News

Bolivian Lutherans reelect president

by Mathew Block | Oct 16, 2026

*ICEL President Limberth Fernández Coronado at the church’s 14th National Convention.*

BOLIVIA – The Christian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bolivia (Iglesia Cristiana Evangélica Luterana de Bolivia – ICEL) held its 14^th National Convention from September 11-13 in Sucre, during which time the church reelected Rev. Limberth Fernández Coronado to another four-year term as president.

President Fernández was first elected president of the ICEL in 2017, and was reelected to the position in 2022. His tenure as ICEL president has seen the church move from associate membership in the International Lutheran Council to voting membership as of 2022. His presidency has also seen the ICEL enter into altar and pulpit fellowship with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)—a decision ratified by the LCMS in convention this past July.

*The ICEL’s 2026 National Convention recognizes graduates from the church’s Quechua Pastoral Training program.*

The ICEL’s 2026 National Convention also held elections for other positions on its National Council, and celebrated the graduation of seven graduates from the Quechua Pastoral Training program, among other business.

The convention concluded with Divine Service and the installation of the church’s new National Council.

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The Christian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bolivia is a member church of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), 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.

Lutherans in Malawi celebrate consecration of bishops

by Mathew Block | Oct 13, 2026

*Bishop Joseph Maganga and Bishop Davis Wowa.*

MALAWI – From August 7-8, the Confessional Lutheran Church (CLC) in Malawi held its 2^nd Synodical Convention, gathering together in Mzuzu. A day later on August 9, the church celebrated the consecration of the church’s first diocesan bishops.

Presiding at the consecration was Bishop Emeritus Dieter Reinstorf of the Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa (FELSISA). Rev. Davis Wowa was consecrated as bishop of the Northern Diocese and Rev. Joseph Maganga as bishop of the Southern Diocese. Both were formally elected during the dioceses’ respective General Assemblies last year.

Among other business, the Synodical Convention saw the church in Malawi approve an amendment to its legal name, to abide with government regulations restricting the use of the country’s name. The church was previously known as the “Confessional Lutheran Church – Malawi Synod” (CLCMS). It is now called the Confessional Lutheran Church (CLC).

The Confessional Lutheran Church (CLC) in Malawi is an observer member of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), 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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History comes alive for LLDP participants

by Mathew Block | Oct 8, 2026

Participants at Wartburg Castle (l-r): Rev. Charles Bameka, National Presiding Bishop of Lutheran Church of Uganda (LCU); Rev. Peter Abia, Presiding Bishop of Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Sudan and Sudan (ELCSS/S); Rev. Dr. Denis Rakotozafy, President of Malagasy Lutheran Church (FLM); Rev. Felipe Ehican, Vice President of Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP); Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, President Emeritus of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW); Rev. Dr. Heinz Hiestermann, Director of Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane, South Africa, Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa (FELSISA); and Rev. Dr. Naomichi Masaki, Director of the Lutheran Leadership Development Program (LLDP) and the Reverend Victor H. and Lydia Dissen Professor of the Lutheran Confessions at CTSFW.

GERMANY – In the spring (late February and early March, the Lutheran Leadership Development Program (LLDP) held another session in Wittenberg, with church leaders in attendance from five countries in Africa and Asia. Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, President Emeritus of Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW), taught “History of the Lutheran Church,” while LLDP Director, Rev. Dr. Naomichi Masaki, taught “Theology of the Lutheran Confessions.”

Dr. Rast commented: “Our LLDP gathering in Wittenberg was a truly remarkable experience, bringing us together in a place so deeply rooted in the history of the Reformation. History literally surrounded us, adding depth and significance to our conversations and experiences. Studying the Reformation together in Wittenberg brought its history to life in a way books alone cannot, connecting the people, events, and theological convictions of the sixteenth century with the places where they took shape.”

*Participants at St. Mary’s Church in Wittenberg.*

An integral part of this session was visiting significant historic places of the Reformation. In Wittenberg, participants explored Luther House, Melanchthon House, Luther’s Oak, Leucorea (University of Wittenberg), Town Church (St. Mary’s), Castle Church, and Luther’s and Melanchthon’s Monuments. At the Old Latin School, the managing director, Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Weber, welcomed LLDP to use its chapel for daily Matins.

