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International Lutheran Council (ILC)

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ILC Chairman encourages deeper discussion of episcopacy

by | Dec 11, 2025

ONLINE – The International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) Chairman, Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF), has authored a new article reflecting on episcopacy in light of Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and church history—and he is hoping it will lead to greater conversation on the subject among ILC member churches.

Chairman Pohjola’s essay, “Some Remarks on Episcopacy from a Lutheran Perspective,” appears in the new issue of Lutheran Theological Review, a publication of the seminaries of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC). The issue can be downloaded for free here.

In his article, Chairman Pohjola reflects on the variations in different Lutheran church bodies “regarding how the ministry of oversight (episkopé) is understood and structured”—a variation which arises from the unique history of each church body. We see this diversity in the ILC, for example, in the different titles used by member churches to refer to church leaders. But Chairman Pohjola wants to encourage deeper reflection “not only about nomenclature but about how the church is structured and implemented at the church governmental and pastoral levels.”

Among other conclusions, Chairman Pohjola ultimately suggests that “the office of the bishop is biblical and apostolic” (in that it is included in the one divinely instituted office of the ministry) and that it is further “presupposed and desired by the Lutheran Confessions.” He concludes: “In the light of our Reformation heritage, we can joyfully confess with Dr. Luther: ‘I do not hope for the ruin of bishoprics, but for their reformation.’”

His full paper can be read here.

“I hope this essay will stimulate discussion amongst member churches of the ILC and lead us to reflect more deeply on the nature of church leadership, which serves the Gospel, mission, unity, and pastoral oversight in the church” said Chairman Pohjola, commenting on the release of the new essay. “In the ILC, we cherish our confessional heritage, and our Confessions and the Lutheran reformers have much to say about the role of bishops; it’s worth renewing our attention to their guidance as we reflect on the value of the office of oversight today.”

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New president for Ethiopian Lutherans

by | Dec 9, 2025

EELC President Awoke Chefa.

ETHIOPIA – The Ethiopian Evangelical Lutheran Church (EELC) held its Annual General Assembly from August 21-22, and has elected a new president: Rev. Awoke Chefa.

At the time of his election, President Chefa had served 28 years as head pastor of the EELC’s congregation in Asella; 14 years as President of the Arsi District; ten years as an Executive Committee Member; and two years as the EELC’s Vice President.

“In every capacity of church service, he has been dedicated to God and the church,” the EELC said in announcing President Chefa’s election. “We, the EELC, are delighted to present him as the church’s new president.”

Elected to serve alongside President Chefa as Vice President is Rev. Getu Taye.

EELC leaders issue a public statement addressing same-sex marriage and related issues.

Among other business, the EELC’s Annual General Assembly saw the church resolve to issue a clear statement rejecting same-sex marriage and related issues as incompatible with the Word of God. That statement was subsequently released publicly on September 8, and took pains to underscore the EELC’s commitment to not cooperate with overseas organizations that promote unbiblical teaching on human sexuality.

EELC President Emeritus Mussie Alazar.

President Chefa succeeds Rev. Mussie Alazar, who had served the church as president for two terms—the maximum allowed under the EELC’s constitution. “Thank you so much, Rev. Mussie Alazar, for your service as president of EELC for two terms,” the church wrote in announcing the completion of his final term. “May God bless you and your service in His Kingdom!”

President Alazar’s tenure saw the Ethiopian Evangelical Lutheran Church join the International Lutheran Council (ILC) as an observer member in 2023. The ILC is a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, grounded in the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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ELCE installs new Chairman

by | Dec 1, 2025

Participants in the ELCE’s 71st Annual Synod.

