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International Lutheran Council (ILC)

By Mathew Block

Lutherans in Australia, New Zealand prepare for another vote on women’s ordination

by | Sep 11, 2024

AUSTRALIA – The Lutheran Church of Australia/New Zealand (LCANZ) will hold another vote on women’s ordination at its upcoming Convention of General Synod in October.

The LCANZ has debated the issue of women’s ordination repeatedly for more than three decades, holding five votes on the matter since 2000. In each case, resolutions seeking the adoption of women’s ordination have failed to reach the 2/3 majority required to change church teaching.

The most recent vote took place in 2023. Despite that vote failing, the church went on to adopt another resolution calling on the LCANZ to prepare a detailed framework by which the church could become “one church with two ordination practices,” with a proposal to be submitted in anticipation of the LCANZ’s Convention of General Synod in 2024. That resolution also asserted: “It is the expectation of this General Convention of Synod that both women and men will be ordained in a District of the LCANZ during the 2024-2027 synodical period.”

The new proposal—known as the Way Forward Detailed Framework—was released at the end of July. It envisions amending the LCANZ’s Theses of Agreement so that “the Church changes its teaching to allow for the ordination of women and men.” The proposal argues that, while there are “different theological positions on the gender (male and female) of pastors in the Church,” such differences are “non-divisive of church fellowship, enabling the LCA to remain as one Church.”

Lutheran Mission – Australia

Other Lutherans in Australia disagree that the issue of women’s ordination is non-divisive; a group of concerned Lutherans in Australia have recently launched a new organization—Lutheran Mission – Australia (LM-A)—to “ensure Confessional Lutheranism has a home in Australia for generations to come.” Elected to serve as LM-A’s inaugural President is Rev. Matt Anker, who formerly served as the LCANZ’s Assistant to the Bishop for International Mission.

“LM-A was established to support, encourage, and strengthen confessional Lutherans in their faithfulness to God and His Word, and to eventually establish a synod which ensures that people are served through the proclamation of the ‘whole counsel of God,’” LM-A’s website explains. “It is committed to ensuring that people in Australia are served with both the Law and Gospel so that God’s desire to bring peace and forgiveness of sins by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone is realised.”

While women’s ordination is one of the most visible areas of contention among Australian Lutherans, LM-A argues that it is just a symptom of a more fundamental disagreement in the LCANZ over the authority of Scripture. Regardless of the outcome of the upcoming vote at the Convention of General Synod, LM-A says, “sooner or later it will be necessary to separate from those who hold to a different confession.”

International Church Relations

In addition to causing internal division in the LCANZ, the adoption of women’s ordination could affect the church’s relations with international partners. For example, the LCANZ is an Associate Member of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies. But the Bylaws of the ILC state that any Full or Associate Member which changes its church teaching in a way contrary to the ILC’s Doctrinal Basis will be reduced automatically to Observer Member status.

Lutheran Mission – Australia, for its part, has indicated its intention to also seek membership in the International Lutheran Council.

The Lutheran Church of Australia/New Zealand will formally consider the proposal on women’s ordination at its General Pastors Conference from September 29-October 2 before bringing it before the Convention of General Synod from October 4-7.

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AALC holds General Convention

by | Sep 4, 2024

AALC clergy and guests following the opening service of the church’s 29th General Convention. Photo: AALC/Lisa Cooper.

USA – The American Association of Lutheran Churches (AALC) held its 29th biennial General Convention from June 25-28 in Plymouth, Minnesota. The theme for the convention was “Reconciled through Christ,” based on 2 Corinthians 5:27-30.

Serving as keynote speakers for the conference were Rev. Heath R. Curtis and Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador, with the two addressing the subject of stewardship. Rev. Curtis is a pastor of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and coordinator of its national Stewardship Ministry program. Rev. Dr. Meador is likewise a pastor of the LCMS, serving as Mission Executive for the South Wisconsin District. Together, Rev. Curtis and Dr. Meador are authors of a book entitled Stewardship as Pastoral Care.

