By Mathew Block

Liberian Lutherans elect new bishop

by Mathew Block | Aug 7, 2025

*A session of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia’s 2025 national convention.*

*The ELCL’s newly-elected Bishop James N.S. Kollie.*

LIBERIA – The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia (ELCL) held its fifth national convention from May 15-18, 2025 in Gbarnga, Bong County, during which time the church elected a new bishop/president: Rev. James N.S. Kollie. The theme for the convention was “Draw Near to the Throne of Grace,” drawn from Hebrews 4:14-16.

“Elections come and go, but the job to be done lies ahead: to work very hard for the betterment and growth of God’s church,” said Bishop Kollie. He noted the Liberian church has a need for more pastors and greater theological education. To that end, the ELCL welcomes additional missionary support from partner churches as they seek to “serve God’s holy and loving people.”

Bishop Kollie’s father served as a Lutheran evangelist in Liberia. As a result of civil war in Liberia, Bishop Kollie and his family were displaced as refugees to Ivory Coast. During that time, he became acquainted with a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) missionary, joined a mission congregation, and began Theological Education by Extension studies. Following completion of his studies, Bishop Kollie served first as a mission teacher and then as an assistant for LCMS missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

*Some of the participants in the ELCL 2025’s national convention.*

Bishop Kollie attended seminary studies at Jonathan Ekong Memorial Lutheran Seminary in Obot Idim, Nigeria, after which he returned to Liberia where he founded Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Cotton Tree—a church he continues to serve. Bishop Kollie was ordained in 2007. In 2016, he began studies through Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne, Indiana), where he earned an S.T.M. degree and is currently pursuing doctoral studies.

Outgoing *ELCL Bishop Martin F. Kamara speaks during the convention.*

Bishop Kollie succeeds Bishop Martin F. Kamara, who did not stand for reelection. “We hope and pray that God’s blessings will continue to shower on us as a church and on our new leadership,” said Bishop Emeritus Kamara. Bishop Emeritus Kamara served two-terms —four years in total—as interim bishop of the Liberian church. He continues to serve as pastor of James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Monrovia.

The ELCL’s convention also saw the election of other church leaders, including Rev. Edward M. Kollie as Vice Bishop/Vice President, Rev. Simon Dapaye as General Secretary, and Rev. James Kamara as Treasurer.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia is a member church of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies 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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Bolivian Lutherans celebrate fellowship with LCMS

by Mathew Block | Jul 24, 2025

*ICEL President Limberth Fernández preaches for a Divine Service celebrating the recognition of fellowship between the ICEL and the LCMS. Photo: LCMS/Sarah Hjulberg*.

Dominican Republic – The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the Evangelical Christian Lutheran Church of Bolivia (Iglesia Cristiana Evangélica Luterana de Bolivia – ICEL) recently celebrated the recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship between the two churches with their first joint Divine Service. The service was held May 24 in Palmar Arriba in the Dominican Republic, following the conclusion of this year’s symposium of LCMS partners in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

Formal fellowship talks between the two church bodies began in 2022 and concluded earlier this year. While fellowship agreements in the LCMS are formally recognized during the church’s triennial conventions, the LCMS authorizes its president to recognize fellowship with small church bodies in between conventions, provided the church’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations also gives its approval.

ICEL President Limberth Fernández preached for the joint Divine Service, while Rev. Ted Krey (LCMS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean) led the Service of the Word in Spanish and Rev. Dr. Jonathan E. Shaw (LCMS Director of Church Relations) conducted the Service of the Sacrament in English.

A more extensive report on the recognition of fellowship between the two churches is available from the LCMS here.

The LCMS and the ICEL are both member churches of the International Lutheran Council, 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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Latvian Lutherans elect a new archbishop

by Mathew Block | Jun 18, 2025

*LELB Archbishop Elect Rinalds Grants. (Photo: LELB).*

LATVIA – On June 7, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia (Latvijas Evaņģēliski luteriskā baznīca – LELB) elected Bishop Rinalds Grants to serve as its new archbishop. The election took place during the LELB’s 30^th Synod, which was held June 6-7 in Riga.

At the time of his election, Bishop Grants was serving as Auxiliary Bishop of Riga. Two candidates for archbishop were put forward for consideration at the synod, with Bishop Grants receiving 161 votes and Dean Dzintars Laugalis receiving 152 (five additional votes declined both candidates).

Bishop Grants holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the Latvian Police Academy and a Master of Theology degree from the University of Latvia. He received his pastoral education through Luther Academy, an educational institute of the LELB. Bishop Grants has served as a pastor with St. Gertrude Church in Riga since 2000. In 2017, he became the Vice-Rector of Luther Academy, and in 2022, he was consecrated as a bishop.

