

by | Mar 27, 2025

Participants in the third meeting of the Concordia Lutheran-Catholic Augustana Working Group.

ROME – The third meeting of the Concordia Lutheran-Catholic Augustana Working Group (AWG) took place in Rome from February 23-25, 2025.

Under the chairmanship of Bishop Dr. Juhana Pohjola, Chairman of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), and Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Peter Birkhofer, the participants discussed the statements of the Augsburg Confession on ordination and episcopacy from a pre-confessional perspective and in the further confessional development. As a guest, Prof. em. Dr. Josef Freitag gave an online presentation on the understanding of episcopacy in the context of the Council of Trent.

The next meeting is scheduled to take place as a video conference in October 2025.

Meeting of the Augustana Working Group in Rome. (Photo: Rev. Dr. Thomas M. Winger)

The Augustana Working Group includes representatives of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) and the Catholic Church. Following the conclusion of the theological discussions between the ILC—an association of Concordia Lutheran churches—and the Catholic Church (2014-2019), both sides suggested the establishment of a working group as a specific ecumenical-theological format. The working group is not an official dialogue commission. Father Dr. Augustinus Sander OSB takes part in the meetings as a permanent guest of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity (DPCU).

Participants of the International Lutheran Council (ILC)

  • Bishop Dr. Juhana Pohjola, Helsinki, Finland, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Diocese of Finland; Chairman of the International Lutheran Council (ILC)
  • Prof. Dr. Joel Elowsky, St. Louis, Mo., USA
  • Prof. em. Dr. Werner Klän, D.Litt., Lübeck, Germany
  • Associate Prof. Dr. Jonathan Mumme, Hillsdale, Mich., USA
  • Prof. Dr. Thomas M. Winger, St. Catharines, Ont., Canada
  • Rev. Sebastian Grünbaum, Helsinki / Vatican (minute writer)

Catholic participants

  • Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Peter Birkhofer, Freiburg / Breisgau, Germany
  • Prof. Dr. Markus Lersch, Siegen, Germany (online)
  • Dr. Tim Lindfeld, Aachen, Germany
  • Associate Professor Dr. James Prothro, St. Louis, Mo., USA (absent)
  • Father Dr. Augustinus Sander OSB, Vatican, permanent guest of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity

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For further information on the ILC’s ecumenical relations with Catholics, see here.

The ILC is Hiring: Fund Development Professional

by | Mar 22, 2025

USA – The International Lutheran Council (ILC) is seeking to hire a full-time Mission Advocate.

The ILC Mission Advocate will be an experienced fund development professional, and will lead a fund development plan in order to grow and sustain ILC infrastructure. This position offers a salary based on the candidates experience and includes a full benefits package including health care, retirement, and paid time off (PTO).

A full description of the position, including essential job functions; education and experience required; and knowledge, skills, and abilities required is available online here.

Resumes should be sent to admin@ilcouncil.org.

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Lutherans in Paraguay reelect President Figur

by | Mar 17, 2025

Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay celebrate the dedication of Chaco Central Lutheran Mission Church during the IELP’s 2025 General Assembly.
President Alceu Alton Figur stands by the church’s altar and cross, built from different woods in the Chaco Paraguayo region.

PARAGUAY – The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay (Iglesia Evangélica Luterana del Paraguay – IELP) held its 43rd General Assembly from March 8-9 in Loma Plata, Chaco Paraguayo, during which time the church reelected Rev. Alceu Alton Figur to another three-year term as president. The theme for this year’s convention was “Guided,” drawing on Romans 8:14.

“Being reelected to another three-year term is a privilege and a great honour,” President Figur reflected. “We know that—despite ourselves—our God will not abandon us. Psalm 121 tells us: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth…’”

“Leading the church in postmodern times is a huge challenge,” President Figur continued. “Family values are broken, marriage is despised, unborn children are murdered, and Christian values are vilely attacked. But our church has been greatly blessed by God: all our parishes are served by a pastor and we are able to maintain our mission throughout the country. Remembering our church’s theme—‘Guided’ (Romans 8:14)—we seek to continuing leading and guiding God’s people, under His grace and love.”

President Figur (left) and other officials elected during the IELP’s General Assembly are installed.

President Figur was first elected to serve the Paraguayan church in 2022. He is also pastor of Cristo Rey Lutheran Church in Asunción. In addition to his ministry in Paraguay, President Figur also serves as Latin America regional representative on the International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) board of directors, a position he has held since 2022.

The ILC’s General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, welcomed the news of President Figur’s reelection. “May God continue to bless your service to the church in Paraguay,” he said. “And may He continue to bless your service on behalf of Lutherans worldwide through the International Lutheran Council. We look forward to continuing to serve with you on the board of the ILC.”

Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay during the church’s 2025 General Assembly.