United Kingdom – The Evangelical Lutheran Church of England (ELCE) held its 71st Annual Synod from November 14-15 in Tottenham, north London, England, during which time Rev. Tapani Simojoki was installed as Chairman and the church body continued work towards a new structure and name change. The synod theme was “The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Chairman Simojoki was elected during the ECLE’s 2024 Annual Synod, but the church practices a year of overlap between outgoing and incoming Chairmen—hence his installation at the 2025 Annual Synod. Chairman Simojoki succeeds Rev. George Samiec, who had declined to stand for another term at 2024’s synod. Rev. Samiec was first elected ELCE Chairman in 2019, and further served world Lutheranism as the European Region’s representative on the International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) board of directors from 2019-2025.

Outgoing ELCE Chairman George Samiec installs Chairman Tapani Simojoki.

The ELCE’s Annual Synod ended with a Divine Service, during which Rev. Samiec installed Rev. Simojoki as Chairman. Rev. Samiec served as celebrant, and Rev. Simojoki preached for the event. “It’s easier to say than to feel that the joy of the Lord is our strength,” he said. “The good news for the ELCE and for all Christians is that this joy does not describe our own cheerful feelings, but rather the unquenchable joy that we have in the Lord at all times: the joy of Christ’s death for our sins and the gift of eternal life by His resurrection. Since Jesus is Lord, we have this joy always, and no one can take it away from us.”

Following his installation, Chairman Simojoki installed other ELCE officials who were elected during the synod, including the church’s body treasurer, Dr. Cynthia Lumley, as well as others elected to serve on various committees.

Outgoing ELCE Chairman Samiec (third from left) and new Chairman Tapani Simojoki (fourth from left) along with other pastors who participated in the installation.

Among other business, the Annual Synod saw the ELCE’s Executive Council report on work towards a name change for the church body, which will better reflect its presence in more regions than just England. To that end, the church is taking steps to become the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United Kingdom (ELC-UK). Following the synod, the ELCE reported that the Charity Commission has now approved the constitution of the ELC-UK. Continued work towards the transition to the new structure will continue in 2026.

This year’s synod also reaffirmed an earlier decision which will see the title of the church body’s leader change from “Chairman” to “Bishop” under the new structure.

In addition to written greetings from sister churches across the world and from the ILC, the ELCE also received welcomed several church representatives in person. These included General Secretary Patrice Legbanon from the Lutheran Church in Africa – Benin Synod (Église Luthérienne en Afrique—Synode du Bénin – ELA-SBe), as well as Rev. John Fiene and his wife, Solvej, of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). The latter were present to report on the Lutheran Mission in Ireland, an ELCE project supported by the LCMS. The mission in Ireland is currently served by ELCE Chairman Simojoki, and has mission sites in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Cork, Ireland.

In light of his new responsibilities as Chairman, Rev. Simojoki is stepping down as editor of the ELCE’s magazine The British Lutheran. This year’s Annual Synod therefore saw the announcement of Hanna Mitchell as the magazine’s new editor.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in England is a member church of the International Lutheran Council, a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, grounded in the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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LLDP celebrates three more graduates

by | Nov 18, 2025

A group photo of the LLDP graduates (seated) and other participants of the August 2025 session, along with LLDP faculty and members of the LLDP council who were present.

USA – Church leaders from six Lutheran church bodies and dioceses in five countries in Africa and Asia travelled to the United States for another session of the Lutheran Leadership Development Program (LLDP) of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) from August 18–29, 2025.

The highlight of this session was that three men graduated from the LLDP with a Certificate of Theology in Lutheran Leadership. They are Rev. Jackson Mushendwa, Bishop of Western Diocese, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT); Rev. Ambele Mwaipopo, Bishop Emeritus of Lake Tanganyika Diocese, ELCT; and Rev. Martin Paul, Third Pastor of the Synodical Council, Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa (FELSISA).

Rev. Dr. Naomichi Masaki, LLDP Director; Rev. Jackson Mushendwa, Bishop of Western Diocese, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT); Rev. Ambele Mwaipopo, retired Bishop of Lake Tanganyika Diocese (LTD), ELCT; and Rev. Martin Paul, Third Pastor in the Synodical Council, the Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa (FELSISA).