Outside Wittenberg, the participants travelled to Eisleben to visit Luther’s birth and death houses; the Church of St. Andrew, where he preached his last sermon; the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul where he was baptized; and Luther’s parents’ house in nearby Mansfeld. The LLDP also visited Torgau Castle and its church; the house in which the Torgau Articles (which became the second part of the Augsburg Confession) were drafted; the Church of St. Mary’s where Katharina Luther is buried; and Georg Spalatin’s house. The group also journeyed to Wartburg Castle and the Augustinian Monastery in Erfurt. That Sunday, LLDP participants attended Divine Service at Trinity Lutheran Church (SELK) in Berlin. On the way back to Wittenberg, the group visited Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam to see the grave of Frederick the Great as well as Treuenbrietzen, the birthplace of Martin Chemnitz.

The visit to many historic sites had a strong impact on all those in attendance, with one student saying: “Having this session in Wittenberg was great, as both classes connected to events that happened in Wittenberg and other cities we visited. I will go back home with a renewed vision and determination to continue the work started by Luther and his colleagues.”

*Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast teaches “History of the Lutheran Church.”*

Of Dr. Rast’s teaching, one church leader commented: “For the first time in my life, I enjoyed church history. Dr. Rast made history come alive by showing how the past influences the present. I marveled at how important the faith of the people in Jesus was, throughout the history of the Lutheran Reformation and thereafter, and how committed our fathers in the faith were to preserve the Lutheran Confessions.” Another participant echoed: “I have learned that church history is not about the past, it is also about the present. It helps the church today to understand how to live, teach, and serve faithfully.”

The church leaders expressed their eagerness to share insights they gained with their fellow pastors: “I will return home with a renewed sense of purpose as a Lutheran church leader. I will teach my pastors and members that knowing our history gives us strength and direction for the future.”

Participants also found Dr. Masaki’s course formative for their understanding of the value of the Lutheran Confessions. One said: “While I know the Confessions quote many Bible verses, the Confessions were always taught in isolation (in my context), without the clear connection to Holy Scripture. I was impacted by the way Dr. Masaki showed us how the Confessions agree with Scripture. I learned what it means to say that Lutheran theology is biblical theology.” Another said: “Dr. Masaki’s class was a spiritual awakening to me. The Lutheran Confessions are not outdated documents but living testimonies of the faith that express how we confess Christ in every age. He helped me grasp how each article of doctrine is deeply interconnected and how theological precision serves pastoral care and shapes the way we preach, teach, and live as the church.” A third said: “Simply put, our pastors and leaders must know the Book of Concord well the same way as they must know the Bible. The Lutheran Confessions keep the church focused on the Gospel.”

*Rev. Dr. Naomichi Masaki, LLDP Director, teaches “Theology of the Lutheran Confessions.”*

Participants agreed on the implications this course on the Book of Concord will have on their ministry at home: “When I go home, I will encourage our pastors and future leaders to remain grounded in Scripture and the Confessions while addressing contemporary
challenges.” Others stressed the need to encourage greater study of the Confessions in their seminaries. One summed up the general feeling this way: “The Confessions preserve doctrinal purity, promote unity, and provide a public testimony to the truth of the Gospel.”

Participants again expressed their gratitude for the Lutheran Leadership Development Program, stressing its impact on their home church bodies. “This LLDP session has been a transformative spiritual and academic journey,” one participant noted. “It strengthened my faith, deepened my commitment to my calling, and connected me with the confessional Lutheran community. I return home grateful and inspired to share this renewed vision of confessional faith and faithful ministry with my church.”

Dr. Rast was one of the four signatories who founded the LLDP back in 2017. “As I reflect on the LLDP experience, I am profoundly grateful for the investment that has been made in each of the students through a program that encourages us to learn from the past, grow together in the present, and think carefully about our service and leadership for the future,” he said. Dr. Masaki was thankful to have the privilege of having Dr. Rast serve an LLDP instructor during the spring session.

