Companion Synod Consultation 2004

The first-ever ELCIC Companion Synod Consultation was May 19 to 21 in Winnipeg. Through the Companion Synod Program, each synod is now twinned with an overseas companion church; BC Synod with the Peruvian Evangelical Lutheran Church, ABT Synod with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia, SK Synod with the United Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina, MNO Synod with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cameroon and Eastern Synod with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Guyana.

The Consultation provided an opportunity for participants to discuss what they are doing to get to know their companion and to consider approaches to issues that arise in cross-cultural and international relationships. Representing the Synods were Rev Peter Mathiasen (BC), Evelyn Marzolf (ABT), Bryan Tastad (SK), Rev Kolleen Karlowsky-Clark (MNO) and Rev Guenter Dahle (Eastern). ELCIC Mission in the World staff, Kelvin Krieger and Rev Paul Johnson, facilitated the meeting.

A partner church perspective was provided by Rev Jimmy Joe, the Partnership Coordinator for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELC-PNG). Rev Joe was on his way home after a month in Germany and a month in the United States where he met with ELC-PNG companion synods. He encouraged the group to focus on the spiritual aspects of companion relationships and our common mission in Christ. He also stressed the importance of regular exchange visits by small groups which is helping three German Lutheran churches and their ELC-PNG companion districts maintain strong connections.

Rhonda Lorch, Global Hunger and Development Appeal Coordinator, led a session on the Learning and Development Fund and grant applications for companion church exchange visits. In another session, Ruth Vince, Executive Director of the Evangelical Lutheran Women (ELW), encouraged participants to fully involve their synodical ELWs in their Companion Synod Programs. All synod representatives expressed a desire to relate to their companion churches as equals, to look for ways to be mutually supportive and to avoid an emphasis on providing financial support.

-- Kelvin Krieger, Program Coordinator ELCIC Mission in the World