One of the requirements of the LLDP is the culminating exercise of drafting and defending a graduation thesis. Bishop Mushendwa’s thesis title was “Church and Politics in Tanzania.” Supervised by Prof. John Pless of CTSFW, a member of the LLDP’s faculty, the bishop explored the relationship between the Two Kingdoms in Tanzania, examining how church leaders can fulfill their roles faithfully without compromising the Word of God while at the same time fostering a mutual and constructive relationship between church and state.

Bishop Mwaipopo’s topic was “Synchronization of Homily, Liturgy, and Hymnody in the Divine Service for the ELCT Lake Tanganyika Diocese.” Having observed a lack of coordination among liturgy, hymns, and sermons in the Divine Service of his diocese, Bishop Mwaipopo outlined how adequate harmony in the Divine Service may be recovered with confessional integrity. His work was advised by another member of LLDP faculty, Dr. Paul Grime, Dean of the Chapel at CTSFW.

Pastor Paul prepared a study of diakonia, entitled, “The Service of Mercy: Diaconal Ministry as a Strategic Focus for FELSISA.” Pastor Paul argued that the work of diakonia is not optional or peripheral but central in the life of the church. Based on the scriptural and confessional foundation of diakonia, he engaged in field research and built a strategic plan for strengthening the work of diakonia in his congregation and church body This work was inspired by Dr. Jeff Skopak’s class on Task Management and Strategic Planning. Dr. Skopak also supervised pastor Paul in his graduation thesis.

At the commencement following the forum in which the graduates presented their theses, Dr. Skopak delivered the commencement speech. He recounted what it means to serve as church leaders through a reflection on Scripture, and encouraged the graduates and other participants to grow as leaders. All four signatories of the LLDP sent congratulatory messages to the commencement, including a letter from Bishop Juhana Pohjola and a speech by Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz (the ILC’s Chairman and General Secretary respectively); a letter from Mr. Jonathan Schultz (President and CEO of Concordia Publishing House); a message from President Matthew Harrison (The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod); and a greeting by President John Bruss (Concordia Theological Seminary – Fort Wayne). The previous seven graduates of the LLDP also sent congratulatory messages. The LLDP is proud to have ten graduates now, representing eight Lutheran church bodies/dioceses and four countries.

LLDP participants surround Rev. Dr. Paul Grime, who taught a course on Issues in Lutheran Liturgy and Hymnody. From left, Rev. Dr. Naomichi Masaki, LLDP Director; Rev. Fredirick Flores, Secretary of North Luzon Highland District, the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP); Rev. John Lanbon, National Director of Young Adult Fellowship, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana (ELCG); Rev. Charles Bameka, National Presiding Bishop of Lutheran Church of Uganda (LCU); Rev. Felipe Ehican, Vice President of LCP, Bishop Jackson Mushendwa, Bishop of Western Diocese, ELCT; Rev. Dr. Paul Grime, Dean of the Chapel, CTSFW; Rev. Ambele Mwaipopo, retired Bishop of Lake Tanganyika Diocese, ELCT; and Rev. Martin Paul, the Third Pastor of the Synodical Council, FELSISA.

The courses of the August 2025 session focused on liturgical leadership. Rev. Dr. Paul Grime taught a class on Issues in Lutheran Liturgy and Hymnody, and LLDP Director Rev. Dr. Naomichi Masaki taught a class on the Lord’s Supper. Worship is an area in which many Lutheran church bodies across the world continue to struggle as a result of challenges arising from Pentecostalism and the neo-charismatic movement; traditional religiosity; and the influence of other Christian traditions in the region. Just as the Book of Concord is often missing from the curriculum in many Lutheran seminaries today, so also is the teaching of liturgy and hymnody from a traditional confessional Lutheran point of view. In his course, Dr. Grime helped fill this need, teaching the theology and history of the Divine Service, focusing on both liturgy and hymns. Dr. Masaki noted: “What a wonderful benefit for the participants to hear explanations on all facets of worship life of the church, including the church year and lectionary, and to spend time with Dr. Grime with all their questions from the field!”