The LLDP and its director are grateful to the Lord for making this session possible and for those who support the program with their
precious gifts and resources.

Another LLDP session took place in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in August. A report on that session will be published soon.

You can support the work of the Lutheran Leadership Development Program 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 receives four churches as Voting Members

by Mathew Block | Oct 6, 2026

USA – The International Lutheran Council (ILC) held an Extraordinary Assembly on July 20 in Phoenix, Arizona, during which time the ILC accepted four church bodies as Voting Members. Two of the Voting Member churches are from Africa (Burundi and Rwanda) and two are from Asia (Indonesia and Myanmar).

The Assembly began with an address from Chairman Juhana Pohjola in which he described the state of the ILC today. “To be international, a council, and a legal entity is one thing, but to be and continue to be Lutheran is another story,” he said. “To be Lutheran is to be evangelical: to centre on the Gospel of Christ, His work and gifts. To be evangelical means to be Lutheran, to confess doctrinal and ethical content: Christ in all the Scriptures, in water, in bread and wine, in the keys, in the calling of the apostles, in the womb of Mary, at the wedding of Cana, and so forth, as done in our confessional writings.”

“We all have our different traditions, and sometimes even tensions, among us,” Chairman Pohjola continued, “but what unites us is the will to be faithful students of the Scriptures and the Confessions and the shared mission stated in our bylaws: ‘to further a united witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and strengthen its member churches in preaching that Gospel to the entire world.’”

That fidelity to Christ and His Word continues to attract other churches to the International Lutheran Council. “Since our time together in the Philippines last year, we have received five new churches as Observer members,” Chairman Pohjola highlighted in his speech. “At this moment, we count 58 churches as Voting Members, Associate Members, and Observer Members, plus four Recognized Organizations (two dioceses and two other organizations). We constantly receive requests from other Lutheran church bodies that are seeking a closer relationship with the ILC.”

Chairman Pohjola went on to report on many of the ILC’s activities, including the Lutheran Leadership Development Program; a new Study Week in Wittenberg for ILC pastors launching this year; theological capacity building initiatives in Africa; support for Francophone Lutherans; the provision of Concordia Publishing House resources to ILC seminaries and pastors; ecumenical conversations with Roman Catholics through the Augustana Working Group; and other projects.

Chairman Pohjola also announced that the ILC is planning to hold its 2028 World Conference in Canada.

“May God continue to bless the International Lutheran Council and all its member churches,” Chairman Pohjola concluded. “And may He continue to draw us closer together, as we seek a greater manifestation of the unity our churches already enjoy through Christ our Lord.”

The ILC’s 2026 Extraordinary Assembly was held in conjunction with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s (LCMS) Synodical Convention and International Church Relations Conference, taking advantage of the fact that many ILC church leaders were also present for these events. Church leaders not present in person were given the opportunity to attend the ILC Assembly virtually.

Acceptance of Voting Members

The Assembly then turned to a vote on applications for Voting Membership. The first church accepted as a Voting Member was Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church in Burundi (HELCB). The HELCB has 1,700 members, seven churches, and six pastors. The church in Burundi was first accepted into the ILC as an Observer Member in 2022.

Next accepted as a Voting Member was the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Rwanda (Itorero ry’Umudendezo w’lvugabutumwa Luteriyani mu Rwanda – IELC-Rwanda). The IELC-Rwanda has more than 1,500 members, 14 churches, and 14 pastors. The IELC-Rwanda was first accepted into the ILC as an Observer Member in 2019.

The Myanmar Lutheran Church (Myanmar Lutheran Kamkawm – MLC) was accepted as a Voting Member next. The MLC has more than 3,800 member, 18 churches, and 22 pastors. The MLC was previously accepted as a member during the ILC World Conference in 2018 but suspended its membership shortly afterwards. In 2025, the MLC declared its intention to formalize its relationship with the ILC and applied for membership once again. The Board of Directors accepted the MLC as an Observer Member during their January 2026 meeting.

