Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference

 

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

CELC Commission on Theology Meets in Zambia

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Left to right: Michael Smith (ELS, USA), Thomas Nass (CELC President, USA), David Kamwata (LCCA–Z, Zambia), Jonas Schroeter (ELFK, Germany), Mascrif Mulonda (LCCA-Z Chairman, Zambia), Ugis Sildegs (CLCL, Latvia), Joel Otto (WELS, USA)

If you’re wondering what it may be like to be in Zambia for next year’s triennial convention, the CELC Commission on Theology can give a hearty encouragement to try your best to be there!

The Commission on Theology met June 10-12, 2025, in Lusaka in the early days of its winter season. The weather was fantastic, and we enjoyed the fellowship of some wonderful brothers and sisters in the faith.

During these days, we focused on two of our commission’s primary tasks: reviewing applications for membership in the CELC and composing articles for the CELC’s Eternal Word series. Three church bodies are applying for membership (two from Africa and one from Latin America). The commission is currently reviewing these applications so we can make recommendations for next year’s convention.

We spent time putting some final touches on Article IX of the Eternal Word series which focuses on our triune God. The commission will bring this article to next year’s convention for ratification. It can be viewed here. We also thoroughly reviewed drafts of Article X which focuses on civil government.

Five men serve on the commission: David Kamwata (LCCA-Zambia), Joel Otto (WELS), Jonas Schroeter (ELFK), Ugis Sildegs (CLCL, and Michael Smith (ELS). Thomas Nass, president of the CELC, serves as an ex-officio member.

We look forward to returning to Lusaka for next year’s convention.

Submitted by Michael K. Smith, Chairman of the CELC Commission on Theology

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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