International Lutheran Council Archives - Page 3 of 49

LCANZ and JLC removed from membership in the ILC

by Mathew Block | Apr 3, 2025

WORLD – The International Lutheran Council (ILC) has removed the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) and the Japan Lutheran Church (JLC) from observer membership in the ILC. Both were removed for departing from the doctrinal positions required of all members in the ILC’s bylaws.

The decision to remove the two churches came during a meeting of the ILC’s Board of Directors on March 21, 2025, and followed a long period of outreach to the two churches in question. The churches were formally informed on March 30.

“The International Lutheran Council has previously expressed our dismay to both the LCANZ and the JLC over their decisions to depart from the clear teaching of Scripture and the doctrinal standards of the ILC by approving the ordination of women,” noted Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the ILC. “Since then, we have several times expressed our desire for respectful dialogue on this matter and encouraged the churches in question to return to the teaching of Scripture on ordination. But the churches have made clear they have no intention of doing so.”

The Japan Lutheran Church voted in 2021 to open ordination to women, in contravention of Art. II.1.D.2.b of the ILC’s bylaws. That led to an automatic reduction in their status in the ILC from full membership to observer membership, in keeping with Art. II.3.a. In November 2021, the ILC began outreach to the JLC, informing them of their change in membership status, reaffirming the doctrinal requirements for ILC membership, and seeking an opportunity to discuss this serious issue in the hopes of finding a resolution.

The Lutheran Church in Australia and New Zealand voted to approve women’s ordination in 2024, and was likewise automatically reduced to observer membership from its former associate membership. The LCANZ had been advised multiple times over many years that a decision to adopt women’s ordination would jeopardize their continued participation in the ILC, and this was reaffirmed in a letter to the LCANZ in November 2024.

In both instances, the International Lutheran Council assured the LCANZ and the JLC that it remained open to discussing this issue in a spirit of love and mutual respect, and that our earnest desire was that they might return to the teachings of Scripture and be restored to their previous membership status in the ILC.

In January 2025, the ILC reached out again to the Japan Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand, informing them that unless they demonstrated a willingness to discuss this issue and an openness to returning to the doctrinal position required for ILC membership, the board would have no choice but to remove them as observer members. Both wrote back to say they will carry forward with the ordination of women.

Consequently, the ILC board voted on March 21 to remove the LCANZ and the JLC from observer membership in the ILC, in accordance with the procedures required in Art. II.3.c.i of the ILC’s bylaws.

“We grieve this rupture in the long relationship the ILC has enjoyed with these two church bodies,” said Dr. Schulz. “And we continue to pray for repentance and a return to biblical doctrine and practice, so that we may welcome them back into the ILC.”

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The International Lutheran Council is a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies and groups which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of an unconditional commitment to Holy Scripture and to the Lutheran Confessions.

Meeting of the Augustana Working Group in Rome

by Mathew Block | Mar 27, 2025

*Participants in the third meeting of the Concordia Lutheran-Catholic Augustana Working Group.*

ROME – The third meeting of the Concordia Lutheran-Catholic Augustana Working Group (AWG) took place in Rome from February 23-25, 2025.

Under the chairmanship of Bishop Dr. Juhana Pohjola, Chairman of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), and Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Peter Birkhofer, the participants discussed the statements of the Augsburg Confession on ordination and episcopacy from a pre-confessional perspective and in the further confessional development. As a guest, Prof. em. Dr. Josef Freitag gave an online presentation on the understanding of episcopacy in the context of the Council of Trent.

The next meeting is scheduled to take place as a video conference in October 2025.

*Meeting of the Augustana Working Group in Rome. (Photo: Rev. Dr. Thomas M. Winger)*

The Augustana Working Group includes representatives of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) and the Catholic Church. Following the conclusion of the theological discussions between the ILC—an association of Concordia Lutheran churches—and the Catholic Church (2014-2019), both sides suggested the establishment of a working group as a specific ecumenical-theological format. The working group is not an official dialogue commission. Father Dr. Augustinus Sander OSB takes part in the meetings as a permanent guest of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity (DPCU).

