Synod: the Lutheran world prays
As the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) prepares for its Eighteenth General Convention of Synod, in Brisbane next week, it is encouraging to know that prayers are being lifted up on our behalf by our Lutheran brothers and sisters around the world.
LCA Bishop John Henderson has contacted leaders of Lutheran churches across the globe to ask for their prayerful support leading up to Convention, especially as delegates consider the controversial matter of women’s ordination at the six-day gathering at Rochedale from 29 September.
Bishop Henderson has also called on all Australian and New Zealand Lutherans to pray for delegates, church leaders and for all the discussions and decision-making that will take place at Convention.
Lutheran churches in many nations, including Cambodia, Canada, the US, England, Indonesia, Malaysia, Norway, Myanmar and Singapore, have committed to pray for the LCA.
‘No matter who you are, or where you worship, the decisions made by the Eighteenth General Convention of Synod will affect you’, Bishop John says in a video address you can watch here.
‘The question of Women and the Call to the Office of the Public Ministry will not be the only issue on the convention agenda, but it does promise to be the most controversial.
‘Whether you will be attending Convention as a delegate or visitor, or observing from a distance, there is one thing you can do to help our church in this meeting. Please pray!
‘If we handle this difficult discussion with faithfulness, integrity, and honest and peaceful hearts, it will inspire and enrich us for the challenges of mission that will be ours in the years to come.’
Prayers from Lutherans around the world
Lutheran World Federation, Rev Martin Junge, General Secretary and Bishop John Mounib Younan, President: ‘As a communion of churches, we pray for the spirt of unity and compassion to guide [the LCA’s] discernment process.’
International Lutheran Council, Rev Dr Albert B Collver, Executive Secretary and Bishop Hans-Joerg Voigt, Chairman: ‘We wish you to know that we implore the Lord to guide your convention as the ancients prayed: “Come, Holy Spirit!”‘
Lutheran Church in Singapore, Bishop Rev Terry Kee: ‘May the Lord grant … wisdom and peace. That nothing will take away your oneness that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’
Evangelical Lutheran Church in England, Rev Jon Ehlers, Chairman: ‘We pray that during your synod, when emotions may run high, that God will grant everyone clear heads, pure hearts, and sanctified common sense.’
Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP) Church, Indonesia, Rev Willem T P Simarmata, MP, Ephorus: ‘May Jesus Christ our Saviour bless you and keep you in His loving hands and lead you in the Synod.’
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Bishop Elizabeth A Eaton: ‘Brothers and sisters equally committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ often have differing convictions. We pray for the Spirit’s wisdom.’
Lutheran Church in Malaysia, Bishop Rev Aaron Yap Chuan Ching: ‘Assuring you of our prayers and may our good Lord grant to you and the church leadership strength and wisdom…’
North American Lutheran Church, Rev John F Bradosky, Bishop: ‘As you gather in Synod … we will be praying for the Holy Spirit to lead you to consensus in a way that will strengthen you in Christ for His mission.’
Lutheran Church in Cambodia, Pastor Daniel Orn: ‘We will seek prayers from our Church members to remember your meetings, [so that they may] be fruitful and led by the leading of the Holy Spirit.’
Myanmar Lutheran Church, The Rt. Rev team task management software. Dr Andrew Mang Lone, Bishop: ‘Please remember that our fervent prayer support for everyone at the LCA is assured, so that the Lord of Heaven will grant divine wisdom and knowledge.’