Among other business, the convention passed budgets for the AALC as well as its seminary, the American Lutheran Theological Seminary (ALTS). It further elected and installed Rev. Dr. Curtis E. Leins to serve as president of the seminary. Dr. Leins previously served as Presiding Pastor of the AALC from 2014-2022. Elections for several other positions in the church were also held during the convention.

The convention received in-person greetings from two fellowship partners: the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and the Lutheran Church in Norway/Iceland (LKNI), with the latter being represented by its Bishop Torkild Masvie. Greetings were also received from the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations (ALFC), whose college campus—the Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary—served as the venue for the AALC’s 2024 convention.

The American Association of Lutheran Churches is a member church of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a global association of Lutheran church bodies and organizations grounded on the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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LLDP holds Ecclesial Leadership courses in Fort Wayne

by | Aug 13, 2024

LLDP participants receive textbooks published by Concordia Publishing House. Front row, from left: Rev. Johanesa Andriamanarinjato, Bishop of Fisakana Synod of Malagasy Lutheran Church (FLM); Rev. Dr. Heinz Hiestermann, Director of Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane, South Africa; Rev. Dr. Yohana Nzelu, Bishop of South East of Lake Victoria Diocese (SELVD) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT); Rev. Jackson Mushendwa, Bishop of Western Diocese (WD), ELCT; back row from left, Rev. John Pless, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions, CTSFW; Rev. Ambele Mwaipopo, Retired Bishop of Lake Tanganyika Diocese (LTD), ELCT; Rev. Dr. Yacob Godebo, Director of PhD Program at Mekane Yesus Seminary, Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY); Rev. Martin Paul, Third Pastor of the Synodical Council, Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa (FELSISA); Rev. Charles Bameka, National Presiding Bishop of Lutheran Church of Uganda; and Rev. Dr. Naomichi Masaki, The Reverend Victor H. and Lydia Dissen Professor of the Lutheran Confession at CTSFW and LLDP Director.

USA – Building on its “fabulous” February session held in Wittenberg, Germany, the Lutheran Leadership Development Program (LLDP) held its next regular session at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW) in Indiana from June 24 to July 5, 2024.

Visa difficulties kept six students from participating, but those who were able to attend enjoyed a series of training courses of a practical nature. During the first week, veteran Professor John T. Pless of CTSFW taught “Responding to Contemporary Issues and Neo-Pentecostalism.” General Secretary Teshome Amenu of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), led the “Ecclesial and Organizational Leadership” class during the second week. It was a special delight to have General Secretary Amenu back with the LLDP, as he was one of the first graduates from the program in November 2022. Rev. Amenua, who is a former professor and dean at Mekane Yesus Seminary and is about to defend his PhD dissertation on ecclesial leadership, offered a very valuable service to the LLDP as an instructor.

Participants engage in group discussion on case studies.

Participants in the June and July sessions come from seven Lutheran church bodies and dioceses in five countries in Africa. They are: Rev. Dr. Yohana Nzelu, Bishop of South East of Lake Victoria Diocese, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (SELVD-ELCT); Rev. Johanesa Andriamanarinjato, Bishop of Fisakana Synod, Malagasy Lutheran Church (FLM); Rev. Dr. Yacob Godebo, Director of PhD Program at Mekane Yesus Seminary (EECMY); Rev. Martin Paul, Third Pastor in the Synodical Council, Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa (FELSISA); Rev. Ambele Mwaipopo, Bishop of Lake Tanganyika Diocese (LTD), ELCT; Rev. Jackson Mushendwa, Bishop of Western Diocese (WD), ELCT; and Rev. Charles Bameka, the National Presiding Bishop of Lutheran Church of Uganda (LCU). Rev. Dr. Heinz Hiestermann, Director of Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane, South Africa (FELSISA) also joined the sessions as a special student. The LLDP served once again, as one participant noted, “as a hub connecting confessional Lutheran leaders from around the world to strengthen, support, learn, and work together.”