Participants of the International Lutheran Council (ILC)

Bishop Dr. Juhana Pohjola, Helsinki, Finland, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Diocese of Finland; Chairman of the International Lutheran Council (ILC)
Prof. Dr. Joel Elowsky, St. Louis, Mo., USA
Prof. em. Dr. Werner Klän, D.Litt., Lübeck, Germany
Associate Prof. Dr. Jonathan Mumme, Hillsdale, Mich., USA
Prof. Dr. Thomas M. Winger, St. Catharines, Ont., Canada

Rev. Sebastian Grünbaum, Helsinki / Vatican (minute writer)

Catholic participants

Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Peter Birkhofer, Freiburg / Breisgau, Germany
Prof. Dr. Markus Lersch, Siegen, Germany (online)
Dr. Tim Lindfeld, Aachen, Germany
Associate Professor Dr. James Prothro, St. Louis, Mo., USA (absent)
Father Dr. Augustinus Sander OSB, Vatican, permanent guest of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity

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For further information on the ILC’s ecumenical relations with Catholics, see here.

The ILC is Hiring: Fund Development Professional

by Mathew Block | Mar 22, 2025

USA – The International Lutheran Council (ILC) is seeking to hire a full-time Mission Advocate.

The ILC Mission Advocate will be an experienced fund development professional, and will lead a fund development plan in order to grow and sustain ILC infrastructure. This position offers a salary based on the candidates experience and includes a full benefits package including health care, retirement, and paid time off (PTO).

A full description of the position, including essential job functions; education and experience required; and knowledge, skills, and abilities required is available online here.

Resumes should be sent to admin [at] ilcouncil [dot] org.

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Lutherans in Malawi enter into fellowship with FELSISA

by Mathew Block | Feb 13, 2025

*CLCMS President Davis Wowa and FELSISA Bishop Emeritus Dieter Reinstorf at the CLCMS’ 2024 convention.*

MALAWI – The Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa (FELSISA) has entered into fellowship with the Confessional Lutheran Church – Malawi Synod (CLCMS).

The official ratification of fellowship came during a vote at the CLCMS’ first synodical convention, held August 1-5, 2024 in Mzuzu, Malawi. The FELSISA had previously voted during its 2023 synodical convention to also declare fellowship with the church in Malawi. The votes in both church bodies passed unanimously.

This was the culmination of a process that began in 2019, when FELSISA’s synodical council first decided to hold talks with the CLCMS. The pandemic put those plans on hold, but they recommenced when FELSISA Bishop Dieter Reinstorf was invited to Malawi to teach theology in 2022.

*Bishop Emeritus Reinstorf and President Wowa celebrate the declaration of fellowship between FELSISA and CLCMS.*

Rev. Dr. Reinstorf retired as bishop of FELSISA in 2023, but he was invited to attend the CLCMS’ first synodical convention as a representative of the South African church. “It was an honour to attend the convention of this rather young but vibrant church,” he said. “Having learned so much on my trip to Malawi, I praise God and pray that the partnership between the CLCMS and the FELSISA will blossom, leading to renewed trust in our faithful God.”

The FELSISA is a member, and the CLCMS an observer member, of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a global association of Lutheran church bodies and groups, dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of a shared commitment to the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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ILC encourages prayer for DR Congo

by Mathew Block | Feb 4, 2025

DR CONGO – The International Lutheran Council is encouraging prayer for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following hostilities in the eastern part of the country which have left at least 900 people dead, and more than 2,900 wounded.

“We encourage Christians around the world to remember the people of the eastern DRC in prayer,” said Rev. Dr. Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council. “The death and destruction in the area is horrific. We pray for an end to the hostilities; the protection of the endangered; the well-being of the displaced; and the comfort of all who mourn. Lord, have mercy.”

M23 rebels, with support from Rwanda, launched a new assault in eastern DRC in early 2025. Over the past weeks, rebels have seized control over a large area, culminating at the end of January with the seizure of Goma, the capital city of North Kivu Province. Numerous civilians have been killed in the conflict, and there are reports of horrific atrocities against civilians, including women and children.

Even before the latest assaults, more than 700,000 displaced people lived near Goma, having fled earlier clashes between rebels and DRC troops in the east.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in East Congo (CELCE) has a significant number of members in the affected area. CELCE Bishop Herman Kashaba calls the situation “not only dramatic but apocalyptic,” and has invited the prayers of Christians around the world for the region.