Bishop Grants will succeed Archbishop Jānis Vanags, who had previously announced his decision to retire. In the Latvian church, the archbishop is permitted to retire at the age of 65 and must retire by the age of 70 (Archbishop Vanags is 67).

“I offer my congratulations to Bishop Grants on his election as the next archbishop of Latvia, and I look forward to working with him,” said Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council (ILC). “I also want to thank Archbishop Vanags for his long service to the church. May God continue to bless the LELB as it offers Christ and His mercy to the people of Latvia.”

*Bishop Rinalds Grants, Archbishop Jānis Vanags, and Dean Dzintars Laugalis. (Photo: LELB).*

Archbishop Vanags became archbishop of the Latvian church in 1993. Among other notable events, his tenure saw the LELB enter into fellowship with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in 2001; reinstate male-only ordination in 2016; and enter into membership in the ILC in 2022, first as an observer and then as a full member.

Archbishop Vanags will continue to serve until August 29—thirty-two years to the day since his consecration as archbishop. Bishop Grants will be installed as archbishop the following day on August 30.

In addition to the election, the LELB’s 30^th Synod in Riga discussed issues related to church governance and ministry, and adopted new church regulations.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia is a member church of the International Lutheran Council, 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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Mexican Lutherans elect new president

by Mathew Block | Jun 6, 2025

*Outgoing SLM President Isaac G. García Castillo (right) installs new President Omar Marín Garza Martínez (kneeling) and other officers of the Mexican church.*

MEXICO – The Lutheran Synod of Mexico (Sínodo Luterano de México – SLM) held the closing service of its 54^th General Assembly on June 1, during which time the church installed its newly-elected president: Rev. Omar Marín Garza Martínez.

*Outgoing SLM President Castillo welcomes Rev. Martínez as the new president of the Mexican church.*

Rev. Martínez is the pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Matamoros, and was serving as treasurer of the SLM at the time of his election. President Martínez graduated in 2019 from Seminario Concordia El Reformador in the Dominican Republic. He also holds a Master of Arts from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, which he received in 2025.

SLM President Martínez succeeds Rev. Isaac G. García Castillo, who had served the Mexican church as president for more than eleven years. During his tenure, the SLM grew from three pastors to eleven today. The church also saw the establishment of three new congregations, the reopening of three previous congregations, and the creation of the Instituto Martin Lutero. President Emeritus Castillo will continue to serve as pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Mexico City.

*SLM President Martínez blesses the congregation.*

During its General Assembly, the church also elected other officers, including Rev. Isaac Neftalí García Castillo as Vice President, Rev. Job Jiménez Tejeda as Secretary, and Rev. Benjamín Quezada Guzmán as treasurer.

The Lutheran Synod of Mexico is a member church of the International Lutheran Council, 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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Chilean Lutherans elect Rev. Omar Kinas as bishop

by Mathew Block | May 23, 2025

*Participants in the ILC-Chile’s 2025 National Assembly.*

CHILE – The Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile (Iglesia Luterana Confesional de Chile – ILC-Chile) held its 27^th National Assembly in Talca on May 3, during which time the church elected Rev. Gerardo Omar Kinas to serve as bishop/president for the next triennium (2025-2028).

*Bishop Omar Kinas and outgoing Bishop Juan Pablo Lanterna.*

Bishop Kinas is a graduate of Seminario Concordia in Argentina, his home country. Rev. Kinas first arrived in Chile in 2010, serving first in Santiago and then in Talca, where he currently serves. He previously led the Chilean church for nearly six years prior to Bishop Juan Pablo Lanterna’s service, and has also served as president of the Fundación Casa Betesda, a rehabilitation centre for adults with disabilities operated by the ILC-Chile. At the time of his new election as bishop, Rev. Kinas was also serving as president of Instituto Bíblico Luterano, the church’s theological institute, in addition to his service as a pastor for Chile’s Maule Region.

Bishop Kinas succeeds Bishop Lanterna, who had led the Chilean church since 2022, first in an interim capacity (2022-2025) and then after election (2022-2025). The ILC-Chile limits presidents to two consecutive terms of six years in a row before another leader must be selected. In addition to his pastoral duties, outgoing Bishop Lanterna will now take on the role of president of Instituto Bíblico Luterano.

The 2025 National Assembly also saw the church elect other officers for the ILC-Chile’s board of directors, including Rev. Pablo González as secretary, Jesús Rojas as treasurer, Edgardo Jara as deputy secretary, and Coralí García as deputy treasurer.

The Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile is a member church of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), 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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ILC welcomes church in DR Congo into membership

by Mathew Block | May 6, 2025

DR CONGO – The International Lutheran Council (ILC) has received the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church of Congo (Église Évangélique Luthérienne Confessionnelle du Congo – EELCC) as an observer member. The decision came during a meeting of the ILC’s Board of Directors on January 30.