LLDP participants after the Divine Service at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bingen/Decatur, Indiana. Together with her pastors Rev. Peter Brock, Rev. Berett Steffen, and visiting Bishop Torkild Masvie.

During their two week stay in Fort Wayne, participants had the opportunity to receive the Divine Service at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bingen/Decatur, Indiana, in addition to daily chapel at CTSFW. They also met with CTSFW’s new president, Rev. Dr. Jon Bruss, heard a special lecture on mission and ecclesial leadership by Bishop Torkild Masvie of The Lutheran Church in Norway and Iceland (LKNI), and welcomed ILC General Secretary Klaus Detlev Schulz, who also serves as a professor at CTSFW. They were even entertained by Mr. T. J. Mattick, District Vice President of Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) of Indiana District.

The session was a perfect pairing of two classes. Dr. Pless’ class lay the theological foundation for the participating church leaders to engage in a variety of contemporary issues they face. General Secretary Amenu’s class sought to equip them with practical skills to handle those situations as leaders. Participants learned to develop their theological discernment based on scriptural doctrine and historical knowledge through Prof. Pless’ guidance. Rev. Amenu’s class assisted participants in recognizing their leadership “style” and capacity, and engaged in several case studies.

Prof. John Pless teaching a class on “Responding to Contemporary Issues and Neo-Pentecostalism.”

Dr. Pless’ class treated all the way from the doctrine of Scripture, the nature of the confession, and the work of the Holy Spirit to the history and theology of a variety of Pentecostal and neo-charismatic movements, sound and false ecumenism, sexuality and gender issues, two Kingdom doctrine, interfaith dialogue, and sound and unsound contextualization. After an encouraging short lecture by Bishop Masvie, General Secretary Amenu discussed classical theories and models of leadership, a biblical understanding of church leadership, leadership skills, integrity and accountability, conflict resolution, and succession planning. He also guided the students through valuable case studies.

Of Dr. Pless’ course, students said: “This course has taught me about a variety of contemporary issues and religious movements of the last two centuries that still affect us today.” “I have learned a lot more about Pentecostalism and African initiated churches than ever before.” “I have learned to be more confident in the Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. I appreciated the words of Hermann Sasse: ‘The church is not dying from martyrdom but from apostasy.’” “If we make the Word of God supreme and able to teach and preach its true meaning, we will be able to meet the challenges facing our churches.”

Rev. Teshome Amenu, General Secretary of EECMY, teaches on “Ecclesial and Organizational Leadership.”

Comments on Rev. Amenu’s course were also encouraging: “Rev. Teshome is a brilliant teacher. The way he presented the content was professional. The case studies and the group discussions were very helpful.” “The class helped me to reflect on my own leadership style, where my strengths and weaknesses are, and gave me sufficient information to improve on my weaknesses.” “I have learned who is a leader and a servant at the same time. I have learned how to engage in the conflict resolution in the church. I have learned the very important point of integrity and accountability.” “Finding suitable materials has been my challenge as I have been teaching some courses on leadership. Now, I was given many good textbooks through Concordia Publishing House that I can use to improve leadership courses back home.”

“Our two courses were not only taught by two excellent instructors but also supported by a number of great Concordia Publishing House (CPH) resources,” noted LLDP Director, Rev. Dr. Naomichi Masaki. “The global impact of CPH can never be underestimated. The LLDP is enormously thankful for their partnership.”

A group photo at the Masakis at the closing banquet.

The next session in November will continue treating practical issues of church leadership, particularly in the areas of strategic planning and financial accountability. You are invited to support the work of the LLDP by making a donation online. You can also mail a donation by cheque to:

International Lutheran Council
P.O. Box 10149
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46850 USA

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ILC Asia Regional Conference meets in South Korea

by | Jul 22, 2024

Participants in the International Lutheran Council’s 2024 Asia Regional Conference.

