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ILC’s 2025 World Conference begins

by Mathew Block | Sep 14, 2025

*ILC Chairman Juhana Pohjola preaches during the opening service of the ILC’s 2025 World Conference in the Philippines. Photo: T. Winger.*

PHILIPPINES – The International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) 28^th (13^th) triennial World Conference opened September 14, 2025, in Panglao, Bohol, in the Philippines. The theme for this year’s conference is “Unity in Christ: Confession and Cooperation in a Fragmented World,” drawing on 2 Corinthians 4:13. The conference runs until September 19.

The conference began with a service of Matins, with Vice President Felipe Ehican of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) serving as liturgist. The ILC’s Chairman, Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF), preached a sermon entitled “The Beautiful and Life-Giving Cross,” based on John 3:13-17.

Christ bore the ugliness of sin upon the cross for sinners, Bishop Pohjola assured his audience: “Whatever ugliness is in your life—whatever shame, whatever poison of unbelief, bitterness, and ingratitude you have brought to this beautiful island—all was laid upon Christ…. For Christ’s sake, the Cross is a sign of salvation for you.”

That cross—and our universal need for it—becomes then also the source of our unity as Christians. Reflecting on the convention theme, he explained: “When we speak of unity in the Church at this conference, we do not merely mean sharing concerns about human rights and equality issues, or what we all might oppose or support in cultural battles, or even sharing the name ‘Lutheran.’”

“We are not speaking of ideological togetherness but of Christian unity—unity found and given around the Cross,” he continued. “The closer we are to the Crucified, the closer we are to one another.”

From Many Nations

*LCP President Antonio del Rio Reyes and ILC General Secretary Klaus Detlev Schulz address the convention. Photo: T. Winger.*

Following the opening service, the ILC’s General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, welcomed participants to the conference. He also expressed thanks to LCP President Antonio del Rio Reyes and his wife Arlene for their hard work in preparing for the conference, as well as to all the other members of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines for hosting the event.

President Reyes, who also serves as the Asia Region Representative on the ILC’s Board of Directors, also welcomed participants to the Philippines, saying it was a privilege for the ILC’s Asia World Region to host the event.

*Convention participants take part in the convention’s opening worship service. Photo: T. Winger.*

In total, more than 130 people representing more than 60 different churches are in attendance at this year’s conference. That includes representatives of ILC member churches as well as guests invited to attend this year’s conference.The full list of nations and churches present at this year’s conference include:

Argentina – Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina
Australia – Lutheran Mission – Australia
Belgium – Evangelical Lutheran Church in Belgium
Benin – Lutheran Church in Africa – Synod of Benin
Bolivia – Christian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bolivia
Brazil – Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil
Burundi – Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church in Burundi
Cambodia – Cambodia Lutheran Church
Canada – Lutheran Church–Canada
Chile – Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile
Cöte d’Ivoire – Lutheran Church in Africa – Synod of Cöte d’Ivoire
Democratic Republic of Congo– The Church of the Faithful Confessing Lutherans in Congo
Ethiopia – Ethiopian Evangelical Lutheran Church
Finland – Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland
France – Evangelical Lutheran Church – Synod of France
Germany – Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church
Ghana – Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana
Guatemala – Lutheran Church of Guatemala
India – India Evangelical Lutheran Church
Indonesia – Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church
Japan – Lutheran Brethren – Japan
Kazakhstan (Almaty) – Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul
Kenya – Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya
Latvia – Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia
Liberia – Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia
Madagascar – Malagasy Lutheran Church
Malawi – Confessional Lutheran Church – Malawi Synod
Mexico – Lutheran Synod of Mexico
Mongolia – Mongolia Evangelical Lutheran Church
Myanmar – Myanmar Lutheran Church
Norway – The Evangelical Lutheran Diocese in Norway
Norway – Norwegian Lutheran Mission
Norway and Iceland – The Lutheran Church in Norway and Iceland
Papua New Guinea – Gutnius Lutheran Church
Panama – Evangelical Lutheran Church of Panama
Paraguay – Evangelical Lutheran Church of Paraguay
Peru – Evangelical Lutheran Church – Peru
Philippines – Lutheran Church in the Philippines
Portugal – Portuguese Evangelical Lutheran Church
Russia – Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia
Russia – Siberian Evangelical Lutheran Church
Rwanda – Independent Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Rwanda
Rwanda – Lutheran Mission in Africa – Synod of Thousand Hills
South Africa – Confessional Lutheran Synod South Africa
South Africa – Free Evangelical Lutheran Synod in South Africa
South Africa – Lutheran Church in Southern Africa
South Korea – Lutheran Church in Korea
South Sudan – South Sudan Evangelical Lutheran Church
South Sudan and Sudan – Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Sudan and Sudan
Sri Lanka – Ceylon Evangelical Lutheran Church
Sweden – Mission Province in Sweden
Tanzania – Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (Lake Tanganyika Diocese)
Tanzania – Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (South East of Lake Victoria Diocese)
Thailand – Thailand Concordia Lutheran Church
Turkey and Bulgaria – Istanbul Lutheran Church/Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bulgaria
Uganda – Lutheran Church of Uganda
Uruguay – Lutheran Church of Uruguay
United Kingdom – Evangelical Lutheran Church of England
United States of America – American Association of Lutheran Churches
United States of America – The Lutheran Church –Missouri Synod
Venezuela – Lutheran Church of Venezuela