Rev. Dr. Naomichi Masaki, teaching a course on the Lord’s Supper.

Participants also appreciated Dr. Masaki’s careful teaching of the Lord’s Supper from the verba domini and the Lutheran Confessions. They spent a great deal of time with Dr. Masaki studying the words of the Lord. Building on a scriptural and confessional foundation, they also studied issues in communion practice, such as closed communion; the relationship between the Office of the Holy Ministry and the Lord’s Supper; and church fellowship. Participants learned to discern why un-Lutheran points of view are to be rejected on the basis of unio sacramentalis (sacramental union), manducatio oralis (oral eating and drinking), and manducatio indignorum (oral eating and drinking in an unworthy manner), as taught in both the Small Catechism and the Formula of Concord.

LLDP participants express their gratitude to Concordia Publishing House for providing them with resources that are faithful to the Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

“It was another fantastic two weeks,” commented Dr. Masaki, LLDP Director. “That these busy Lutheran leaders in the world can spend two weeks together at CTSFW is a miracle in itself. We had two excellent and fruitful classes. We spent much time as a group to foster friendship and brotherhood as church leaders. In addition, the Lord has granted three worthy graduates during this session. I am very proud of their completion and accomplishment, even though this also means sadly that we do not see them any longer as participants. I pray that these three leaders may use what they have learned in the LLDP for the advancement of the Gospel in their contexts!”

The next LLDP session was scheduled to take place in November at CTSFW, with a particular focus on issues in theological ethics and Lutheran hermeneutics.

You can 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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Grace for the Ungodly – Reformation Day 2025

by | Oct 31, 2025

by Juhana Pohjola

The Crucifixion of Jesus by Alonso Cano, c. 1637.

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.… God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have been justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God.” – Romans 5:6,8-9

When we commemorate Reformation Day, we can recall many good things that the Reformation brought about—ecclesiastical reform, cultural transformation, the development of languages, and societal impact. But ultimately, it all returns to the fundamental question of the Holy God and the sinful human being.

Who is this holy God before whom we now stand—and will one day also stand at the judgment? God’s righteousness reveals what human beings, by nature, are not and what we lack. God’s wisdom reveals your foolishness. His love exposes your selfishness. His mercy, your hardness. His goodness, your ingratitude. His patience, your impatience. His faithfulness, your unfaithfulness.

Can you name a single attribute of God that does not also reveal your own wretchedness? Can you point to any characteristic of God that does not remind you that, by nature, you are His enemy? Wherever you go, He meets you—at church and at home, by day and by night. Whether you pray or read Scripture, numb yourself with entertainment, work or intoxicants—God’s consuming holiness surrounds you!

Why do we observe Reformation Day? Because there is nothing more terrifying than the dark night of the soul, the torment of conscience that knows it is an enemy of God—with no help in sight. “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!” (Psalm 130:1).

This depth, this tribulation in the face of God’s burning wrath was something young Martin Luther knew very well. And though he saw his own wretchedness and God’s holy wrath revealed on every page of Scripture, still he clung to the Word of God, searching desperately for comfort. And finally—in the Letter to the Romans—the Holy Spirit revealed the Reformation discovery.

What did Luther find? What did the Spirit make clear through the Word? That God’s righteousness is what God gives us in Christ. He justifies us by grace, through faith. St. Paul writes: “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6).

For whom did Christ die? For the “ungodly”—those unable to love God, those who defy God’s will—enemies of God! “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” Paul writes. He does not say: “When we had overcome our sins” or “when we had cast off our favourite sins” or “when we had sufficiently wept in repentance” or “when we had begun to fix our lives.” No! While we still sinners—utterly hopeless, impure, lustful, wicked, ungrateful, easily offended, and unforgiving—it was then that Jesus, in love, wiped away all our transgressions with His blood.