SOUTH KOREA – The International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) Asia Regional Conference took place June 24-28 at Luther University in Seoul, South Korea. The theme for the conference was “Leading Amid Changing Social, Cultural, and Theological Landscapes,” and focused on Hebrews 13:8—”Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

The conference brought together church leaders and representatives from three member churches of the ILC’s Asia World Region: the Lutheran Church in Korea (LCK), the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP), and the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (LCA/NZ). Representatives of the Thailand Concordia Lutheran Church (TCLC) were also present as guests, as were 32 pastors of the LCK. Several other ILC member churches in the Asia region were unable to attend this year’s conference due to travel difficulties and other reasons.

LCK President Eunseob Kim and Luther University President Jun Hyn Kim.

“We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Lutheran Church of Korea—especially to LCK President Eunseob Kim and Luther University President Jun Hyun Kim—for their gracious hospitality and efficient management of the program,” said LCP President Antonio Reyes, who also serves as the Asia World Region representative on the ILC’s Board of Directors. “As hosts they ensured that all aspects of the conference were of the highest quality. We are overwhelmed by their enthusiasm in support of the goals of the ILC.”

Bishop Juhana Pohjola addresses the ILC’s 2024 Asia Regional Conference.
Rev. Dr. Andrew Pfeiffer speaks.

Speakers for the conference were Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF), who also serves as ILC Chairman; Rev. Dr. Andrew Pfeiffer of the LCA’s Australian Lutheran College; and Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the ILC. Bishop Pohjola gave a lecture on the challenges posed by women’s ordination, reflecting on the experience of Finland’s national Lutheran church. Dr. Pfeiffer gave two addresses: one on the office of the holy ministry and one on pastoral care. Dr. Schulz, meanwhile, presented on church relations and altar-and-pulpit fellowship.

An additional session led by Dr. Schulz and President Reyes discussed the ways in which the ILC might assist member church bodies in recognizing fellowship with each other.

LCP President Antonio Reyes.
ILC General Secretary Klaus Detlev Schulz.

“It was a blessing to gather together with our friends in the Asia World Region, and to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding the proclamation of the Gospel in that part of the globe,” said ILC General Secretary Schulz after the conference. “The International Lutheran Council plays an important role in fostering greater communication and cooperation between member churches, and in encouraging Lutherans around the world to remain faithful to Christ and His Word. We are grateful for the strong and faithful witnesses to Christ present in ILC member churches throughout the Asia World Region.”

Additional presentations focused on the history and present situation in each of the church bodies represented at the conference. Rev. Johng Ho Won presented on behalf of the Lutheran Church in Korea; Rev. Matthew Anker on behalf of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand; President Reyes on behalf of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines; and President Pornprom (Ted) NaThalang and Rev. Neran Temsakun on behalf of the Thailand Concordia Lutheran Church (TCLC).

TCLC President Pornprom (Ted) NaThalang speaks during the conference.

President NaThalang also gave a presentation on the work of the Lutheran Heritage Foundation in Asia.

In addition to the presentations and discussions, participants held daily matins and vespers. Preaching for these services were LCK President Eunseob Kim; Rev. Anker of the LCA/NZ; Rev. Carl Hanson of International Lutheran Church in Seoul; LCP President Reyes; and Dr. Jun Hyun Kim of Luther University.

Closing worship at Yeolrinmoon Lutheran Church.

Bishop Pohjola served as preacher for the conference’s closing worship service, which was held at the newly-built Yeolrinmoon Lutheran Church. “Our noble calling as church leaders is to receive the life-giving and faith-sustaining Word and Sacraments and ministry,” he said. “During those few years in the life of the Church when we hold Christ’s office it, is our holy and noble task to hand over and pass on Christ and His gifts in the same way we received them—and not to take away anything or adopt strange new teachings.”

“You have received the faith from faithful pastors and laity in the past generation, you preach and teach it now, and then you pass it on to the next generation,” he continued. “This is the reality of how Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever among us in Korea, Thailand, Australia, the Philippines, Finland, and the world.”

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 Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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French Lutherans reelect president

by | Jul 5, 2024

Participants in the EELSF’s 2024 Synodical General Assembly.

