CELC meets in Ukraine
From the office of President Mark Schroeder
This week will mark the 15th anniversary of the formation of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC). The anniversary will be celebrated when representatives of confessional Lutheran church bodies from around the world meet in Kiev, Ukraine. I will be part of the WELS delegation attending.
The 20 Lutheran church bodies of the CELC enjoy a special bond of fellowship, united in their doctrine and in their commitment to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. The meeting of the CELC, which takes place every three years, is intended to strengthen those bonds of Christian fellowship and to provide mutual encouragement to member churches.
The churches of the CELC have different histories and origins. In the United States, WELS and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) have enjoyed the blessing of fellowship for decades. More recently, other confessional Lutheran church bodies have emerged around the world. Some, such as those in Sweden, Norway, and Finland, were formed as confessional Lutherans departed from liberal state churches. The churches in Ukraine, the Czech Republic, and Latvia, came into being as confessional Lutherans struggled to hold on to their faith during decades of Communist oppression. Still other church bodies, such as those in Africa, Asia, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, were formed as WELS and ELS missions became mature and independent church bodies.
These 20 church bodies may be relatively unknown; they seldom receive media attention or make headlines. For the most part, they are all relatively small in size, and many struggle in the face of local opposition and a scarcity of resources. But they are vitally important because, regardless of their size or influence, they are reminders that we are part of a worldwide community of people who are faithful to the Scriptures. They are beautiful examples of how the gospel works in people around the world, bringing them to faith in Jesus Christ and keeping them in the faith through the means of grace.
Please keep these faithful brothers and sisters in your prayers. Ask God to give them strength, courage, and wisdom. And thank God that he has united you with believers around the world who share a common faith with you and who are united with you in a common mission.
Serving in Christ,
Mark Schroeder
Mr. Joel Hochmuth, WELS communications director, will also be attending the CELC convention June 3-5. Read about his convention experience on the World Mission blog: http://missions.wels.net
Filed Under: CELC, Convention, ukraine
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