The 2025 General Assembly saw the IELP conduct elections for several other church positions in addition to president. The assembly also had the joy of formally dedicating a new Lutheran mission church—Chaco Central Lutheran Mission Church—in Loma Plata, which served as host for this year’s gathering. President Figur also serves this new mission congregation—500 kms from his own home—making the trip every two weeks.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay is a member church of the International Lutheran Council, a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies and groups 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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LCMS President Emeritus Kuhn enters into glory

by | Mar 12, 2025

USA – Rev. Dr. Robert T. Kuhn, President Emeritus of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), entered into glory on March 1, 2025. He was 87 years old.

Dr. Kuhn was born on April 5, 1937. He studied at Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri), graduating in 1963. He was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne, Indiana).

During his ministry as a parish pastor, Dr. Kuhn served Illinois congregations in Bath and Chanderville (1963-1970); Geneseo (1970-1977); and Pleasant Plains (1979-1985). He also served as Assistant Director of Development at Concordia Teachers College (River Forest, Illinois) from 1977-1979.

In 1985, Dr. Kuhn was elected to serve as the 14th President of the Central Illinois District (whose board of directors he had also served on since 1972). He continued as district president until 1995, when he was elected to serve the LCMS as its First Vice President. When LCMS President Alvin L. Barry died near the end of his third term in 2001, Dr. Kuhn automatically advanced to the office of president. He was the LCMS’ eleventh president, serving from March to August 2001.

During his tenure, Dr. Kuhn—who did not seek an additional term as president—presided over the LCMS’ 61st Synodical Convention, meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, from July 14-20, 2001. He also represented the LCMS at the 19th conference of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), which took place August 11-18, 2001, in Wartburg, South Africa.

Dr. Kuhn continued to serve the LCMS in various ways following his period as president. He was a member of the LCMS’ Board of Directors from 2001-2013, including several years as chairman. In 2013, he was elected to serve the LCMS as Vice President of the East-Southeast Region—a position he held until 2015 when he stepped down for health reasons. In his letter of resignation, he reflected: “Through every phase of ministry for nearly 50 years, I think I never ceased being aware of God’s phenomenal grace.”

Noting Dr. Kuhn’s passing, current LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison hailed him as a “dear father in Christ.”

Memorial services for Dr. Kuhn were scheduled to take place on March 14, 2025 in Oviedo, Florida and on March 28 in Bath, Illinois.

The International Lutheran Council is a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies and groups 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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New President for Lutherans in Guatemala

by | Mar 11, 2025

Outgoing ILG President Ignacio Chan (left) installs new President Luis Alberto Jasinto (second from right) and other members of the Guatemalan church’s governing council.

GUATEMALA – The Lutheran Church in Guatemala (Iglesia Luterana en Guatemala – ILG) has elected a new president: Rev. Luis Alberto Jasinto. President Jasinto was elected and installed to a two-year term during the ILG’s Church Assembly in Guatemala City on February 1.

ILG President Luis Alberto Jasinto.

“To serve as president is to be a servant of all and to be at the service of all parishes and their needs,” President Jasinto said, reflecting on his election. “As St. Luke writes: ‘So you too, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty”’ (Luke 17:10).”

Rev. Jasinto is pastor of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Gualán, Zacapa, where has served since his ordination in 2000. Rev. Jasinto studied for pastoral ministry at Gauatemala’s Lutheran Center for Theological Studies (Centro Luterano de Estudios Teológicos – CLET). He also received a Master of Arts in Systematic Theology from Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri) in 2020.

President Jasinto succeeds Rev. Ignacio Chan, whose most recent period as president of the ILG began in 2019 and continued up until Rev. Jasinto’s election.

Also elected during the ILG’s 2025 Church Assembly were Rev. Esdras Natanael Orozco as Vice President; Otoniel Rodríguez Urrea as Treasurer; and Carlos Tobal Cerna as Secretary. Other business during the ILG’s Assembly included the reception of reports; approval of the church’s budget; and planning for youth and women’s conferences in 2025.

The Lutheran Church in Guatemala is a member church of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a global association of Lutheran church bodies and groups, dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of a shared commitment to the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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Finland hosts Nordic bishops’ conference

by | Feb 28, 2025

Participants in meetings of the Communion of Nordic Lutheran Dioceses.. Back: LCMS Regional Director for Eurasia, Rev. David Preus; ELMDF Bishop Juhana Pohjola; and ELMDF Dean Joel Kerosuo. Front: ELMDF Bishop Emeritus Risto Soramies; DELSIN Bishop Thor Henrik With; Lutheran Foundation Bishop Emeritus Maati Väisänen; and MPS Bishop Bengt Ådahl.

FINLAND – On February 5, the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (Suomen evankelisluterilainen Lähetyshiippakunta – ELMDF) hosted a meeting of bishops from the Communion of Nordic Lutheran Dioceses.