Finally, the Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church (Gereja Kristen Luther Indonesia – GLKI) was also accepted as a Voting Member. The GKLI has more than 20,800 members, 102 churches, and 39 pastors. The GLKI was previously accepted into the International Lutheran Council as an Observer Member at the ILC’s 2018 World Conference, but its membership had lapsed in recent years until it was reaccepted as an Observer Member during the ILC Board of Director’s June 2026 meeting.

Among other activities, the ILC’s 2026 Extraordinary Assembly also recognized outgoing church leaders present at the conference, including Lutheran Church–Canada President Timothy Teuscher (who had also served on the ILC Board of Directors and as Vice Chairman); Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana John Shadrack Donkoh (who had also served on the ILC Board of Directors as Secretary); and Lutheran Church in Norway and Iceland Bishop Torkild Masvie.

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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LCC President joins ILC Board of Directors

by Mathew Block | Sep 24, 2026

WORLD – Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) new President, Rev. David Haberstock, has been elected to serve as the ILC’s new North American regional representative, following the departure of outgoing LCC President, Rev. Dr. Timothy Teuscher.

“The International Lutheran Council plays a crucial role in supporting Confessional Lutherans worldwide in their proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” President Haberstock said. “It also is a fulfillment of our Lord’s desire ‘that they may all be one’ and provides Confessional Lutherans a worldwide brotherhood. That support is vital in our day.”

“I am honoured to join the ILC in this work,” he continued. “May God bless our service together as we seek to make Christ known to a world in need.”

President Teuscher completed his term of service with Lutheran Church–Canada at the end of August, at which time he also completed his service as a regional representative and vice-chairman on the ILC’s Board of Directors. Between World Conferences, the ILC Board of Directors is authorized to fill vacancies. In August, the board decided to appoint LCC President Haberstock to serve as the North America Region representative for the remainder of the current triennium (a decision ratified at the board’s October 8 meeting).

“All four of my predecessors in the role of LCC President have also served with the ILC,” President Haberstock went on to note. “I’m grateful for their example, and I look forward to carrying on their tradition of service, God helping me.”

*LCC President Emeritus Timothy Teuscher (right) installs new LCC President David Haberstock.*

Rev. Haberstock was installed as LCC President in Winnipeg on September 6. He was elected as President in June 2026.

The International Lutheran Council (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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Lutheran Mission – Australia holds first Synodical Assembly

by Mathew Block | Sep 8, 2026

*Participants in the LM-A’s inaugural Synodical Assembly.*

AUSTRALIA – Lutheran Mission – Australia (LM-A) held its inaugural Synodical Assembly from August 28-30 in Hamilton, Victoria, during which time the church reelected Rev. Dr. Matt Anker to continue serving as President.

President Anker has led LM-A since its formation, and was formally installed as its president in December 2024. President Anker, who received an honorary doctorate from Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri) in 2025, previously served as Assistant to the Bishop in the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ). LM-A emerged out of the LCANZ over concerns that church body was declining from historic Lutheran teaching and practice.

In 2025, President Anker was elected to serve as the Asia Region’s representative on the International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) Board of Directors.

At the time of its inaugural Synodical Assembly, the LM-A had grown to include 22 congregations and 3 missions. One highlight from the assembly was the recognition of fellowship with several church bodies. On August 29, the LM-A unanimously voted to recognize fellowship with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC).

LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison was present for the event and formally recognized fellowship with the Australian church on behalf of the American church, in keeping with a resolution to that effect adopted during the LCMS’ 2026 Synodical Convention. LCC President Elect David Haberstock was also present, bringing greetings to the Australian church. LCC voted to recognize fellowship with LM-A in June 2026.

*LCMS President Matthew Harrison and LM-A President Matt Anker.*

LM-A also unanimously voted to recognize fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF). The ELMDF will hold its own vote on the recognition of fellowship at its next Diocesan Assembly. While ELMDF Bishop Juhana Pohjola was not able to be present in person, he sent greetings to LM-A both on behalf of the church in Finland as well as in his capacity as ILC Chairman.