FRANCE – The Evangelical Lutheran Church – Synod of France (Église Évangélique Luthérienne – Synode de France – EELSF) held its biennial Synodical General Assembly from May 10-12, 2024 in Châtenay-Malabry and Paris. The theme for the gathering was “First to the Lord,” based on 2 Corinthians 8:5.

EELSF President Gleisson R. Schmidt (front right) and the other elected members of the church’s Synodical Council.

The assembly saw Rev. Dr. Gleisson R. Schmidt reelected to a second term as president. Originally from Brazil, President Schmidt was first elected to lead the church in France in 2020. Rev. Garry V. Heintz was elected to serve as Vice President, succeeding Rev. Philippe Volff who had served in the role since 2012. Élodie Lieby was elected to serve as treasurer, Noëlle Boisnault was reelected as secretary, Jean-Luc Fortmann was elected as assistant to the treasurer, and Justine Volff was elected as assistant to the secretary.

Rev. François Lara of the Saint-Peirre parish in Châtenay-Malabry prepared a series of seven Bible studies on the convention theme, drawing on a study by Wilbert Kreiss entitled: “Living Stones and Faithful Stewards.” The seven studies, which were led by other pastors as Rev. Lara was unable to attend due to health reasons, discussed the consecration of: life; our thoughts; the body; our time; our talents; our goods; and our wealth.

A business session during the EELSF’s Synodical General Assembly.

Among other business, the EELSF’s assembly adopted a resolution calling for the creation of an online centre for theological education; adopted statements touching on sanctity of life issues; considered plans to establish church fellowship with several Lutheran church bodies in Africa; and resolved to seek fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (Suomen evankelisluterilainen Lähetyshiippakunta–ELMDF). The assembly also made plans to mark the 450th anniversary of the Book of Concord in 2027; the 500th anniversary of the Small and Large Catechisms in 2029; and the 500th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession in 2030.

SELK Bishop Hans-Jörg Voigt (second from right) brought greetings from the church in Germany to the EELSF’s Synodical General Assembly.

The church received written greetings from partner churches in Belgium, Canada, Chili, Haiti, and Paraguay. Bishop Hans-Jörg Voigt of Germany’s Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (Selbständige Evangelisch—Lutherische Kirche – SELK) brought greetings in person to the assembly.

The final day of the assembly saw participants gather for worship at Saint-Sauveur parish in Paris, during which time members of the Synodical Council were installed. A luncheon followed the service, with final assembly business taking place thereafter.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church – Synod of France is a member church of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies.

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Corpus Christi joins the ILC

by | Jun 26, 2024

A presentation during 2023’s Corpus Christi Conference in Latvia. Photo: Dr. Samuli Siikavirta.

EUROPE – The International Lutheran Council (ILC) has accepted Europe’s Corpus Christi Association into membership as a Recognized Organization.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Corpus Christi into the International Lutheran Council,” said Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the ILC. “Corpus Christi does remarkable work bringing together young Lutherans from across Europe to study God’s Word and to worship together. May God continue to strengthen the ties between our organizations as together we seek to make the good news of Jesus Christ known.”

Corpus Christi is a Lutheran young adults association first established in Sweden but which has grown to serve young adults from Lutheran churches all across Europe. Its motto is: “For the churchly and biblical renewal of young adults in Europe,” and the association encourages practice of historic Lutheran liturgy and knowledge of Scripture as the foundation of faith.

Rev. Dr. Samuli Siikavirta, chair of Corpus Christi’s board. Photo: Māra Siikavirta.

While Corpus Christi welcomes participants from many Lutheran church bodies in Europe, the association itself is independent. “By becoming a recognized organization of the ILC, we will not lose our independence” noted Rev. Dr. Samuli Siikavirta, Chairman of Corpus Christi’s board, on the decision to seek membership, “but we are making a clear statement that this is the kind of Lutherans that we are. We stand with those who want to hold to the Holy Bible and the Lutheran Confessions.”

 “We look forward to deepening our cooperation in the future,” he continued.

Worship during 2023’s Corpus Christi Conference in Latvia. Photo: Dr. Samuli Siikavirta.