In addition to the nations listed above, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are also represented at the conference. Two additional Recognized Organization members (Europe’s Corpus Christi and the United States of America’s Lutheran Bible Translators) are also present, along with representatives of Concordia Historical Institute, Concordia Publishing House, Lutheran Church Extension Fund, and Lutheran Heritage Foundation.

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

ILC prepares for 2025 World Conference

by Mathew Block | Apr 14, 2025

PHILIPPINES – The International Lutheran Council (ILC) will hold its 28^th World Conference in Bohol, Philippines from September 14-19, 2025. The Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) will serve as host for this year’s conference.

The theme for the 28^th World Conference is “Unity in Christ: Confession and Cooperation in a Fragmented World,” inspired by 2 Corinthians 4:13. The theme “reminds us of the same spirit of faith that unites us in reaching out to a rapidly changing world,” said Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the ILC. “Let us stand firm together as we bear witness to the Gospel in a fragmented world in need of Christ’s saving grace.”

The triennial World Conference sees the leaders of confessional Lutheran church bodies from across the globe gather together for worship, plenary sessions, and discussion, as well as to conduct the business of the ILC. Rev. Dr. Thomas M. Winger will serve as keynote speaker for the 2025 World Conference, leading a study of Ephesians 2:17-22. Dr. Winger is President of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. He is also the author of the Concordia Commentary on Ephesians from Concordia Publishing House.

Other speakers during the conference will include Rev. Dr. Jun Hyun Kim (Philippines); Rev. Dr. Tom Omolo (Kenya) and Rev. John Donkoh (Ghana); Rev. Dr. Sergio Schelske (Argentina) and President Geraldo Walmir Schüler (Brazil); ILC General Secretary Klaus Detlev Schulz (USA); and Bishop Torkild Masvie (Norway).

During the conference, the ILC will also hold elections, hear reports, hold regional meetings , and conduct other business.

The International Lutheran Council is a global association of confessional Lutheran churches which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, grounded in the authority of Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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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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ILC Asia Regional Conference meets in South Korea

by Mathew Block | Jul 22, 2024

*Participants in the International Lutheran Council’s 2024 Asia Regional Conference.*

SOUTH KOREA – The International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) Asia Regional Conference took place June 24-28 at Luther University in Seoul, South Korea. The theme for the conference was “Leading Amid Changing Social, Cultural, and Theological Landscapes,” and focused on Hebrews 13:8—”Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

The conference brought together church leaders and representatives from three member churches of the ILC’s Asia World Region: the Lutheran Church in Korea (LCK), the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP), and the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (LCA/NZ). Representatives of the Thailand Concordia Lutheran Church (TCLC) were also present as guests, as were 32 pastors of the LCK. Several other ILC member churches in the Asia region were unable to attend this year’s conference due to travel difficulties and other reasons.

*LCK President Eunseob Kim and Luther University President Jun Hyn Kim.*

“We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Lutheran Church of Korea—especially to LCK President Eunseob Kim and Luther University President Jun Hyun Kim—for their gracious hospitality and efficient management of the program,” said LCP President Antonio Reyes, who also serves as the Asia World Region representative on the ILC’s Board of Directors. “As hosts they ensured that all aspects of the conference were of the highest quality. We are overwhelmed by their enthusiasm in support of the goals of the ILC.”