“It has been wonderful to witness the birth of Lutheran Mission –Australia,” Chairman Pohjola noted. “The Holy Spirit has worked to awaken the desire and courage to live as Christ’s own people and to partake fully in His gifts and His Word. Although much struggle and sorrow lie behind you, what has come through to me is a joy in belonging to Jesus’ flock and a desire to build new sheepfolds.”

“What a gift and privilege you have to share the abundance that flows from Christ’s wounds to us as the forgiveness of sins,” Chairman Pohjola continued. “What could you lack, and what could you fear, when you have Jesus, the Good Shepherd, with you, and all the promises of His Word? Before you lie pastures as wide and open as only Australia can offer.”

The LM-A’s inaugural assembly also saw the election of Rev. Matthias Prenzler as Vice-President; elections for the National Church Council and various boards and committees; and the installation of officers, including Dcs. Kathleen Mills as Registrar of Lutheran Theological Seminary – Australia. Rev. Michael Frese, Deputy Director of Church Relations for the LCMS, served as Bible Study leader over two days, presenting an essay entitled “If Moses Had Glory, How Much More Christ? A Biblical and Confessional Case for Reverent, Liturgical Worship from 2 Corinthians 3:7-11.”

The leadup to the assembly also saw the LM-A hold a Pastors’ Conference.

Lutheran Mission – Australia 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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IELC-Rwanda reelects bishop

by Mathew Block | Aug 26, 2026

RWANDA – The Independent Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Rwanda (Itorero ry’Umudendezo w’lvugabutumwa Luteriyani mu Rwanda – IELC-Rwanda) held its General Assembly on August 22, during which time the church reelected Rev. Dr. Mbarushimana Bernard to another six-year term as bishop.

Also elected during the assembly was Rev. Iyamuremye Bonaventure as Assistant to the Bishop. District deaneries will be led by Bishop Mbarushimana (Eastern), Rev. Iyamuremye (Western), and Rev. Habineza Gerald (Northern).

Elections were also held for the offices of General Secretary, Treasurer, and departments for youth and women’s ministry.

Following its General Assembly, the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Rwanda is looking ahead to November, when the church will celebrate the consecration and ordination of new church workers.

*IELC-Rwanda members visit during the 2026 General Assembly.*

Formally established in 1995, the IELC-Rwanda has 14 congregations throughout the Eastern Province of Rwanda. In 2019, it became an observer member in the International Lutheran Council (ILC), 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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LCMS holds 69th Regular Convention

by Mathew Block | Aug 15, 2026

USA – The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) held its 69^th Regular Convention from July 18-23 in Phoenix, Arizona. The theme for the convention was “Christ is Risen Indeed,” drawing on 1 Corinthians 15:20-22.

During convention, the LCMS held elections for numerous offices. Elected as Vice-Presidents were Rev. Peter K. Lange (First Vice-President), Rev. Benjamin T. Ball (Second Vice-President), Rev. Dr. Alfonso O. Espinosa (Third Vice-President), Rev. Christopher S. Esget (Fourth Vice-President), Rev. Nabil S. Nour (Fifth Vice-President), and Rev. Eric C. Skovgaard (Sixth Vice-President). Elections were also held for Synod Secretary, the Board of Directors, various commissions, and other church offices.

The LCMS holds its presidential election in advance of convention. President Matthew C. Harrison was reelected to a sixth term as president on June 24. An installation service for the LCMS President, Vice-Presidents, and other officers will be held September 18 at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.

Among other business, the LCMS unanimously voted to “support and encourage recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship with Lutheran Mission – Australia” (LM-A). The resolution authorizes President Harrison to formally recognize fellowship with the LM-A at its Synodical Assembly at the end of August, when the Australian church will also vote on recognizing fellowship with the LCMS.

The LCMS convention also formally ratified its recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Christian Church of Bolivia (Iglesia Cristiana Evangélica Luterana de Bolivia – ICEL). President Harrison had recognized fellowship with the Bolivian church in 2025, but the LCMS is required to ratify such declarations at its next convention.

Numerous guests were present for convention. Notable among these was President Mark Schroeder of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), who brought greetings. The LCMS, WELS, and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) have been holding regular meetings together since 2012.

