Planning begins for international conference

President Christian Ekong, The Lutheran Church of Nigeria; Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan, ILC executive secretary; Bishop Hans-Jörg Voigt, ILC chairman.

Members of the International Lutheran Council’s (ILC) executive committee concluded meetings today in Niagara Falls, Ontario, site of the 2012 ILC International conference. Under the chairmanship of Bishop Hans-Jörg Voigt of Germany’s Selbständige Evangelisch—Lutherische Kirche (SELK), the seven-member committee, along with interim executive secretary Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan, began planning for the triennial international conference. Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) president, Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee serves as the representative from North America as well as vice-chairman.

In addition to the international conference, the executive discussed inter-church relations, the celebrations in 2017 commemorating the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s challenge to the Roman Church, and heard reports from each of the organization’s regions: Africa, Europe, North America, South America and Austral-Asia.

Since the 33-member ILC exists as a networking and support organization for confessional Lutherans, the theme for the 2012 conference, the first to be held in Canada, will centre on the interpretation and proclamation of Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and the role both have in the life of the church. Discussion and presentations on ordination and same-gender relationships are also proposed for the agenda.

“We are honoured to host this conference in Niagara Falls,” said President Robert Bugbee. “With all that is going on in the Lutheran world and within the Christian Church it is important for people of like-minds and like-confession to explore God’s Word together and support each other.” The ILC invites to each conference observers from established confessional Lutheran church bodies who may be interested in future membership.

Lutheran Church–Canada has played a key role in the ILC since its formation in 1993. LCC presidents emeritus Rev. Dr. Edwin Lehman and Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan both served as chairmen of the council, bringing a Canadian presence to the role for 15 years of the ILC’s 18-year history.

The ILC will meet at the Mt. Carmel Spiritual Centre in Niagara Falls, September 16-21, 2012. For more information about the International Lutheran Council see www.ilc-online.org

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