Participating in the meetings were Bishop Thor Henrik With of the Evangelical-Lutheran Diocese in Norway (Det evangelisk-lutherske stift i Norge – DELSIN); Bishop Bengt Ådahl of the Mission Province in Sweden (Missionsprovinsen i Sverige – MPS); and ELMDF Bishop Juhana Pohjola, as well as his predecessors Bishop Emeritus Risto Soramies and Bishop Emeritus Maati Väisänen.

Also participating in the meetings were the ELMDF’s Diocesan Dean Joel Kerosuo and Rev. David Preus, Regional Director for Eurasia for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Conversations during meetings of the bishops from the Communion of Nordic Lutheran Dioceses.

“Gatherings like these are an important way to keep each other apprised of current events in our church bodies and to pray for each other and express the unity we have in shared confession,” said ELMDF Bishop Pohjola. “May God continue to strengthen our ties as we bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this part of the world.”

Among other business, Bishop Pohjola noted, the meeting saw the church leaders discuss the office of bishop in the light of their churches’ shared Lutheran confession, as well as how the extra-congregational ministry of oversight is all about the Word and Sacrament ministry—sending men through ordination to serve at the pulpits and altars of local congregations, and to shepherd by visitation those who already serve. Discussion also noted how the office has sometimes become a cause of division in the Church for the sake of personal ambition or tolerance of false doctrine. It is important that bishops—through the office entrusted to them—support the common mission and unity of the Church across national borders, remaining faithful to the words of the OverShepherd.

The ELMDF, DELSIN, MP, and LCMS are all member churches of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a global association of Lutheran church bodies and groups, dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of a shared commitment to the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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Lutherans in Malawi enter into fellowship with FELSISA

by | Feb 13, 2025

CLCMS President Davis Wowa and FELSISA Bishop Emeritus Dieter Reinstorf at the CLCMS’ 2024 convention.

MALAWI – The Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa (FELSISA) has entered into fellowship with the Confessional Lutheran Church – Malawi Synod (CLCMS).

The official ratification of fellowship came during a vote at the CLCMS’ first synodical convention, held August 1-5, 2024 in Mzuzu, Malawi. The FELSISA had previously voted during its 2023 synodical convention to also declare fellowship with the church in Malawi. The votes in both church bodies passed unanimously.

Delegates to the CLCMS’ convention.

This was the culmination of a process that began in 2019, when FELSISA’s synodical council first decided to hold talks with the CLCMS. The pandemic put those plans on hold, but they recommenced when FELSISA Bishop Dieter Reinstorf was invited to Malawi to teach theology in 2022.

Bishop Emeritus Reinstorf and President Wowa celebrate the declaration of fellowship between FELSISA and CLCMS.

Rev. Dr. Reinstorf retired as bishop of FELSISA in 2023, but he was invited to attend the CLCMS’ first synodical convention as a representative of the South African church. “It was an honour to attend the convention of this rather young but vibrant church,” he said. “Having learned so much on my trip to Malawi, I praise God and pray that the partnership between the CLCMS and the FELSISA will blossom, leading to renewed trust in our faithful God.”

The FELSISA is a member, and the CLCMS an observer member, of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a global association of Lutheran church bodies and groups, dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of a shared commitment to the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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ILC encourages prayer for DR Congo

by | Feb 4, 2025

DR CONGO – The International Lutheran Council is encouraging prayer for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following hostilities in the eastern part of the country which have left at least 900 people dead, and more than 2,900 wounded.

“We encourage Christians around the world to remember the people of the eastern DRC in prayer,” said Rev. Dr. Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council. “The death and destruction in the area is horrific. We pray for an end to the hostilities; the protection of the endangered; the well-being of the displaced; and the comfort of all who mourn. Lord, have mercy.”

M23 rebels, with support from Rwanda, launched a new assault in eastern DRC in early 2025. Over the past weeks, rebels have seized control over a large area, culminating at the end of January with the seizure of Goma, the capital city of North Kivu Province. Numerous civilians have been killed in the conflict, and there are reports of horrific atrocities against civilians, including women and children.

Even before the latest assaults, more than 700,000 displaced people lived near Goma, having fled earlier clashes between rebels and DRC troops in the east.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in East Congo (CELCE) has a significant number of members in the affected area. CELCE Bishop Herman Kashaba calls the situation “not only dramatic but apocalyptic,” and has invited the prayers of Christians around the world for the region.

The ILC also has contacts with Lutheran church bodies in other regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. “We pray for our Lutheran brothers and sisters throughout the DRC, and for all who are suffering in in this terrible situation,” said ILC General Secretary Schulz. “May Christ be present among His people with His mercy even in the midst of war.”

The International Lutheran Council is a global association of Lutheran church bodies and groups, dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of a shared commitment to the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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