*Bishop Juhana Pohjola addresses the ILC’s 2024 Asia Regional Conference.*

Speakers for the conference were Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (ELMDF), who also serves as ILC Chairman; Rev. Dr. Andrew Pfeiffer of the LCA’s Australian Lutheran College; and Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz, General Secretary of the ILC. Bishop Pohjola gave a lecture on the challenges posed by women’s ordination, reflecting on the experience of Finland’s national Lutheran church. Dr. Pfeiffer gave two addresses: one on the office of the holy ministry and one on pastoral care. Dr. Schulz, meanwhile, presented on church relations and altar-and-pulpit fellowship.

An additional session led by Dr. Schulz and President Reyes discussed the ways in which the ILC might assist member church bodies in recognizing fellowship with each other.

*ILC General Secretary Klaus Detlev Schulz.*

“It was a blessing to gather together with our friends in the Asia World Region, and to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding the proclamation of the Gospel in that part of the globe,” said ILC General Secretary Schulz after the conference. “The International Lutheran Council plays an important role in fostering greater communication and cooperation between member churches, and in encouraging Lutherans around the world to remain faithful to Christ and His Word. We are grateful for the strong and faithful witnesses to Christ present in ILC member churches throughout the Asia World Region.”

Additional presentations focused on the history and present situation in each of the church bodies represented at the conference. Rev. Johng Ho Won presented on behalf of the Lutheran Church in Korea; Rev. Matthew Anker on behalf of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand; President Reyes on behalf of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines; and President Pornprom (Ted) NaThalang and Rev. Neran Temsakun on behalf of the Thailand Concordia Lutheran Church (TCLC).

*TCLC President Pornprom (Ted) NaThalang speaks during the conference.*

President NaThalang also gave a presentation on the work of the Lutheran Heritage Foundation in Asia.

In addition to the presentations and discussions, participants held daily matins and vespers. Preaching for these services were LCK President Eunseob Kim; Rev. Anker of the LCA/NZ; Rev. Carl Hanson of International Lutheran Church in Seoul; LCP President Reyes; and Dr. Jun Hyun Kim of Luther University.

*Closing worship at Yeolrinmoon Lutheran Church.*

Bishop Pohjola served as preacher for the conference’s closing worship service, which was held at the newly-built Yeolrinmoon Lutheran Church. “Our noble calling as church leaders is to receive the life-giving and faith-sustaining Word and Sacraments and ministry,” he said. “During those few years in the life of the Church when we hold Christ’s office it, is our holy and noble task to hand over and pass on Christ and His gifts in the same way we received them—and not to take away anything or adopt strange new teachings.”

“You have received the faith from faithful pastors and laity in the past generation, you preach and teach it now, and then you pass it on to the next generation,” he continued. “This is the reality of how Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever among us in Korea, Thailand, Australia, the Philippines, Finland, and the world.”

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

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Lutherans in the Philippines reelect president

by Mathew Block | Dec 1, 2023

*LCP President Antonio Reyes addresses the convention in Manila.*

PHILIPPINES – The Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) met for its 25^th General Convention from October 23-27 in Manila, during which time the church reelected Rev. Antonio Reyes to a fourth term as president. The convention theme was: “Proclaiming Christ in Season and Out of Season,” drawing on 2 Timothy 4:2.

President Reyes was first elected as president of the LCP in 2014. Prior to that, he served as President of the church’s Visayas-Mindanao District, and further served as the LCP’s Disaster Response Leader. Since his election as president, he has also served the global church as a member of the International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) board of directors, representing the Asia World Region.

*Participants in the LCP’s 25th General Convention.*

The General Convention in Manila also saw Rev. Felipe Ehican Jr. reelected as Vice President of the LCP, as well as elections for other positions. Like President Reyes, Vice President Ehican was first elected to the position in 2014. Rev. Teodorico Taran Jr., Dean of the LCP’s Lutheran Theological Seminary and Training Center, officiated over the installation of officers during the closing worship service.

*Former LCP President Jose Fuliga accepts a Lifetime Achievement award.*

The convention also honored former president, Rev. Dr. Jose Babao Fuliga, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Fuliga, who is also former dean of the LCP’s seminary, and his family were recognized “for selfless dedication and consistent zeal, as empowered by the Holy Spirit, in supporting the ministry of the church for 62 years.” Dr. Fuliga was ordained in 1961, and has since then worked tirelessly along with his family to “encourage pastors to continue serving the Lord” and “contribute to the advancement of the LCP.”

The Lutheran Church in the Philippines is a member church of the International Lutheran Council, a global association of confessional Lutheran churches which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of an unconditional subscription to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions.

