Something new in Cambodia

by Leonard Harms

CAMBODIA – On June 13, 2016, a church body died and a new one began. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cambodia ceased to be because of problems of governance and an expired license with the Government of Cambodia. Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) was at the side of those who decided to carry out their commitment to confessional Lutheran doctrine and reestablish a Lutheran Church in Cambodia, assisting them in registering a new church with the government in place of the old and reaffirming their agreement of relationship with LCC. A committee of six members was formed to prepare for this new beginning. After a great deal of prayer and hard work, a new church was registered with the Government of Cambodia and preparations were made to hold a constituting convention to formally begin a new confessional Lutheran Church in Cambodia, the Cambodia Lutheran Church (CLC).

The constituting convention was held February 7-8, 2020. The members of the new Cambodia Lutheran Church have expressed their sincere gratitude to Lutheran Church–Canada for the continued support and financial assistance provided to make this important event possible.

The work of Cambodia Lutheran Church has surged forward in education and evangelism. The Board of Directors and congregations are experiencing the joy and trials of working together as a unified church. The CLC is working closely with LCC to facilitate evangelism projects and humanitarian works of mercy initiatives to reach out to the lost and helpless in their communities.

With joy, CLC celebrates this wonderful blessing of our loving God and Saviour, praying that our gracious Lord will richly bless the Cambodia Lutheran Church.

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Rev. Dr. Leonard Harms is a Lutheran Church–Canada missionary, and executive director of Luther Institute Southeast Asia (LISA).

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