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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