“We are delighted to welcome the EELCC into membership in the International Lutheran Council,” said ILC General Secretary Detlev Schulz. “And we look forward to deepening our relationship in the years to come. May God bless the ministry of the EELCC, as it proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

The EELCC is led by President Emile Dongo. In applying for membership of the ILC, the church noted its desire to “safeguard its confessional position” and strengthen its links with confessional Lutherans worldwide.

The history of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Church of Congo dates back to the 1970s, when Rev. Emile Dongo—then the head of a district of Baptist pastors in Zaire (today called the Democratic Republic of Congo)—contacted the Evangelical Lutheran Church – Synod of France (Église Évangélique Luthérienne – Synode de France – EEL-SF) to pursue higher theological education. After completing studies through the EEL-SF’s Centre d’Études Théologiques in Châtenay-Malabry, Rev. Dongo was ordained a Lutheran pastor and returned to Zaire to work alongside Lutherans there.

The EELCC (then called the Église Évangélique Luthérienne Confessionnelle du Zaire) was formally established in 1989. After a period of union with other another church body in DR Congo, the EELCC withdrew in 2019 as a result of the other church’s decline from Lutheran doctrine in such as areas as infant baptism. Today, the EELCC has five pastors and ten congregations.

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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On the death of Pope Francis

by Mathew Block | Apr 22, 2025

by Werner Klän

*Pope Francis. Photo: Jeon Han (Korean culture and Information Service) via Wikimedia.*

On the morning of Easter Monday 2025, Pope Francis died after a thirteen-year pontificate. He had last exercised his office despite severe health difficulties. He gave the traditional blessing “Urbi et Orbi” on Easter Sunday, visibly exhausted.

The papal name that Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose after his election as head of the Roman Catholic Church was emblematic: Francis. Never before had a pope named himself after the 13^th century saint from Assisi.

Pope Francis campaigned for the church to be a church of the poor. His multifaceted commitment to refugees and those on the margins of society was characterized by this role model. He wanted to follow Jesus’ example by washing the feet of prison inmates on Maundy Thursday—which he was unable to do this year. The fact that he addressed admonishing words to politicians on the issue of migration, particularly in Europe, is probably linked to his family history: his grandparents, who wanted to emigrate from Italy to Argentina, missed the first ship, which sank.

Francis was a “political” pope in many respects. He did not shy away from describing the prevailing global economic order as “deadly” (Evangelii Gaudium, 2013). He addressed environmental issues (Laudato si’, 2015) and saw the exploitation of the earth as a threat to people’s livelihoods, particularly in the “Third World”.

These and other statements by Pope Francis were not without controversy. The participation of lay people and women in the Synod of Bishops, the appointment of women to top positions in the Vatican and the approval of the blessing of homosexual couples earned him harsh criticism, even from within his own church. “Conservative” bishops and cardinals took a public stand against these measures. “Reform-minded” Catholics did not think his proposals went far enough. When dealing with the cases of abuse of children and wards by Catholic priests, he made an initial plea for forgiveness as early as 2014, but the processing of this injustice has so far fallen short of the expectations of those affected by abuse in particular.

Even though Francis repeatedly sent out reformist signals, there have been no changes to the teachings of the Catholic Church. For example, he consistently refused to open the way for the ordination of women to the priesthood. Pope Francis was also critical of the “Synodal Way” in the German Catholic Church, which sought far-reaching reforms. This shows in all clarity that the Roman Catholic Church is not as homogeneous as it may sometimes appear from the outside.

Francis also stands for an “ecumenism of religions”. He has set the tone in interreligious dialogue, especially with Islam. In 2019, for example, he signed a document on “Human Fraternity” with the Grand Imam of Cairo’s Al-Azhar University. In September 2024, he took part in a meeting in Asia’s largest mosque in Jakarta, where he spoke out in favor of continuing the dialogue between religions with the aim of “banishing rigidity, fundamentalism and extremism”. His objection to all forms of anti-Semitism remains remarkable.

In a vespers for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity—during the 2025 Holy Year proclaimed by him—the Pope also recalled the 1700^th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (325) and called the celebration of Easter by Western and Eastern churches on the same date (April 20, 2025) “an opportunity for all Christians who speak the same creed and believe in the same God: let us rediscover the common roots of faith, let us preserve unity!” He then suggested finally setting a common Easter date for all Christians and churches as a sign of unity.

At the Lutheran World Federation’s celebrations to mark the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation in Lund/Sweden in 2016, Pope Francis spoke out in favor of Lutherans and Catholics “overcoming controversies and misunderstandings that have often prevented us from understanding each other.” Representatives of both churches asked for forgiveness for the suffering caused by the division of the Western Church.