The ILC also has contacts with Lutheran church bodies in other regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. “We pray for our Lutheran brothers and sisters throughout the DRC, and for all who are suffering in in this terrible situation,” said ILC General Secretary Schulz. “May Christ be present among His people with His mercy even in the midst of war.”

The International Lutheran Council is a global association of Lutheran church bodies and groups, dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of a shared commitment to the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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LLDP visits Concordia Publishing House, celebrates another graduate

by Mathew Block | Jan 7, 2025

USA – Church leaders from ten Lutheran church bodies and dioceses in eight countries in Africa and Asia travelled to the United States for an eventful next session of the International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) Lutheran Leadership Development Program (LLDP) from November 11-22, 2024.

Concordia Publishing House

*President and CEO of CPH, Jonathan Schultz, addresses the LLDP participants.*

A highlight of this session was a course held at Concordia Publishing House (CPH) during the second week. CPH President and CEO Jonathan Schultz warmly welcomed the LLDP participants. He was joined by Dr. Jacob Corzine, Vice President of Publishing, Mrs. Kim Latham, Assistant to President, and many other key staff members in extending kind hospitality to the LLDP participants. President Schultz’ passion for the Gospel and care for the participants excited and melted the hearts of all, and Dr. Corzine’s lecture on church leadership according to Apology XXVIII was very insightful.

A tour of the building gave participants a deep understanding of how the Lord has blessed CPH over 150 years as the world’s premier confessional Lutheran publishing house. In all LLDP sessions, participants have benefited from CPH’s rich resources that are faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. It was a privilege as a result for participants to learn more about CPH and the people who serve there.

Concordia Publishing House was one of the agencies which helped to found the LLDP in 2017, together with the ILC, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne (CTSFW). That support of the LLDP reflects CPH’s broader mission of serving the proclamation of the Gospel effectively throughout the world. This November session served as the LLDP’s “homecoming,” giving thanks to CPH, with particular emphasis on its support for LLDP itself.

Another LLDP graduate

*New LLDP graduate, Bishop Dr. Yohana Nzelu (front centre), with LLDP teaching faculty, students, and a few guests following commencement on November 15, 2024.*

Another highlight of the most recent session was the graduation of Rev. Dr. Yohana Nzelu, Bishop of South East of Lake Victoria Diocese (SELVD) in Tanzania, and his reception of a Certificate of Theology in Lutheran Leadership from the ILC. The program requires students to write a graduation thesis as a culminating exercise. Bishop Nzelu’s thesis was: “An Examination of the Contribution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to the Growth of ELCT–South East of Lake Victoria Diocese.” He presented its summary to the community of CTSFW during its Convocation Hour on November 13 before conferral of the certificate on November 15.

Reflecting on his two years of LLDP, Bishop Nzelu commented: “The LLDP made me a Lutheran leader. It shaped my liturgical practice from Pentecostal influence to Lutheranism. I have been equipped with skills for defending the Lutheran theology. It gave me skills for leading my diocese by building an effective team to reach our goals. I recommend LLDP to every church leader, especially bishops and presidents.”

*Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Skopak teaching Strategic Planning and Task Management at CTSFW.*

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Skopak of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School (Asheville, Tennessee) served as instructor for the first week at CTSFW, teaching a course on Strategic Planning and Task Management. Participants expressed thanks for the lessons, with one writing: “This course was transformative in ecclesial ministry, as this kind of course is rarely taught in theological seminary and colleges.” Another participant encouraged the LLDP to offer annual workshops on the same topic for LLDP alumni and their executive staff.

*LCMS Mid-South District President Roger Paavola teaching Budgeting and Financial Accountability at CPH.*

Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola, President of the LCMS’ Mid-South District, was the instructor at CPH for the second week. To enrich his course on Budgeting and Financial Accountability, he brought in a team of instructors and presenters, including: Professor Tom McCain, CPA, of Washington University; Ed Holerde, Esq., a member of Spencer Law Firm, which works with the LCMS; Jeff Schwartz of Lutheran Public Radio (Issues, Etc.); and Rev. Matthew Clark, pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church (St. Louis, Missouri). Participating church leaders commented: “I learned that stewardship begins with Christ’s love,” and “This was a very important course for church leaders to help them think strategically in planning for the church.”

