Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

 

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

ELFK in Germany Announces Upcoming Convention

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To our Brothers and Sisters in the CELC,

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).

It is a pleasure for me to inform our brothers and sisters of the CELC about the 94th synod convention of the Evangelisch-Lutherische Freikirche. God willing, it will take place from June 10–12, 2022, in Chemnitz, Germany. Vice president Rev. Jörg Kubitschek (Saalfeld) will present the synodical essay. His paper will focus on “The relevance of a Lutheran Confessional Church in a pluralistic environment.” 

In 2022 our synod looks back on a history of 145 years under God’s blessings. It was founded by the first conventions in 1876 and 1877. Our first president came out of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. His name was Friedrich Ruhland. He was born in Germany, but left his homeland for confessional reasons. In 1873 he accepted a call to St. Johns in Planitz and Trinity in Dresden. 

The time when the ELFK was founded seems to be quite similar to our time today. From its beginning, the ELFK stood faithfully on the inspired Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions in a pluralistic environment. But it is alone God’s grace and work. May he continue to give us strength and power to hold on to his Word and the Lutheran Confessions. May he give us faithful called ministers in the future and may our congregations continue on this way on earth to our heavenly home. For this reason we come together for our 94th synod convention in 2022. 

May God be with you and bless your work in his kingdom.

Your brother in Christ,
Rev. Michael Herbst
ELFK President
 

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.”

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