Are you hopelessly sinful, unable to free yourself from sin? Oh, how blessed a sinner you are! For the Lamb of God has washed away your sin with His blood! God does not see your sins; He does not remember them anymore!

When we did not long for the Lord… when we did not cry out to Him… when we did not believe in Him… when we did not thank Him… when we loved only ourselves, and our neighbour only if it benefitted us… when we cared nothing for Him but blamed Him in the day of trouble… when we His very enemies… it was then that He loved us. He gave as a sacrifice of atonement not a bull or a lamb, but His own Son.

Now where is God’s wrath? Laid upon Christ. Where is God’s enemy? Hanging on the cross. Where is all sin? Nailed to a tree. And so, God has changed you from an enemy to His friend—and not only a friend but His own dearly beloved child.

In His wrath, He once destroyed the world with flood. But you He has raised from the waters of baptism to new life!

Everything that belongs to God, in Christ Jesus is now yours: God’s omnipotence is your strength in weakness. God’s wisdom is your light and your guidance. God’s holiness is your garment of righteousness. God’s faithfulness is your refuge. God’s love is your gift. God’s glory is your inheritance. Now every attribute of God is for you, prepared for you in Christ, given to you by the Holy Spirit.

And Christ is not only for you—He also lives in you. He gives Himself to you in the Holy Supper. And wherever you go—whether to church or to work, whether awake or asleep—Christ’s grace surrounds you always.

Why do we observe Reformation Day? Because every single promise of the Holy Spirit in the Bible is true—for your sake—both in the present today and in the future on the day of judgment!

May this Good News ring out loud and clear from every pulpit around the world!

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Rev. Dr. Juhana Pohjola is Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF) and Chairman of the International Lutheran Council (ILC).

Supreme Court of Finland holds new hearings in “Bible Trial”

by | Oct 30, 2025

Dr. Päivi Räsänen (front left) and Bishop Juhana Pohjola (front right) in court on October 30, 2025. Photo: ADF International.

FINLAND – On Thursday, October 30, the Supreme Court of Finland held hearings in the case of Finnish Member of Parliament, Dr. Päivi Räsänen, and Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF). It was the third court since 2022 to consider what has been dubbed Finland’s “Bible Trial.” The two are accused of hate speech as a result of articulating historic Christian teaching on human sexuality.

“It is difficult to overstate how surreal [it has been]—to see my faith, my conscience, and even the Bible itself placed on trial in a democratic nation,” said Dr. Räsänen. “Whatever the outcome of this trial is, my conscience is clear and my faith is firm. My hope is that this ruling will affirm the right of every person to express their beliefs freely, without fear and without punishment.”

Dr. Päivi Räsänen arrives at court on October 30, 2025. Photo: ADF International.

Bishop Pohjola noted that the doctrinal beliefs for which he and Dr. Räsänen are being prosecuted are “shared widely across Christian churches.” As a result, he said, “Any possible conviction would not only stigmatize me and the Lutheran church body that I lead as criminals, but also send a dangerous signal to all Christians and Christian denominations. Such an outcome would not contribute to building a genuinely free society proud of its rule of law.”

Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola were first charged with hate crimes in 2021 for the publication of a 2004 booklet which articulates historic Christian teaching on human sexuality, with Dr. Räsänen charged as the author and Bishop Pohjola as the publisher. Dr. Räsänen was also charged for a 2019 tweet which included a picture of a Bible verse and for comments made during a 2019 radio program.

The two stood trial in 2022 at the Helsinki District Court, where they were unanimously acquitted by a panel of three judges who declared: “It is not the role of the district court to interpret biblical concepts.” An appeal by the prosecution was subsequently heard in the Helsinki Court of Appeal, with the two again unanimously acquitted on all charges in 2023.