Holding a class in St. Louis brought additional benefits. President Dr. Tom Egger of Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri) and his wife invited LLDP participants for desert one evening. One afternoon was spent at the LCMS’s International Center to hear Revs. Drs. Joel Lehenbauer and Rick Serina concerning the work and resources of the LCMS’ Commission on Theology and Church Relations. Participants were also grateful to visit with LCMS President Matthew Harrison, who had served as an instructor during the LLDP’s February/March 2024 session in Wittenberg.

The LLDP at the LCMS International Center on November 20, 2024. From left, Rev. Dr. Joel Lehenbauer, Executive Director of LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR); President Dr. Roger Paavola; Prof. Dr. Naomichi Masaki; Rev. Johanesa Andriamanarinjato; Rev. Dr. Heinz Hiestermann; Bishop Jackson Mushendwa; Presiding Bishop Peter Abia; Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, LCMS President; Dr. John Lanbon; Bishop Dr. Yohana Nzelu; Rev. Dr. Yacob Godebo; Rev. President/Bishop Elect Daniel Akoh; Rev. Fredirick Flores; retired Bishop Ambele Mwaipopo; National Presiding Bishop Charles Bameka; Rev. Martin Paul; and Rev. Dr. Rick Serina, Associate Executive Director, CTCR.

On Sundays, members visited two local congregations to receive the Lord’s service. Five of the participants also served as preachers during the session. Bishops Peter Anibati Abia (South Sudan/Sudan) and Charles Bameka (Uganda) preached at Kramer Chapel at CTSFW during the first week. President/Bishop Elect Daniel Akoh (Ghana), Rev. Martin Paul (South Africa), and Rev. Fredirick Flores (Philippines) preached at LLDP’s daily Matins at CPH.

Left: LLDP participants present gifts of maps along with words of appreciation to LLDP Director, Dr. Naomichi Masaki. Right: Dr. Masaki showing Small Catechism with Explanation book in Japanese published by CPH in 1952 when preaching at CPH’s weekly morning chapel on November 20, 2024.

“This session was amazing!” said Rev. Dr. Naomichi Masaki, LLDP Director. “The instructors were the best of the best. Convocation and commencement, time spent at CPH, visits to congregations, CTCR, and with President Harrison were all so precious and meaningful. Even the time spent together in a van, dormitory, and at dinner were so sweet.”

“It was gratifying to hear that the LLDP is so helpful to the participating church leaders and future leaders,” Dr. Masaki continued. “What a gift of the Lord it is that we all walk together in one mind, heart, and faith to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ in faithfulness to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions!”

The next session in March 2025 will focus on Missions and the Office of the Holy Ministry. You are invited to support the work of the LLDP by making a donation online. You can also mail a donation by cheque to:

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

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Lutherans in the Philippines recovering from devastating typhoons

by Mathew Block | Dec 30, 2024

*Church members gather for worship and support following typhoons in the Philippines.*

PHILIPPINES – The Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) continues to recover from devastating typhoons in late 2024.

*LCP members visit a congregation for support.*

Beginning in late October through November, multiple typhoons—Trami (Kristine), Kong-rey (Leon), Yinxing (Marce), Toraji (Nika), Usagi-(Ofel), and Man-yi (Pepito)— swept across the Philippines, leaving devastation in their paths. The country saw widespread flooding, landslides, and destruction across many provinces, especially in the regions of Bicol, Calabarzon, and Cagayan Valley. Entire communities were submerged, crops destroyed, and thousands of families lost their homes. LCP members living in Calabarzon region and in Cagayan Valley were particularly hit hard.

“It’s hard to imagine the pain of losing loved ones, your home, and your means of livelihood all at once,” said LCP President Antonio del Rio Reyes. “Yet amidst all of this, I have seen incredible resilience and faith in these communities. They are doing their best to pick up the pieces but the journey is long, and they can’t do it alone.”

Eight church buildings of the LCP in Cagayan Province and Ilocos Norte were damaged during the storms, with the parsonage of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ballesteros suffering severe destruction. No church workers or members were injured during the storms but—like numerous people across the Philippines—many had difficulty accessing basic necessities and experienced damage to their homes.

In the immediate aftermath, LCP pastors reached out with spiritual care to their members. With the financial support of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), the LCP also extended emergency relief to 276 affected families from Cagayan Province/Ilocos Norte and 71 families in Batangas. These funds have helped affected families access basic necessities and will also help with repairs for damaged homes—for example, by making repairs to damaged roofs.

