“When companions engage one another in authentic relationships, everyone's lives are changed."
- Peggy Contos Hahn, assistant to the bishop for global mission, Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the ELCA
Companion synod relationships of the ELCA connect Lutheran churches throughout the world with ELCA synods and congregations. These relationships are concrete expressions of the communion and fellowship with the more than 140 Lutheran member churches of The Lutheran World Federation. Each of the 65 synods has at least one international church companion and many have additional relationships, resulting in more than 120 companion synod relationships. Read more...
THE WESTERN IOWA SYNOD IS BLESSED WITH TWO COMPANION SYNOD RELATIONSHIPS
The Companion Synods network is responsible for the overall workings and needs of the Western Iowa synod's two companion synod relationships with the Southern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania and the whole of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile. It additionally oversees and guides the working of its various sub-networks (listed below). For more information or interest in participating, please contact Rev. Dr. Mike Kroona, Assistant to the Bishop (mike.kroona.rev@wisynod.org; 712-732-4968 Ext. 443) or Pastor Arlyn Norris, Network Chair.
WIS Well Team: responsible for raising awareness and funding for this project in the WIS and for walking with our Tanzanian Southern Diocese partners and well-drilling team.
Igumbilo Lutheran Girls Secondary School: responsible for raising awareness and funding for this girls secondary school partner project with the Southern Diocese in Tanzania.
Medical Initiatives: responsible for raising awareness and funding for any medical-related partner initiatives with the Southern Diocese in Tanzania.
Center for Agricultural Development: responsible for raising awareness and funding int he WIS and for walking with our Tanzanian Southern Diocese partners. This is an extensive project with many levels of opportunity - mainly, on the international Board of Directors or the Operations Committee or other supportive roles.
Companion Congregations: responsible for raising awareness and developing healthy, effective, meaningful and successful companion relationships in both of the synod's companion relationships in Tanzania and in Chile.
We thank all who contribute with prayers, gifts and money to support these ministries. We also are grateful for all our companion congregations. We know it is a struggle to stay in contact with them. We are working to strengthen this and hope each year will bring some positive changes in our relationships with all our companions as well as positive change in their own countries, too.