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ILC brings greetings as new bishop installed for Australia and New Zealand

by Mathew Block | Mar 16, 2022

*Bishop Emeritus John Henderson (right) installs Rev. John Henderson as Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand.*

AUSTRALIA – The Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) installed its new bishop, Rev. Paul Smith, during a service of celebration in Adelaide on February 20, 2022, and the International Lutheran Council was present to bring greetings. The theme for the service was Galatians 5:1—“For freedom Christ has set us free.”

Bishop Smith was elected to lead the LCANZ in October 2021. Prior to his election, he served as bishop of the LCANZ’s Queensland District from 2005-2021. He is the sixth leader to head the LCANZ since the unification of Australia’s Lutheran churches in 1966.

“I ask you to pray for me and for all the people of our evangelical Lutheran Church in New Zealand and Australia,” Bishop Smith said in remarks following his installation, “and for the people of all Christian churches of the world, that we would gladly serve in the Lord’s name.

President Antonio Reyes of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) was present for the installation of Bishop Smith to bring greetings on behalf of the International Lutheran Council. President Reyes represents the Asia World Region on the ILC’s Board of Directors.

*LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith and LCP President Antonio Reyes.*

“It is amazing how God’s promise of providing for His people and never abandoning them still continues to be fulfilled today,” President Reyes said. “It is our prayer that the Holy Spirit will guide you, Bishop Paul, as the shepherd of God’s flock here in Australia and New Zealand. May the Lord of the harvest grant you wisdom, strength, and courage as you serve Him and His people.”

President Reyes also expressed his thankfulness for the LCANZ’s longstanding participation in the life of the International Lutheran Council. “My presence here signifies the ILC’s wholehearted intention to walk and work with you,” he said, “to continue to study and learn with you and your pastors the Holy Scriptures—the inspired Word of God—and the Lutheran Confessions as the correct exposition of God’s Word.”

President Reyes also expressed thanks for the cooperative work which exists between the LCANZ and the Lutheran Church in the Philippines, and especially for the love they showed the LCP during the pandemic.

President Reyes’ full remarks can be read here.

Additional information on the installation of Bishop Smith is available here.

The LCANZ is an Associate Member of the ILC, a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of an unconditional commitment to the Holy Scriptures as expounded in the Lutheran Confessions.

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Philippines: Church Planting in a Pandemic

by Mathew Block | Mar 23, 2021

LCP President Antonio Reyes speaks to children at COVID Lutheran Church.

PHILIPPINES – When pandemic restrictions hit the Philippines, Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) President Antonio Reyes and his wife Arlene were caught in Tiaong, Quezon Province—a small town about 100 kms away from the LCP’s main office in Manila. So he did what anyone would do: begin mission work.

Of course, that wasn’t the plan from the beginning. President Reyes had been visiting a property recently acquired by the LCP when the quarantine was instituted. Unable to return to Manila, he organized a local food-distribution ministry, providing free rice to informal settlers living along the Philippine National Railway who were unable to work as a result of pandemic regulations. What began as a service to 12 families would eventually grow to reach 40 families.

That practical assistance led in time to Bible studies with local people, and eventually to regular worship services. Today, the LCP has a new mission congregation in the area with a unique name: “COVID Lutheran Church,” with “COVID” standing for “Christ Our Victorious Infinite Deliverer”—a deliberate reminder that God can use even the most difficult circumstances for good.

Worship at COVID Lutheran Church in the Philippines.

“Despite having to face the negative effects of the pandemic, we thank God for His grace and His mercy,” President Reyes says of the situation in the Philippines. “Even in these times, the Church prevails.”

Today, the LCP continues to provide rice to those in need, as funds are available. And the pandemic—which has resulted in job losses as well as an increase in the price of basic food commodities—has left many in need.

The Lutheran Church in the Philippines is a member of the International Lutheran Council, a global association of confessional Lutheran church bodies.

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COVID-19 and ILC Churches in the Philippines, Russia, and South Africa

by Mathew Block | May 4, 2020

LCP President Antonio Reyes leads Easter worship for residents in the immediate vicinity of the Lutheran Center in Tiaong, Quezon Province, where he and his wife were stranded when the nation-wide quarantine began. The church here has also been distributing rice, milk, and hygienic products.

WORLD – The coronavirus pandemic continues to affect nations around the world, and churches are responding with practical and spiritual care. In this report, we highlight the work of International Lutheran Council (ILC) member churches in the Philippines, Russia, and South Africa.