“On behalf of the LCP, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the help extended by the LCMS,” President Reyes said. “It was indeed a blessing—an expression of deep concern and love for those who suffered the aftermath of the strong typhoons that came to our country. Your kindness will always be treasured in our hearts. Thank you for bearing with us. May God bless you and the LCMS for your thoughtfulness and generosity.”

The Lutheran Church in the Philippines and the LCMS are members of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies.

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Lutheran Mission – Australia holds formal launch, installs president

by Mathew Block | Dec 20, 2024

*Lutheran Mission – Australia held its launch service on November 24, 2024.*

AUSTRALIA – Lutheran Mission – Australia (LM-A) held its formal launch as a church body on the weekend of November 23-24, during which time the church also installed Rev. Matthew Anker as LM-A president.

*LM-A President Matthew Anker speaks after his installation .*

“Tonight is the culmination of the efforts of many people over many years,” President Anker said in an address during the launch dinner on November 23. “God Himself has been preparing people for the necessity of establishing Lutheran Mission – Australia to provide His people with hope for the future and with certainty in His Word.”

Several guests also addressed the gathering on November 23, including President Antonio del Rio Reyes of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP), who also serves as the Asia region’s representative on the Board of Directors of the International Lutheran Council (ILC). “Today is a day of profound rejoicing and heartfelt gratitude!” said LCP President Reyes. “Our Lord, the God of the harvest and the Master Builder of His Church, has once again displayed His unfailing love and mercy by raising up a faithful assembly under the banner of Lutheran Mission – Australia.”

“Your unwavering commitment to standing firm on the unchanging Word of God amid a world of shifting values and doctrines is truly inspiring,” President Reyes continued. “In an age where many are swayed by cultural trends, your resolve to uphold Christ’s Gospel reflects your love for Him and your faithfulness to His mission.

Also bringing greetings was Rev. Dr. Jonathan Shaw, Director of Church Relations for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Dr. Shaw encouraged members to stand firm on God’s Word, highlighting the biblical basis for confessional unity. LM-A’s Chairman, Peter Walter, also addressed the gathering, thanking God for those in Australia who have stood for solid confessional Lutheranism down through the years.

*LCP President Antonio del Rio Reyes (left) installs LM-A President Matthew Anker (centre).*

On November 24, LM-A held a service of installation for President Anker at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Hamilton, Victoria. LCP President Reyes presided over the installation of Rev. Anker as LM-A President, presenting him with a pectoral cross as a symbol of his office. Rev. Dr. Adam Hensley served as preacher, and Rev. Matthew Kerr and Rev. Matthew Anker served as liturgists. After his installation, President Anker installed other directors and staff of LM-A.

“Today is about much more than the beginning of a new church body,” President Anker reflected after his installation. “As Christians, we are called to boldly confess God’s Word with eternity in view, knowing that what we believe, teach, and confess does indeed have eternal consequences for us and for those we serve.”

“LM-A has been established so that together you and I can also testify to those now living and those who will come after us, the whole counsel of God in Christ Jesus,” President Anker continued. “And to do so boldly and without compromise so that when the day comes for us to appear before Christ, we can make this confession with intrepid hearts, knowing that we stand on nothing other than His revealed word. And in so doing, bring forgiveness, life and salvation to all those we are called to serve.”

Lutheran Mission-Australia is an observer member of the International Lutheran Council, a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies and groups which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of an unconditional commitment to Holy Scripture and to the Lutheran Confessions. LM-A emerged earlier this year out a confessional movement in Australia concerned with the theological direction of the Lutheran Church of Australia/New Zealand (LCANZ), notably on the issue of women’s ordination but also on the question of the authority of Scripture more broadly.

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With files from Lutheran Mission – Australia

Christmas Greetings: Proclaiming Peace on Earth

by Mathew Block | Dec 19, 2024

by Klaus Detlev Schulz

As we move towards the season of Christmas, we are reminded anew how much this fallen world needs a Saviour. This Christmas, people across the globe face hardship and sorrow, war and division, sickness and suffering. And above all this, we face the deeper grief of sin—sin which separates us from God and from one another.