Certainly, Concordia Lutheran churches cannot agree with some of Pope Francis’ statements and initiatives. It also remains to be seen whether and which of them will be continued or withdrawn under a new pope. Nevertheless, the International Lutheran Council (ILC) is also committed to continuing the dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church, not least in view of the commemoration of the presentation of the Augsburg Confession in 2030.

This takes place under the chairmanship of Bishop Dr. Juhana Pohjola (Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Diocese, Finland, and Chairman of the ILC) and Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Peter Birkhofer (Archdiocese of Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany) in the “Concordia Lutheran-Catholic Augustana Working Group”, an ecumenical format of its own. Since 2024, the participants have been discussing the topics of “Catholicity and Apostolicity in the Augsburg Confession” from a pre-confessional and ecumenical perspective. In 1530, Western Christendom was not yet divided and the Augsburg Confession was a document intended to preserve the church’s unity.

It has to be maintained that the working group is not an official dialogue commission. The aim is not to produce a church consensus document. The publication of the joint research results should, however, indirectly enrich the ecumenical discussion. After all, the Lutheran confession makes a “catholic” claim—in the best sense of the word. This also represents an obligation for us in the ILC, to remain in dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church.

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Rev. Dr. Werner Klän is a member of the Concordia Lutheran-Catholic Augustana Working Group. This article is also available in German here.

Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia! – Easter Greetings

by Mathew Block | Apr 19, 2025

by K. Detlev Schulz

One valuable contribution of our Lutheran hymnody is to bring out so beautifully the Easter message of the bible. Take, for example, the hymn by the Tanzanian Bernard Kyamanywa (b. 1938): “Christ has arisen, alleluia. Rejoice and praise Him, alleluia. For our Redeemer burst from the tomb, Even from death, dispelling its gloom” (Lutheran Service Book 466).

The Gospel of Mark mentions three women by name who visited the tomb where Jesus’ body was laid: Mary Magdalene; Mary, the mother of James; and Salome. The Gospel of John adds that the two disciples John (we assume that he is the beloved disciple) and Peter rushed to the tomb. In both reports, Jesus’s body could not be found. Indeed, the only conclusion to be drawn is that the Redeemer had “burst” from the tomb—in other words that He had resurrected.

But what does that mean in terms of significance? He defied death—and not a physical death alone but an eternal one as well. As human beings, we cannot escape the former; we will die. But the latter, the eternal death, is one that no longer presents its gloom for us. “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57 KJV).

Easter reminds us of who we are: sinners in need of a Saviour. But more so: Easter triumphs with the risen Savior, our Savior. Praise be to Him!

May we always keep this message as central to our faith in and out season, and may we also share it with a broken world in and out of season. A blessed Easter to you all.

Let us sing praise to Him with endless joy;
Death’s fearful sting He has come to destroy.
Our sin forgiving, alleluia!
Jesus is living, alleluia! (LSB 466)

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Rev. Dr. K. Detlev Schulz is General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council.

Artwork: Detail from Domenico Passignano’s Resurrection, c. 1625.

ILC prepares for 2025 World Conference

by Mathew Block | Apr 14, 2025

PHILIPPINES – The International Lutheran Council (ILC) will hold its 28^th World Conference in Bohol, Philippines from September 14-19, 2025. The Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) will serve as host for this year’s conference.

The theme for the 28^th World Conference is “Unity in Christ: Confession and Cooperation in a Fragmented World,” inspired by 2 Corinthians 4:13. The theme “reminds us of the same spirit of faith that unites us in reaching out to a rapidly changing world,” said Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the ILC. “Let us stand firm together as we bear witness to the Gospel in a fragmented world in need of Christ’s saving grace.”

The triennial World Conference sees the leaders of confessional Lutheran church bodies from across the globe gather together for worship, plenary sessions, and discussion, as well as to conduct the business of the ILC. Rev. Dr. Thomas M. Winger will serve as keynote speaker for the 2025 World Conference, leading a study of Ephesians 2:17-22. Dr. Winger is President of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. He is also the author of the Concordia Commentary on Ephesians from Concordia Publishing House.

Other speakers during the conference will include Rev. Dr. Jun Hyun Kim (Philippines); Rev. Dr. Tom Omolo (Kenya) and Rev. John Donkoh (Ghana); Rev. Dr. Sergio Schelske (Argentina) and President Geraldo Walmir Schüler (Brazil); ILC General Secretary Klaus Detlev Schulz (USA); and Bishop Torkild Masvie (Norway).

During the conference, the ILC will also hold elections, hear reports, hold regional meetings , and conduct other business.

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Turkish Lutherans consecrate first bishop

by Mathew Block | 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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