The LCiGB in an International Context
- Joseph Nelson
- Nov 13, 2024
- 5 min read
The LCiGB in an International Context
By Pastor Joseph Nelson
Over the last few months there have been a number of opportunities for the LCiGB to engage with other Lutherans and Christians internationally. Here are just a few examples.
Lay Leadership Training
From the 22nd of June until the 1st of July the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) held a seminar for lay leaders entitled “Lutheran visions and values in church leadership practice today – Inspiration from the Bible and Lutheran tradition”.
The LWF said that the trip would involve the following:
“In Wittenberg, participants will reflect on the Lutheran understanding of church leadership and their vocation as non-ordained church leaders. They will also deepen their spiritual lives while connecting with the historical roots of the Lutheran faith and tradition.
In Geneva they will continue theological reflection on church leadership and growing spiritual communion and will learn about the organization and work of the LWF at its Communion Office.
Spiritual exchange, sharing joys and challenges, building networks, and learning about being Lutheran in diverse contexts across the global communion are integral parts of the seminar.”
Conrad Volker attended from the LCiGB. Conrad is a Lay Minister and Treasurer at St Luke’s and St Matthew’s congregation in Leeds. He is also Treasurer for the LCiGB. Conrad said the following about the trip:
“June was a fantastic month – one in which I discovered that there are other Lutherans out there. I knew this of course, but certainly had not had the opportunity to get together as lay leaders from across the world. The occasion – the 7th Lutheran World Federation seminar for lay people. We were 17 in total all from different countries, from as far afield as Australia and Asia, people from different languages and contexts. What brought us together was that we were all Lutherans and serving God in our own little ways.
The trip started in Wittenberg, the home of Martin Luther, and the origin of the Reformation. We got to spend a few days there, taking in the sights, but also learning from each other and the organisers of the seminar. We got to explore the priesthood of all believers and how important the laity is to the Church. We were also able to worship together – also in the Stadtkirche, the place so familiar to Luther. There were so many highlights, one of which was to see the 500+ trees that were planted to commemorate the 500 year anniversary since the Reformation.
The second leg of our journey took us to Geneva. Another eye opener as we got behind the scenes glimpses of the fantastic work that is done by the LWF – humanitarian work, but also work to bring about greater ecumenical collaboration. Geneva was a mix of presentations from people passionate about their calling, intermingled with opportunities to mingle, see the sights and even to attend a local service. The trip did not just end with new friendships and greater insights. It was also a call for action – to see what change each one of us can make in our own congregations and countries. It was a fantastic trip with great memories, expanded horizons and new friendships. Thank you LWF for hosting us and thank you LCIGB for the opportunity.”
While there he got the opportunity to see a tree planted on the 500th anniversary of the reformation by our very own Bishop Paulina!
LWF Hymn Book
Rakesh, Chair of the LCiGB said
“I represented LCiGB at Wittenberg to receive the 2024 LWF Global Songbook. The ceremony itself was in a beautiful church and the choir and musicians performed a wonderful number of pieces to go with the service. There was such joy in the place and the more casual event held in the Luther Gardens later in the afternoon.
I speak no German, but what I took away with me most was the absolute kindness I received from the person who helped when I got on the wrong train, to the people in the town and the College I was staying in and last but not least the extraordinary way that Inken and her colleagues looked after me and translated for me to understand what was being said. It was a lovely visit. I will certainly return.”
Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe General Assembly
From the 27th to the 30th of August Pastor Joseph represented the Lutheran Church in Great Britain as a delegate to the General Assembly of the Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE/GEKE). The meeting took place at St Mary’s Lutheran Cathedral in Sibiu, Romania with the theme “In the light of Christ – called to hope”.
The CPCE brings together Christians, mostly from Reformed, Lutheran, and Methodist backgrounds, from across Europe for theological reflection and to increase Christian unity. It was really wonderful to be able to play a part in understanding how Christians from across the continent can work constructively to heal divisions and to work together towards the unity of the Church.
Previously Pastor Joseph had worked with the CPCE as an editor for one of the latest documents – Christian Speaking of God. It was fascinating to see how the document was received by a wider audience and the process by which documents are received by the CPCE.
Pastor Joseph said “It was wonderful to be able to engage in theological discussion, and to have networking opportunities with Christians from across Europe and from different confessional backgrounds. One of the most interesting sessions was when we were split up into groups to look at future projects. In one on Church development, we discussed the future of Churches, their structures, ministries, fresh expressions, and how we can participate in mission and be relevant without surrendering that which makes us essentially who we are.”
The Lutheran Church in Great member is not currently a full member of the CPCE but like the Churches of Sweden and Finland has been participating in the work of the CPCE for the last few years which was noted during the address by the General Secretary. Other CLC member churches are however full members of the CPCE such as the Estonian and German Churches along with others.
Consecration in Iceland
On the 1st of September Bishop Paulina was in Iceland for the Consecration of Bishop Guðrún Karls Helgudóttir as the new presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Iceland. It was a wonderful occasion and involved Lutheran and Anglican Bishops from across Europe.
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