The cornerstone of Corpus Christi’s work is its annual conference, which is held in a different country each year. Today the annual conference attracts approximately 250 participants from 20 countries annually—primarily from Europe but attracting participants also from the Middle East, North America, and South Africa. 2024’s conference is scheduled to welcome a number of participants also from Australia.

This year’s Corpus Christi Conference will take place July 22-26, 2024, in Wittenberg, Germany. Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann of Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri) will serve as keynote speaker for the event, discussing the Body of Christ in the manger, on the cross, on the altar, and in the pews. Additional speakers this year include Rev. Sebastian Grünbaum (Finland), Rev. Esko Murto (Finland), and Rev. Dr. Armin Wenz (Germany). Further information on the 2024 conference is available from Corpus Christi’s website here.

Corpus Christi held its first conference in 2009 in Sweden, with young adults from Finland and Norway also attending. From its beginning, the conference has invited speakers from ILC-associated churches to teach at its conferences. As Corpus Christi grew, so did international involvement from the rest of Europe, leading the association to update its governing statutes in 2020 to reflect the international nature of the organization. The board of Corpus Christi today reflects that international character: Rev. Dr. Samuli Siikavirta (Finland); Lukas Johansson (Sweden); Hanna Simojoki (United Kingdom); Jarl Roar Simonsen (Norway); Jordan Tomesch (United States of America); and Rev. Dr. Michael Wenz (Germany).

Planning for 2024’s Corpus Christi Conference in Germany. Photo: Dr. Samuli Siikavirta.

In addition to its annual summer conference, Corpus Christi has begun to host regional conferences in Germany, Finland, and Norway during the winter seasons. Additional regional events are in the planning stages for places like the Balkans and Southern Europe.

Corpus Christi maintains positive relations with a number of church bodies which support its work, including the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (Suomen evankelisluterilainen Lähetyshiippakunta – ELMDF), the Mission Province in Sweden (Missionsprovinsen i Sverige – MPS), and the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (Selbständige Evangelisch—Lutherische Kirche – SELK) in Germany—all member churches of the ILC.

The International Lutheran Council is a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of an unconditional commitment to the Holy Scriptures as the inspired and infallible Word of God and to the Lutheran Confessions contained in the Book of Concord as the true and faithful exposition of the Word of God.

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Kenya’s Lutherans respond to flooding

by | Jun 21, 2024

An emergency shelter for displaced people in Kisumu County, including displaced Lutherans.
An ELCK church devastated by flooding in Kitui.

KENYA – Throughout April and May, Kenya experienced devastating flooding, with more than 300 killed, hundreds more injured, and 300,000 people displaced. And though the initial crisis has receded, Lutherans are still at work, picking up the pieces and ministering to the victims of the disaster.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK) reports that more than 20 of their congregations and several schools were affected. Among the dead are three children of Lutheran members in Lopedot. Numerous church members were forced from their homes and forced to seek refuge in government-established emergency shelters. Nor is the ELCK alone in facing the current situation: the Evangelical Lutheran Conference and Ministerium of Kenya (ELCMK) has also been seriously affected by the tragedy.

“This is the worst flooding disaster our country has experienced since 1963,” said ELCK Archbishop Joseph Ochola Omolo. “The water filled lakes and ponds, then started coming onto the land where people live, sweeping everything away: houses, households, livestock, and humans.”

The ELCK’s Lake Diocese provides medical care following flooding.

The church has provided assistance to those affected by the flooding—hosting, for example, medical clinics and distributing clothes and other emergency goods. But the need is greater than the church’s current capacity. “We are still overwhelmed by the situation,” Archbishop Omolo reported. “So many families are in dire need of shelter, food, medication, and clothing, among other basic needs.”  The ELCK invites anyone moved by their plight to contact them if they wish to support their work aiding victims of flooding.

Bishop Titus Okoda of the ELCK’s Lake Diocese baptizes a child born to Lutheran parents seeking refuge during flooding.