Despite two unanimous rulings in favour of Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola, the prosecution appealed the decisions related to the booklet and the tweet to the Supreme Court of Finland (the acquittal of Dr. Räsänen for her radio comments was not appealed). The court announced earlier this year that it would allow the appeal. While the Supreme Court of Finland often simply reviews the records from lower courts, the court in this case decided to also hold new hearings.

Bishop Juhana Pohjola arrives at court on October 30, 2025. Photo: ADF International.

The hearings today saw a new prosecutor in charge of the case, and observers noted a marked difference from proceedings in the lower courts. While in the past the prosecution has directly interrogated the defendants on their theological beliefs at trial, today’s hearings at the Supreme Court saw the prosecution abstain from questioning the defendants entirely.

The International Lutheran Council (ILC) continues to urge prayer for Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola as they endure a fifth year of prosecution for their articulation of historic Christian doctrine. “We pray for an end to this legal persecution,” said ILC General Secretary Klaus Detlev Schulz. “Christians must be free to speak openly about their religious convictions without fear of prosecution. We pray that this third round of hearings would be the last, and that they would lead to the same conclusion as the lower courts: a unanimous acquittal of Dr. Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola on all charges.”

The International Lutheran Council recently reaffirmed its support for Bishop Pohjola during the ILC’s 2025 World Conference in the Philippines, during which time members reelected Bishop Pohjola to a second term as ILC Chairman. The ILC also issued a public letter in 2021 signed by the leaders of 45 Lutheran church bodies and associations worldwide, protesting the unjust decision of Finnish prosecutors to charge Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen.

Bishop Pohjola and Dr. Räsänen expressed their continued thanks for the support of Christians around the world, including the ILC. “I am extremely thankful and grateful to all those who have supported me and Juhana,” Dr. Räsänen said. “Even though this process has been long—and of course there have been also dark moments during these years—my main experience is that I have gotten much more joy than any troubles… I think that God has been so good to turn bad things to good things.”

Bishop Pohjola likewise highlighted the good which God has brought forth out of evil. The trial is “bringing us closer to the Word of God and to prayer,” he said. “I also hope that this case has been an encouragement for many Christians,” he continued, to “say publicly: ‘I am a Christian. I’m not ashamed of it. This is what I believe, and this is what I want to share with you.’”

The International Lutheran Council is a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, grounded in the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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Ghana celebrates new translation of the Augsburg Confession

by | Oct 27, 2025

ELCG President John Donkoh (left) dedicates the new translation of the Augsburg Confession into Fanti.

GHANA – The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana (ELCG) held a special dedication event on October 4 to celebrate the translation of the Augsburg Confession into the Fanti language. The event took place at St. John’s Lutheran Congregation in Takoradi.

ELCG President John Donkoh was present for the event, which coincided with a thanksgiving service for his late brother the previous day. “It was a deeply meaningful moment,” he noted, “blending personal remembrance with a significant milestone in our church’s ongoing mission to make our Lutheran heritage more accessible to local communities.”

“This effort is part of a larger vision to ensure that foundational Lutheran confessional documents are available in the heart languages of the people,” President Donkoh continued, “so that members can read, understand, and grow in their faith with deeper clarity and connection.”

The Fanti-language translation project was made possible through the generous support of Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF). Thanks to LHF, a total of 1,000 copies have been printed for distribution to Lutheran congregations across the Fanti-speaking regions of Ghana.

Congregation members present for the dedication of the new translation of the Augsburg Confession.

“The dedication of this translation into Fanti is a powerful reminder that the Augsburg Confession is not just a historical document—it is a living confession,” President Donkoh said. “It continues to speak to believers today, teaching us what it means to be saved by grace through faith in Christ, and calling the Church to remain faithful to the Word of God.”

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana 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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Archbishop Grants installed in Latvia

by | Oct 17, 2025

LELB Archbishop Rinalds Grants gives the benediction following his installation.

