Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

 

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

Evangelical Lutheran Synod Holds Annual Convention

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       Pastor Aaron Hamilton delivering the convention essay

The Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) held its annual convention on June 19-22, 2023. Over 200 pastors and lay delegates gathered on the campus of Bethany Lutheran College (BLC) in Mankato, Minnesota for the convention. The convention opened each day in the college chapel with devotions led by ELS pastors. A communion service was also held for convention attendees and members of our fellowship.

The convention theme We are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made was based on Psalm 139:14. Pastor Aaron Hamilton of Scottsdale, Arizona, delivered the convention essay, which can be found on the convention page: www.els.org/convention. Video archives of the convention may be viewed at www.vimeo.com/lutheranism.

The ELS declared fellowship with the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of Kenya and attendees were greeted by President Gwachi Evans Mokua via Sykpe. Besides regular convention activities, a new building on the campus was dedicated, as well as a military monument.

Submitted by Rev. Paul Fries, ELS Communication Director

Dedication of the Bethany Activity Center by BLC President Gene Pfeifer

Dedication of the ELS Military Monument by ELS President Glenn Obenberger

 

 

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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