In addition to works of mercy, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya is also prioritizing spiritual care for those affected by the flooding. “Natural disasters like this can be so cruel and destructive,” Archbishop Omolo explained. “But it is also true that in the midst of such calamites, we can see and experience God’s protective hand upon His creation. We ask you to join Kenyans in prayer.”

“I encourage Christians everywhere to remember their brothers and sisters in Kenya in prayer,” said Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council (ILC). “May God bless the work of the church in these tragic circumstances, equipping them to reach out with the comfort of Jesus Christ, as well as with practical support for those in need.”

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya is a member church of the International Lutheran Council, a global association of Lutheran church bodies grounded in the authority of Scripture and faithful to the Lutheran confessions. The Evangelical Lutheran Conference and Ministerium of Kenya is an observer member in the ILC.

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The ILC’s 2024 World Seminaries Conference in brief

by | Jun 20, 2024

Participants in the ILC’s 2024 World Seminaries Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

ARGENTINA – The International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) 8th World Seminaries Conference took place June 11-14 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The theme for the conference was “Church and State: Challenges and Opportunities for Seminary Education.”

The ILC’s Seminaries Relations Committee.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina (Iglesia Evangélica Luterana Argentina – IELA) served as host for the event, which brought together representatives from the seminaries and theological programs of 21 church bodies in 19 countries, as well as other guests.

The conference featured multiple presentations which engaged the conference theme in different ways. The ILC’s Chairman, Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland, presented on “Theological Perspectives on Church and State.” Rev. Dr. Jun-Hyun Kim (South Korea) and Rev. Prof. Clécio Schadech (Argentina) gave back-to-back presentations providing historical perspectives on the relationship between church and state and what it means for theological education. Rev. Dr. James A. Kellerman (Canada) addressed the issue of government interference in seminary education. Rev. Dr. Boris Gunjevic (United Kingdom) discussed the challenges surrounding identity and identity politics. Finally, Rev. Dr. P. R. (India) Selvaraj presented on church and state in times of persecution.

Bishop Juhana Pohjola.
Rev. Dr. Jun-Hyun Kim.
Rev. Prof. Clécio Schadech.
Rev. Dr. James A. Kellerman.
Rev. Dr. P. R. (India) Selvaraj.
Rev. Dr. Ron Mudge.

The conference also featured a series of shorter sectionals addressing subjects like alternatives to the classical seminary model; training pastors in a small church; teaching the Small Catechism to seminarians; the use of C.S. Lewis’ works in pastoral ministry; and models of online education.

That last topic—online education—was also the subject of a panel discussion during the conference. Rev. Dr. Alexei Streltsov (Russia) first gave a paper on the subject, followed by shorter presentations by Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Boafu (Ghana), Rev. Ted Kray (LCMS – Latin America), Rev. Dr. Tom Park (LCMS – Taiwan), and Rev. Dr. Chris Caughey (United States).

Dr. Cynthia Lumley.
ILC General Secretary Klaus Detlev Schulz.

The topic of accreditation was also addressed during the conference, with Dr. Cynthia Lumley (United Kingdom) and ILC General Secretary Klaus Detlev Schulz each presenting. Small group discussion of the issue followed.

A visit to Seminario Concordia, the seminary of the IELA.

The final day of the conference saw discussion of core competencies for pastoral and diaconal education. Rev. Dr. Ron Mudge (USA) presented on the subject, taking participants through an analysis of the curricula and competencies required at Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri) and Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne, Indiana).

The conference concluded with a visit to the IELA’s Seminario Concordia, where participants worshipped with the seminary community and joined them for a closing barbeque and entertainment.

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Find more news on the ILC’s 2024 World Seminaries Conference here.

2024 World Seminaries Conference draws to a close

by | Jun 19, 2024

Attendees of the ILC’s 2024 World Seminaries Conference visit Seminario Concordia.
A visit to Congregación San Pedro in Buenos Aires.

ARGENTINA – The International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) World Seminaries Conference drew to a close on June 14 with a visit to Seminario Concordia.