Philippines

The Philippines has reported 9,485 cases of COVID-19 so far, with 623 deaths. The country entered into quarantine measures on March 15, 2020 in order to combat the spread of the disease, and those measures have been extended at least through May 15. Authorities have called on citizens to refrain from attending mass gatherings and to ensure social distancing.

In response to the spread of COVID-19, the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) responded immediately, encouraging all members of the church to abide by and respect the government’s directions. Through the church’s website and social media channels, the LCP has published a wide variety of resources to assist church members during this time of crisis. These resources have included the broadcast of worship services online, the publication of written devotionals and sermons, and posting regular prayers and inspirational articles.

Faith Lutheran Church in Batuan City, Philippines, distributes face masks to local residents as part of their practical support during the coronavirus pandemic.

On the local level, pastors and congregations are also reaching out with practical support to the people in their communities. Faith Lutheran Church in Batuan City, for example, has distributed face masks, as well as food supplies, to families in need. Similar distributions of foods and other necessities have taken place in Tiaong, Quezon Province; Patag, Opol, Misamis Oriental; and in Sitio Suapog Barangay Camachile, Bulacan, among other locations.

In a prayer posted on the LCP website, President Antonio Reyes writes the following: “I come to You in behalf of those affected by COVID-19. You are the Great Physician and healer. You have healed people of old and You can do the same today.”

“Protect those serving on the frontline around the world: doctors, nurses, and others in the medical profession,” he continues. “Protect and bless the government representatives. Give wisdom and good health to those working for the antidote of the virus, that they may develop the cure.”

“Lastly, I pray for Your mercy and grace in Jesus, because it is really You who heals our sickness… Help us to be patient… Come, Lord Jesus, save us from this predicament. Amen.”

Russia

Russia reports 145, 268 cases of COVID-19 as well as 1,356 deaths so far. Different regions have enacted quarantines and lockdown procedures, with many citizens ordered to self-isolate.

SELC Bishop Vsevolod Lytkin leads Easter worship in Novosibirsk, Russia.

As late as Easter, the Siberian Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELC) noted that its churches were still able to be open, even as they worked diligently to comply with sanitary requirements, doing everything possible to ensure the safety of members.

In an Easter letter to all parishes of the church, SELC Bishop Vsevolod Lytkin asked members to reflect not only on their physical health during the crisis but also on their spiritual health. “After all,” he wrote, “not only temporary health but also eternal life is given to us by a God who has died for us and has risen, for Whom no doors can be an obstacle.”

Noting that the current pandemic meant many parishioners were unable to attend church, Bishop Lytkin encouraged members to remember that the Eucharist will be waiting for them when they are finally able to return to church. “If current circumstances and restrictions keep you from this for the time being, please remember that in the church every service with the Holy Communion is a little Easter. And this is the main joy of Easter: Christ has risen to be with us and not to leave us; therefore, He is always waiting for us at the altar.”

South Africa

South Africa has reported 7,220 cases of COVID-19 and 138 deaths. A national lockdown began on March 26, 2020, with the country entering into a period of gradual easing of restrictions beginning on May 1.

LCSA Bishop S.M.A. Modise Maragelo leads members in a live-streamed service.

From the beginning, the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (LCSA) called on its members to heed government calls for lockdown, with the Office of the Bishop postponing and suspending all church activities.

Like many other churches around the world, the LCSA has embraced a number of various mediums of communication to ensure continued spiritual care for members. This has included recording and live-streaming sermons, as well as sending regular messages to members via the church’s Facebook page.

Individual members and congregations have also reached out to the needy with food parcels where possible.

“It could seem at times as if things were out of control,” acknowledged LCSA Bishop S.M.A. Modise Maragelo. “But things never get beyond the control or the reach of God. Because of the fact that He is in control, we can always look to Him and we can always trust Him.”

“We trust God to give compassion and dedication to medical professionals,” he continued, “and wisdom to researchers as the world faces this pandemic.”

“Fear and panic have been the order of the day,” he said. “Yet there is hope because God is still alive and still in control.”

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For more news and information from the International Lutheran Council about the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.

Philippines to host 2019 ILC World Seminary Conference

by Mathew Block | Jul 31, 2019

PHILIPPINES – The Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) will host the International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) 7^th triennial World Seminaries Conference in Baguio from October 15-18, 2019. Baguio is the site of the LCP’s Lutheran Theological Seminary.