LATVIA – On August 30, 2025, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia (Latvijas Evaņģēliski luteriskā baznīca – LELB) installed Archbishop Rinalds Grants into office. Archbishop Grants was elected as the church’s new Archbishop on June 7.

“The Lord has entrusted the Church with nothing less than His mission and ministry,” Archbishop Grants’ said in his inaugural sermon, focused on Luke 5:1-11. “It would be more accurate to say that He has called us, His Church, to His mission, in which He is with us and is the main implementer.”

“If Peter reveals in our story how the Lord’s mission and ministry transform our lives, then Jesus helps us see what the ministry and mission to which His Church is called is,” he continued. “It comes from the heart of Christ, which is not indifferent to the need of people to hear the Word of God…. We are entrusted with carrying and serving with the Word of God, which creates change, frees peoples’ consciences, awakens hope, and creates a new path.”

“Our Gospel story ends with the statement, ‘Having brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him,’” Archbishop Grants concluded. “The great catch is left behind, as Peter and his companions follow Jesus along the path He has shown them. The word ‘way’ is also in my episcopal ministry motto… ‘I will show you a more excellent way’ (1 Corinthians 12:31).”

With these words, Paul “is not pointing to himself,” the Archbishop continued, “but to Christ, who alone walked it to the end—walking over Mount Calvary and through the empty tomb.”

Archbishop Vanags installs Archbishop Grants while members of the church and ecumenical guests look on. (Photo: LELB).

Archbishop Grants succeeds Archbishop Jānis Vanags, who laid down his crozier in a service in advance of the installation of Archbishop Grants. Archbishop Vanags installed Archbishop Grants into office, at which time he was presented with the crozier previously held by Archbishop Vanags.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia 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. Representatives from a number of ILC member churches attended the installation of Archbishop Grants, including Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland, who—as ILC Chairman—formally represented the International Lutheran Council at the event.

Since his installation, LELB Archbishop Grants has also been elected to serve as the Europe Regional Representative on the International Lutheran Council’s Board of Directors. The election came during the ILC’s 2025 World Conference in the Philippines.

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Corpus Christi 2025

by | Oct 16, 2025

The closing service of Corpus Christ’s 2025 Conference in the Czech Republic.
ELCE Chairman Elect Tapani Simojoki speaks during a plenary.

CZECH REPUBLIC – The 15th annual Corpus Christi Conference for Lutheran young adults gathered 255 attendees from 23 countries and six continents in Prague, the Czech Republic, from July 21-25, 2025.

The theme of 2025’s conference was “The Image of God,” with Chairman Elect Tapani Simojoki of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England (ELCE) serving as plenary speaker. Other presenters included Rev. Daniel Brandt of the Mission Province in Sweden (MPS); Rev. Dr. David Preus, Eurasia Regional Director for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS); Rev. Frédéric Stilmant of the Evangelical Lutheran Church – Synod of France (EEL-SF), and Rev. Dr. Christian Tiews of the LCMS in Germany. Multiple seminars and discussion groups enabled participants to learn about more specific topics, such as Czech church history (presented by Rev. Martin Damašek, Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in the Czech Republic), and to talk in small groups and share their experiences on a variety of topics.


Participants enjoy a Reformation tour.

A highlight of the free time for many was the chance to participate in a Reformation tour in the old town of Prague known for multiple places associated with the early reformer Jan Hus.

The Corpus Christi Conference was sponsored by the LCMS Office of International Mission, Nordisk Östmission (Sweden), and For Bibel og Bekjennelse (Norway). The Corpus Christi Association has been a Recognised Organisation of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) since 2024, and the ILC has sponsored Lutheran Service Books to be used in its daily worship.

Founded in Sweden and originally inspired by the Higher Things youth conference, the Corpus Christi Conference revolves around the three elements of solid biblical teaching, rich liturgical worship, and fellowship between young adults from all over Europe and beyond.

