LCMS elects new president; adds Canadian vice-president

HOUSTON, TX – Delegates to the 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod elected Rev. Matthew Harrison the church body’s thirteenth president. Rev. Harrison succeeds Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick who was standing for election to his fourth term. The 48-year-old president-elect currently serves as executive director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care at the LCMS International Center in St. Louis. In the early ‘80s, before his ordination in 1991, he served as a missionary to Canada’s First Nations people with Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots.

In his response to the election, Rev. Harrison pledged to “work for unity around the clear and compelling Word of God and nothing else.” He thanked President Kieschnick for his focus on evangelism and mission.

LCC President Robert Bugbee and LCMS President-elect Matthew Harrison

“Rev. Harrison will really need our prayers as he takes on his new responsibilities,” noted LCC President Robert Bugbee who is at the Houston convention. “We’re also deeply grateful to God for the support and friendship our Canadian church has enjoyed from President Kieschnick over the years, and pray God’s continued blessing upon his ministry in whatever shape it takes in the future.”

Rev. Herbert Mueller, Jr. will serve as the Synod’s first vice-president, which is a full-time position in the LCMS. Rev. Mueller, 57, is a resident of Waterloo, Illinois and currently serves as district president of Southern Illinois District.

Vice-presidents two through five include Canadian Rev. Dr. Scott Murray who serves Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston. Dr. Murray was born in Kitchener and grew up at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Ontario. He will serve as fifth vice-president.

Other vice-presidents are Rev. John Wahlrabe, Jr (2nd); Rev. Dr. Paul Maier, re-elected (3rd); and Rev. Daniel Preus (4th ). For live streaming of the convention and more information go to www.lcms.org/convention.

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