CELC Convention Hears Five Essays

June 26, 2023 By Deb Witte

Nicolas Proksch (ELS) | Exegesis of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

A highlight of the CELC convention in South Korea on June 6-8, 2023, was the presentation of five theological essays by pastors representing the five regions of the CELC. The reading of each essay was followed by a discussion involving people from around the world.

The five essays represented the traditional branches of theology (exegetical, doctrinal, historical, and practical), with topics of interest to people everywhere—including the end times, civil government, original sin, and evangelism.

The CELC thanks the essayists for their work in confessing the Lutheran Christian faith and in strengthening the theological foundation of the CELC.

These essays are meant for study by others apart from the convention. They may be found on the CELC Convention webpage here.

Pictured (left) Ugis Sildegs (Latvia) | Civil Government

Kebede Yigezu (Ethiopia) | Formula of Concord, Articles I+II

Angus Cheung (Hong Kong) | History of Lutheranism in Eastern Asia

Mario Gálvez (Chile) with translator Thomas Heyn (ELS) | Training the Laity for Evangelism

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.”