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LLDP celebrates three more graduates

by Mathew Block | 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 Mathew Block | 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 Mathew Block | 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 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 is “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 Mathew Block | 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 Mathew Block | 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 Mathew Block | 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 15^th 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 Mathew Block | 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 28^th (13^th) 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

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.

World Conference 2025: ILC issues statements on the Nicene Creed and Unity in Christ

by Mathew Block | Sep 24, 2025

PHILIPPINES – On the final day of its 2025 World Conference, the International Lutheran Council 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. “During this 1,700^th anniversary year of the Council of Nicaea, we, the member churches of the International Lutheran Council, reassert our commitment to the teachings of the Nicene Creed,” the statement notes. It goes on to cite the creed’s place as a “binding statement of faith” for Confessional Lutherans today, also acknowledging the creed’s importance “as a touchstone for relations between different Christian traditions.”

The second statement adopted—Unity in Christ and His Gospel—reflects on the theme of this year’s ILC World Conference. In the face of the serious “division and confusion” afflicting nations and even church bodies today, the statement says, “the member churches of the International Lutheran Council reassert the centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” On the basis of their shared faith, members go on to “encourage each other to seek opportunities for closer unity and cooperation between our churches, recognizing that we share a common mission: proclaiming salvation through Christ alone.”

Other business during the conference’s final day included a series of reports, votes on revisions to the ILC’s bylaws, and other matters.

Closing Service and the Installation of the ILC’s New Board

*Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz preaches during the closing service of the ILC’s 2025 World Conference.*

The 2025 World Conference ended with a service of Vespers, at which time the ILC’s newly-elected board of directors was installed into office. Serving as liturgist was Rev. Michael Blodgett. Serving as organist was Ivy Parotina, who also served in that capacity for all the services during this year’s conference.

Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the ILC, preached for the concluding service, reflecting on John 17:20-23. Why does the Lord pray for our unity in this passage, Dr. Schulz asked. “Because our unity with one another is meant to be a compelling witness to the world,” he said. “Jesus prays that believers will be one with each other and with the Father and Son, so that the world will recognize Jesus’ divine mission and the Father’s love for them.”

The unity which Jesus speaks of here is “a spiritual unity—that is, one established through faith,” Dr. Schulz continued. “As Confessional Lutherans, we believe that such a unity transcends denominational lines, and exists as the one church of Christ—the una sancta. All who believe (the vere credentes) in Christ are united in His body.”

This spiritual unity is meant to be “uniform in the faith confessed,” Dr. Schulz explained, on “who Jesus is, what He did, and how we are saved.” But unfortunately, he noted, even on these points Christians sometimes disagree. “That is why Jesus prays for it with his core request ‘that they may all be one.’”

“There is a call to action implied with the understanding that the church on earth is meant to be one united body in Christ, not to exist as single individuals,” Dr. Schulz continued. “We cannot be complacent about it, we cannot say: ‘Oh, Jesus has here a dream, a vision of a unified church. But it will never happen, so let us drop the idea of talking to each other.’ No, work on it. Actively pursue unity through repentance, forgiveness, and striving for understanding and compassion in our relationships. Pursue unity not by compromising the truth of God’s Word, but by holding to it with humility and love. And then live as a witness: Allow the unity within the church to be a powerful testimony of God’s love and presence to a watching world.”

*LCP President Antonio del Rio Reyes installs the International Lutheran Council’s board for the new triennium*.

The ILC’s outgoing Asia Region representative, President Antonio del Rio Reyes of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines, then conducted the installation of the ILC’s new board. The service—and with it, the 2025 World Conference—subsequently concluded with the singing of the hymn “For All the Saints.”

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For more news from the ILC’s 2025 World Conference, click here.

2025 World Conference: Membership Votes and Board Elections

by Mathew Block | Sep 19, 2025

PHILIPPINES – The final day of the International Lutheran Council’s 2025 World Conference saw six observer member churches accepted as full members in the ILC and the election of board members for a new triennium.

The day began with a service of matins led by Rev. Michael Blodgett, with the ILC’s Europe Regional Representative, Chairman George Samiec of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England (ELCE), preaching a sermon on Luke 8:1-3 and 1 Timothy 6:2-12.

“The New Testament is not a how-to-book for running an organization,” Chairman Samiec noted. “Sure, we hear about financial issues and organizational issues… [but] the Church has never wanted to impose burdens.” Organizational details like constitutions and bylaws vary depending on “your churches, your countries, finances, relationships, and the fine print each of us work under,” he said. What matters is that “the heart, attitude, and desires are right—godliness with contentment,” he continued—and consequently we find St. Paul talking “big picture things” about living relationally “first with Jesus and then with those around you.”

