Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

 

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

Confessional Lutheran Church in Latvia

Established in 1999. The Confessional Lutheran Church in Latvia has pastors who were either trained in the ELS Seminary or in Concordia, St. Louis, and the Latvian University, Faculty of Theology.

The headquarters of the Confessional Lutheran Church in Latvia are located in Riga.

Church Body Statistics

Members: 350
Established Congregations: 5
National Pastors: 6
Current Church Body President: Gundars Bakulis (serving since 1999)

Contact Information

Rev. Gundar Bakulis
Phone from US: 011-371-26558903
gundarsbakulis@gmail.com

Rev.  Ugis Sildegs
ugis.sildegs@gmail.com

Rev.  Ilars Plume
ilarsplume@hotmail.com

History

The Confessional Lutheran Church of Latvia (CLCL) grew from the efforts of ELS professors who presented lectures on theology in Riga beginning with the 1990. Some who attended the lectures became committed to confessional Lutheran theology. The Augsburg Institute was founded to further the cause, teaching, writing, translating confessional literature etc.

Although the Augsburg Institute no longer exists and the educational work is more focused on our own people, the mission work is still going on and currently a theological education program for pastors has also been started in our church, which includes four theological students by now. 

In total, the Latvian Confessional Lutheran Church has about 350 parishioners and 5 congregations, which are led by 6 pastors under the leadership of superintendent Gundars Bākulis. The congregations own two church buildings, one residential house converted for the needs of the church, one congregation rents premises, and one is a home congregation.

Together with our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world, we are not alone and confidently continue to believe and teach the saving message of the God.

Online Resources and Websites

Augsburg Creed Lutheran Church of Kekava website:   https://www.luteranudraudze.lv/
Augsburg Creed Lutheran Church of Kekava Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/luteranudraudze
Augsburg Creed Lutheran Church of Kekava Audio Sermons:  https://www.luteranudraudze.lv/2020/02/sprediki-audio-formata.html
Ozolnieku Lutheran Church:  https://www.facebook.com/ozolniekuluteranu.draudze
Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1pq7a6uenZGLxqxcKBgoZC

Seminary

Latvian Lutheran Seminary
https://latvijasluteranis.lv/

Rev.  Ugis Sildegs
ugis.sildegs@gmail.com

Rev.  Ilars Plume
ilarsplume@hotmail.com

Literary Publications

Books (luteranudraudze.lv)

 

The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

The Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference is a worldwide fellowship of Lutheran church bodies, committed to the teachings of the Lutheran Church found in the Book of Concord of 1580. Established in 1993 with thirteen churches, the CELC has grown by God’s grace to include thirty-four church bodies today.

Every three years, representatives from CELC churches gather for fellowship and theological study at an international convention. Regional meetings are held in alternate years. These gatherings provide spiritual encouragement for confessional Lutherans who often find themselves quite isolated. Visitors are always welcome at these gatherings

Joint work of the CELC includes the writing of The Eternal Word: A Lutheran Confession for the Twenty-First Century, which testifies to the unity of doctrine enjoyed by CELC churches. The CELC also has a commission to help coordinate and improve theological training in CELC churches.

Speaking about the heart and core of the CELC, former President Gaylin Schmeling wrote:  “The CELC stands ready to give answer to the confident hope of salvation in Christ that is within us. It is a refuge for those seeking confessional homes and a beacon shining the light of the Gospel in a sin-darkened world. Here the central truth of the Reformation, justification by faith alone, continues to be proclaimed. We are declared righteous by nothing we do or accomplish, but alone on the basis of Christ’s redemptive work which is counted as ours through faith in the Savior. He accomplished salvation for all on the cross and announced it to all by His resurrection, declaring the whole world righteous in Christ. This treasure is brought to us personally through the means of grace and is received by faith alone in the Savior which is worked through those very means of grace.”

Recording of the Ninety-Five Theses

Ninety-Five Theses for the 21st Century