The afternoon saw participants go on a tour of historic sites in Buenos Aires, before traveling on to Congregación San Pedro, a member church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina (Iglesia Evangélica Luterana Argentina – IELA). In addition to visiting the building and receiving information on the history of the church, participants also enjoyed refreshments in the church’s hall after the visit.

The final stop of the day was Seminario Concordia, the seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina. There conference participants joined the seminary community for a final service of vespers.  IELA President Arturo Truenow preached for this service, and attendees enjoyed two performances by the seminary’s choir.

IELA President Arturo Truenow (right) preaches.

After worship, conference participants toured the seminary, followed by a barbeque banquet featuring live music and a performance by tango dancers.

Live music.
Tango dancers.
ILC General Secretary Schulz (right) thanks President Truenow and his wife for their church’s hospitality.

The conference formally concluded with a few words from Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council, expressing thanks on behalf of the entire conference to IELA President Truenow and his wife, as well as to their church body and seminary for their hospitality over the week.

A final summary report on the World Seminaries Conference will be published in the next few days.

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Find more news on the ILC’s 2024 World Seminaries Conference here.

World Seminaries Conference: Core competencies for theological education

by | Jun 15, 2024

Bishop Juhana Pohjola preaches during the final service of matins.

ARGENTINA – The final morning of the International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) 2024 World Seminaries Conference turned to a discussion of the competencies necessary for the training of pastors and deaconesses.

The day began with a service of Matins, with the ILC’s Chairman, Bishop Juhana Pohjola, preaching. Following this, the conference heard a presentation from Rev. Dr. Ron Mudge, Provost of Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri) on “Core Competencies for Theological Education Leading to Ordination/Deaconess Certification.”

Dr. Mudge stressed Martin Luther’s threefold declaration of what makes a theologian: oratio (prayer), meditatio (meditation), and tentatio (temptation or assaults by the devil). He then turned to an analysis of the competencies which are expected of pastoral graduates by Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri) and Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne, Indiana). He noted that while the two seminaries organize their outcomes differently, “there is a lot of overlap.”

Dr. Mudge explained that in both seminaries the competencies required of pastors fall into three broad categories: “what a pastor should know, be, and do.” He explained the distinctions in this way: “Knowledge might include familiarity with the content of the Bible and the Greek language. When we talk about what a pastor should be, that has to do with his identity and beliefs, for example, his belief that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God. When we talk about what a pastor should do, we are talking about skills that apply to the Pastoral Ministry, such as preaching.”

Rev. Dr. Ron Mudge speaks during the 2024 World Seminaries Conference.

Knowing what competences are required is one thing, Dr. Mudge said, but it is equally important that seminaries be able to verify that a student has developed the competencies in question. “It is often easiest to verify knowledge,” he noted, “a bit more difficult to verify skills, and more difficult still to verify identity and beliefs.” Seminaries help students achieve these goals as they “cultivate prayer and meditation on God’s Word” among students, he said, and “give students resources for when the assaults of Satan come.”

Training for deaconesses requires many competencies similar to that of pastoral students. “Deaconesses speak the Gospel and engage in acts of mercy under the supervision of a pastor,” Dr. Mudge explained. “While they have some of the same competencies that a pastor has, these competencies are applied in the specific context of their role as deaconesses.”

Participants received the full list of competencies, outcomes, and performance indicators used by Concordia Seminary and Concordia Theological Seminary in the hope that they might be useful to other seminaries as they evaluate their own theological education. Seminaries must always “strive to make adjustments that will help our students achieve these competencies even better,” Dr. Mudge said. “We also strive to develop ways of verifying that our students have achieved these specific competencies. This is challenging work, and we ask the Lord to give us wisdom, to guide us, and to use our seminaries to provide faithful pastors and deaconesses to serve Him in our world.”

Delegates then enjoyed plenary discussion on the core competencies for the training of pastors and deacons.

The morning closed with feedback on this year’s conference and initial preparation for the next World Seminaries Conference. The convention also recognized the work of translators, the conference chaplain, and organizers who helped to make the conference possible.

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Find more news on the ILC’s 2024 World Seminaries Conference here.

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