“Our goal is not empire building for ourselves,” Chairman Samiec continued. “If we have food and clothing—today we might say ‘basic necessities’—and Christ, then we can live in His Kingdom and do Kingdom work as we have means, as we are able.” We do not need to be “supermen;” we are called simply to daily patterns and rituals of faithfulness: “[moving] away from what causes us to sin towards absolution, towards Holy Communion,” and [striving] and [confessing] the hope we have in Christ Jesus.” He concluded: “Coming close to Jesus, the God who serves, and realizing that He is the one who comes to us gives us our daily identity… and so we flee from sin and pursue righteousness because Jesus is our loving Lord who has saved us, declared us righteous already—and we want this for our church—and we want this for the world.”

The matins service also featured a special musical performance by members of the ILC’s African region, singing the hymn “Mfurahini, Haleluya” (“Christ has Arisen, Alleluia”) in Swahili.

Acceptance of Full Members and ILC Elections

Following worship, the conference turned to a discussion of ILC business. Among other business, six observer members were received as full voting members: 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).

The ILC also held elections for members of the board of directors for the new triennium. Bishop Juhana Pohola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF) was reelected to another term as ILC Chairman. Other elections and reelection include:

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 Martinez (Lutheran Synod of Mexico)

ILC Chairman Pohjola took the opportunity to thank ELCE Chairman George Samiec (Europe) and LCP President Antonio Del Rio Reyes (Asia) for their faithful service to the board. Neither stood for reelection at this year’s conference. Chairman Pohjola also acknowledged the service of other board members who completed their service on the board during the past triennium or in the lead up to this year’s conference, including LCU Bishop John Donkoh, LCK Archbishop Joseph Omolo, and LCC Past President Robert Bugbee. He further noted with thanks the blessing of ELKB President Gisjbertus van Hattem, whose service with the ILC lasted until his death in 2024.

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For more news from the ILC’s 2025 World Conference, click here.

2025 World Conference: ILC Regional Representatives Panel

by Mathew Block | Sep 19, 2025

*ELCE Chairman George Samiec, LCP President Antonio del Rio Reyes, LCU Bishop Charles Bameka, IELP President Aceu Alton Figur, and LCC President Timothy Teuscher.*

PHILIPPINES – On Wednesday afternoon, the regional representatives on the International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) board of directors held a question-and-answer panel during the 2025 World Conference.

The ILC’s Europe Representative, Chairman George Samiec of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England (ELCE), chaired the discussion, in which he was joined by Asia representative, President Antonio del Rio Reyes (Lutheran Church in the Philippines); Latin America representative, President Alceu Alton Figur (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Paraguay); and North America representative President Timothy Teuscher (Lutheran Church–Canada). Bishop Charles Bameka (Lutheran Church of Uganda), Secretary of the ILC board, participated in place of the Africa Representative.

The panelists answered a number of questions, including questions about ILC member churches holding membership in other international organizations; what communication is like between churches in each region; regional challenges; and the joys each region experiences.

The day concluded with regional meetings.

Thursday Events

*LCP President Antonio del Rio Reyes preaching.*

The conference continued on Thursday, beginning with a service of matins led by LCP Vice President Felipe Ehican. LCP President Antonio del Rio Reyes was the preacher, speaking on Luke 7:36-50.

The story under discussion, President Reyes said, involves two sinners: a woman who knew she was a sinner, and a Pharisee who did not. “The woman’s sin was a public scandal,” he noted, “while Simon’s was hidden beneath a layer of self-righteousness. But in God’s eyes, both had a massive debt.”

“We are all tempted to be like Simon, comparing ourselves to others, thinking we are good enough and judging others as ‘worse’ than us,” President Reyes continued. “But the truth is, we are all sinners. We are all like the woman—with a debt we can never repay. But the good news is that Jesus has already paid it…. He came to declare to you, just as He did to the woman, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’”

This “forgiveness of God in Christ” serves as a “powerful unifying force,” President Reyes concluded, and it, “with the help of the Holy Spirit, moves and compels us to be united—to proclaim this forgiveness and to cooperate with one another as we live out our redeemed Christian life in this fragmented world.”

*The famous Chocolate Hills—currently green—in Bohol.*

The rest of Thursday saw participants get a chance to stretch their legs and learn more about Bohol’s history, culture, and natural beauty, including by: visiting historic churches in the region; enjoying live music and traditional dances during lunch; a visit to a tarsier conservation site; and an excursion to the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol.

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For more news from the ILC’s 2025 World Conference, click here.

Unity in Christ

Closing Service and the Installation of the ILC’s New Board

Acceptance of Full Members and ILC Elections

Thursday Events

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