The 2019 conference will feature two major themes. The first topic—“Confessional Lutheranism: Doctrinal Identity in Different Cultural Contexts”—will feature five presenters, one from each of the ILC’s five world regions.

ASIA – “Christology in an Asian Context” – Rev. Dr. Samuel Thompson, Professor of Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Nagercoil, India, a theological institution of the India Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELC).

EUROPE – “Lutheran Identity in a Post-Christian Context” – Rev. Dr. Christoph Barnbrock, Professor of Practical Theology at Lutheran Theological Seminary (Lutherische Theologische Hochschule – LThH) in Oberursel, Germany, a theological institution of the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (Selbständige Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche – SELK) in Germany.

AFRICA – “Spiritual Warfare in a Lutheran Perspective” – Rev. Dr. Nicolas Salifu of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana (ELCG).

NORTH AMERICA – “The Role of the Church in the Face of Declining Influence of Christianity in North American Culture” – Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann, Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, a theological institution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

LATIN AMERICA – “Ecclesial Lutheran Identity in the Face of Sociology of Favelas” – Rev. Samuel Fuhrmann of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil (Igreja Evangélica Luterana do Brasil – IELB).

Two members of the ILC’s Seminary Relations Committee, Rev. Dr. Werner Klän (Germany) and Rev. Dr. Roland Ziegler (USA), will respectively provide an introduction and a conclusion to the series of presentations.

The second theme for the 2019 World Seminaries Conference will be “A Lutheran Curriculum for Theological Education.” This section of the conference will focus on discussing a common-ground curriculum which could be acknowledged by all churches, as well as potential opportunities for shared work and seminary exchanges. Dr. Klän will serve as moderator.

The ILC’s triennial World Seminaries Conference brings together representatives from the theological institutions of ILC member churches across the globe. The last World Seminaries Conference was held in Wittenberg, Germany in 2016.

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Lutheran Church in the Philippines elects new president, requests prayers following Typhoon Hagupit

by Mathew Block | Dec 9, 2014

PHILIPPINES – Rev. Antonio Reyes was elected President of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) at their 23rd General Convention held October 20-24 in Baguio City.

The theme for 2014’s National Convention was taken from 1 Peter 3:18—“Christ suffered and crucified for you, the righteous for the unrighteous.” Outgoing President James Cerdeñola preached for the opening service of the convention at St. Stephen Lutheran Church.

President Cerdeñola was first elected president of the church body in 2004. He will be remembered as the president who oversaw the reunification of the Filipino Lutheran church. In 2012, after 24 years of division in the church, both sides of the two factions voted to reconcile at a joint convention.

President Antonio Reyes speaks at a Church Workers Disaster Response conference sponsored by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in November 2014. (Image: Facebook)

President Reyes was elected after the second ballot in a close election. He had previously served as President of the Visayas-Mindanao District of the LCP and further served as the LCP’s Disaster Response Leader—work that was of vital importance following 2013’s devastating super typhoon.

In November 2013, Super Typhoon Haiyan claimed more than 7,000 lives and devastated multiple communities. The Lutheran Church in the Philippines was hit hard by the typhoon, with churches, parsonages, and members suffering devastating losses. In response, the LCP immediately began offering disaster relief. It was supported in this ministry work by its partner churches in the International Lutheran Council, contributing nearly $700,000 USD in relief aid by May 2014.

In December 2014, worries that another super typhoon could devastate the Philippines were allayed when Hagupit hit the Philippines in a weakened form December 6. It landed as a category 3 typhoon but by December 9 it had been downgraded to a tropical depression. While at least 27 people were killed during Hagupit’s journey through the country and a number of rural communities were affected, the damage was less severe than expected. In the lead-up to Hagupit’s landing, the government had evacuated 1.7 million people.

“God answers prayers indeed,” said President Antonio Reyes. “I am happy to inform you that no one among our brethren in Leyte has been badly affected by Typhoon Hagupit, which turned out to be just a typhoon not a supertyphoon. This development has given me more strength and encouragement.”

“I cannot stop thanking God for you and your prayers showing your deep concern and love for us here,” he continued. “Thank you so much. This is a confirmation that with God through Christ nothing is impossible. Our joint prayers and supplication has touched His heart. Let us continue to pray for restoration of those who suffered damages. Your support and prayers are more than welcome.”

The Lutheran Church in the Philippines has approximately 25,000 members. It is a member church of the International Lutheran Council, and currently holds the position of Asia Area Representative on the ILC’s Executive Council.

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