Rev. Dr. Samuli Siikavirta (LCMS) and Rev. Dr. Michael Wenz (SELK) lead a service for the conference at a nearby church.

Next year’s conference will take place in Turku, Finland, from July 20-24, 2026. The theme, speakers, and registration information will be posted on corpuschristi.eu in due course.

A smaller regional gathering called Corpus Christi Finland will also take place in Jyväskylä, Finland, from December 30, 2025 to January 2, 2026, organised by the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF) young adults’ ministry (see: https://www.lhpk.fi/cc-ny-camp-2026/).

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The ILC’s 2025 World Conference in Brief

by | Sep 29, 2025

Participants in the ILC’s 2025 World Conference.
ILC General Secretary Klaus Detlev Schulz and the new board of directors: LCC President Timothy Teuscher (North America), SLM President Omar Garza Martínez (Secretary), IELP President Alceu Alton Figur (Latin America), ELMDF Bishop Juhana Pohjola (Chairman), LCU Bishop Charles Bameka (Africa), and LM-A President Matt Anker. Archbishop Rinalds Grants was unable to attend in person.

PHILIPPINES – The International Lutheran Council (ILC) held its 28th (13th) triennial World Conference took place September 14-19, 2025, in Panglao, Bohol, Philippines. In total, more than 130 people representing more than 60 different church bodies and 55 nations participated in the event.

During the conference, Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF) was reelected as chairman of the ILC. Bishop Pohjola was first elected to the position in 2022 during the ILC’s World Conference in Kenya. Elected or reelected to serve alongside Chairman Pohjola were:

  • Africa – Bishop Charles Bameka (Lutheran Church of Uganda)
  • Asia – President Matt Anker (Lutheran Mission – Australia)
  • Europe – Archbishop Rinalds Grants (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia)
  • Latin America – President Alceu Alton Figur (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay)
  • North America – President Timothy Teuscher (Lutheran Church–Canada)
  • Secretary: President Omar Garza (Lutheran Synod of Mexico)
Representatives of church bodies received as full members during the ILC’s 2025 World Conference. Pictured are ILC Chairman Juhana Pohjola, FLM Bishop Denis Rakotozafy, CLCMS President Davis Robert Wowa, LM-A President Matt Anker, ELCK Bishop Alexander Burtsev, ILK/ELCB representative Rev. Mikko Tiira, and ILC General Secretary Klaus Detlev Schulz.

The conference also saw six observer member churches received into full membership in the ILC: the Confessional Lutheran Church – Malawi Synod (CLCMS); Lutheran Mission – Australia (LM-A); the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kazakhstan (ELCK); the Istanbul Lutheran Church (ILK)/Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bulgaria (ELCB); the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti (ELCH); and the Malagasy Lutheran Church (FLM).

Unity in Christ

Rev. Dr. Thomas M. Winger.

The theme for the ILC’s 2025 World Conference was “Unity in Christ: Confession and Cooperation in a Fragmented World.” The keynote speaker for the event was Rev. Dr. Thomas M. Winger of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, who gave a three-part presentation entitled “The Spiritual Temple,” focused on Ephesians 2:11-22.

The conference also featured several sessions with a regional focus, including an Asia Regional Focus on Shamanism and Syncretism; a Latin America Focus on migration; and an African Regional Focus on the charismatic movement. The ILC’s General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, gave a presentation entitled “Affirming Constants in an Everchanging World,” and the conference also heard presentations on history, Bible translation, and Christian publishing.

On the final day of the ILC’s world conference, participants adopted two statements: one on the Nicene Creed and the other on unity in Christ. The first of these—An Affirmation of the Nicene Creed—was adopted in light of this year’s anniversary commemorations of the Council of Nicaea. The second statement adopted—Unity in Christ and His Gospel—reflects on the theme of this year’s ILC World Conference.

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Full news from the ILC’s 2025 World Conference can be found here.

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