At the first Christmas so many years ago, God stepped forth in the flesh to bear our sins and sorrows. He became a little child for our sake, taking our weakness upon Himself. “And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). Yes, this little child, born of Mary, came to die for us—and through His death and resurrection rescue us from all sin and sorrow.

Over the past year, the International Lutheran Council has been hard at work encouraging confessional Lutherans across the world in their witness to Jesus Christ. And we’ve been grateful to see confessional Lutherans in more places join us in that work: this year, we welcomed several new church bodies and groups into membership in the ILC, including in Australia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. We also welcomed Corpus Christi, a young adults ministry which serves confessional Lutheran churches across Europe.

This year, the ILC also hosted regional conferences for member churches in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These events bring together ILC member churches to discuss issues of regional importance and to consider new opportunities for cooperation. They are also important in encouraging member churches to stand firm on Scripture in the midst of new challenges. In Africa, for example, the leaders of 22 confessional Lutheran church bodies responded to increasing pressure in that part of the world to approve same-sex marriage. These leaders issued a statement unanimously reaffirming their position that same-sex marriage is contrary to the Word of God.

The ILC has also been busy supporting solid Lutheran education across the globe. Our Lutheran Leadership Development Program (LLDP), for example, continues to equip Lutheran leaders for faithful service in their local church bodies. We also held our triennial World Seminaries Conference this year. The conference brings together leaders from ILC-affiliated seminaries around the world to discuss new challenges and consider how they can better support each other as they train a new generation of church workers.

Through this work—and much, much more—the ILC continues to support confessional Lutheran churches across the globe in giving a faithful witness to Christ. Indeed, this is the very reason for which the International Lutheran Council exists.

Angels greeted the birth of Christ with songs of praise: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests” (Luke 1:14). The proclamation of that Gospel—peace on earth, the good news that Christ was born to save humanity from their sins—remains the great privilege and joy of the Church today, tomorrow, and forever.

May God bless you with a merry Christmas!

Let our gladness have no end, alleluia!
For to earth did Christ descend, alleluia!
On this day God gave us
Christ, His Son, to save us;
Christ, His Son, to save us.

– LSB 381 –

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Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz is General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council.

Meeting of the Augustana Working Group in Wittenberg

by Mathew Block | Dec 18, 2024

*The Augustana Working Group held its second meeting at the International Lutheran Center at the Old Latin School in Wittenberg, Germany, in December 2024.*

GERMANY – The second meeting of the Concordia Lutheran-Catholic Augustana Working Group took place in Wittenberg, Germany, from December 8-11, 2024. Under the chairmanship of Bishop Dr. Juhana Pohjola and Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Peter Birkhofer, the participants discussed the statements of the Augsburg Confession on justification and the office of the ministry from a pre-confessional perspective. This new methodological approach will be explored in greater depth at the next meeting in Rome in February 2025.

The Augustana Working Group includes representatives of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) and the Catholic Church. Following the conclusion of the theological discussions between the ILC, an association of Concordia Lutheran churches, and the Catholic Church (2014-2019), both sides suggested the establishment of a working group as a specific ecumenical-theological format. The working group is not an official dialogue commission. Father Dr. Augustinus Sander OSB takes part in the meetings as a permanent guest of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity (DPCU).

The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Rome from February 23-26, 2025.

Participants of the International Lutheran Council (ILC):

Bishop Dr. Juhana Pohjola, Helsinki, Finland, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Missionary Diocese of Finland; Chairman of the International Lutheran Council (ILC)
Prof. Dr. Joel Elowsky, St. Louis, Mo., USA
Prof. em. Dr. Werner Klän, D.Litt., Lübeck, Germany
Assistant Prof. Dr. Jonathan Mumme, Hillsdale, Mich., USA
Prof. Dr. Tom Winger, St. Catharines, Ont., Canada
Prof. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, Ft. Wayne, Ind., USA (ILC General Secretary) – temporary participation, but not a member

Catholic participants:

Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Peter Birkhofer, Freiburg / Breisgau, Germany
Prof. Dr. Markus Lersch, Siegen, Germany
Dr. Tim Lindfeld, Aachen, Germany
Assistant Professor Dr. James Prothro, St. Louis, Mo., USA
Father Dr. Augustinus Sander OSB, Vatican, permanent guest of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity

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For further information, see also this report on the Augustana Working Group’s inaugural March 2024 meeting.

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