The LCMS also held an International Church Relations Conference (ICRC) in conjunction with Convention, from July 16-27, during which time 51 church leaders from 43 different countries gathered together.

Additional news from the LCMS’ 2026 Convention can be found at its website here.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is a member of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), 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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ILC partners with CPH to provide thousands of books for churches around the world

by Mathew Block | Aug 10, 2026

Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana show off some of the resources church workers in the country will receive thanks to an ongoing initiative of Concordia Publishing House and the International Lutheran Council.

WORLD – Near the end of May, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana celebrated the reception of a large shipment of Lutheran books from Concordia Publishing House (CPH) and the International Lutheran Council (ILC)—an event being repeated in numerous countries around the world.

“These books are valuable gifts that will greatly enrich our individual libraries, enhance our learning, and strengthen our teaching and ministry to our congregations,” said ELCG President John Shadrack Donkoh, noting the works are being distributed to pastors, evangelists, and vicars across the country. The new resources, he said, will contribute “to the growth of theological education and the spiritual development of church workers in Ghana.”

Ghana is just one of many ILC member church bodies to benefit from an ongoing initiative of the ILC and CPH to get faithful Lutheran resources into the hands of Lutheran seminaries and local pastors around the world. Under the program, CPH has provided the ILC with hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to sponsor the purchase of CPH products for ILC member churches, while the ILC handles administration and shipping. The ILC consults with member churches to identify their specific needs and ensure those are the works they receive.

“We’re delighted to partner with Concordia Publishing House in this endeavour,” said ILC General Secretary Klaus Detlev Schulz. “CPH is the premier English-language provider of books faithful to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, and we are deeply grateful for their generosity and partnership in this project. May God bless the ILC member churches who are receiving these resources as they put them to use!”

*Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Sudan and Sudan (ELCSS/S) celebrate after receiving new CPH resources.*

Popular works selected so far have included Lutheran Study Bibles, Pastoral Care Companions, Lutheran Service Books, Small Catechisms, and Concordia Commentary volumes. Other resources selected have ranged from school curriculum to homiletics to Reformation-era works, among numerous other subjects.

In 2026, the CPH has granted the ILC $200,000 in books and resources to expand the church libraries of parish pastors in ILC member church bodies. This year’s focus is intended to support the ministry of pastors and congregations on the ground level in a meaningful and tangible way.

Books distributed in 2025, meanwhile, focused on supplying additional resources to the seminaries of church bodies participating in the ILC’s Lutheran Leadership Development Program (LLDP), a program which is also supported by Concordia Publishing House. In total, CPH provided $100,000 in books to the ILC in 2025 for seminaries around the world.

ILC member churches which have been recipients under the program so far hail from numerous countries, including Argentina, Canada, Finland, Ghana, Kenya, Korea, Madagascar, Mexico, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Sudan and South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the United Kingdom.

In addition, participants in ILC events—like last year’s World Conference, June’s World Seminaries Conference, and July’s Extraordinary Assembly—have also received CPH resources under the program.

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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AALC reelects Presiding Pastor

by Mathew Block | Aug 3, 2026

*Clergy at the AALC’s 2026 General Convention.*

USA – The American Association of Lutheran Churches (AALC) held its 30^th General Convention in Plymouth, Minnesota, from June 23-25, during which time the church reelected Rev. Dr. Cary G. Larson to a second term as Presiding Pastor.

President Larson was first elected to lead the AALC at its 2022 General Convention. Prior to that, Presiding Pastor Larson had served the church as Assistant Presiding Pastor and Assistant to the President Pastor. Presiding Pastor Larson also serves on the faculty of the AALC’s seminary, the American Lutheran Theological Seminary (ALTS).

The theme for this year’s convention was “Christ Jesus – Our Hope – Our Future!” based on Hebrews 10:23. Rev. Dr. Jordan B. Cooper of ALTS served as keynote speaker, giving a two-part presentation entitled “Toward a Gracious Confessionalism.”

Among other business, the convention conducted other elections; heard reports; and welcomed three congregations into the AALC.

The American Association of Lutheran Churches is a member of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), 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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Acceptance of Voting Members

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