Join us for a Queer Carol Service on Thursday, 12th December at 6pm at St Mary-at-Hill Church, Lovat Lane, London EC3R 8EE. This special service will include a sermon by Pastor Maris Sants, music by the baroque collective Solomon’s Knot, and will be led by Pastor Meelis Süld and Pastor Sarah Farrow. Members of LGBTQ+ Christian groups and allies will come together for an evening of celebration, reflection, and community. Organised by St Anne’s Lutheran Church and the CLC Lutheran Inclusive Group, this event warmly welcomes everyone.
The Council of Lutheran Churches (CLC) notes with sadness and concern the historic, heinous decades-long abuse that led to the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby on Tuesday, as he took personal and institutional responsibility for failures in handling the case. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of abuse. It is unimaginable that such evil could happen in a church-related setting, where we are called to care for each other and to protect the marginalised and vulnerable in particular.
The CLC is committed to safeguarding and building a safe space for all. This work is one where churches can collaborate, and the issue was prioritised at Churches Together in England’s Enabling Group in March 2024. We appreciate the comprehensive safeguarding trainings organised by the Church of England, which have been made available to CLC member churches. However, much more could be done to ensure that theory is put into practice in all churches, fostering openness and transparency.
The CLC, with its nine member churches, is a close partner of the Church of England, and we hold in our prayers all those affected by the resignation, including Archbishop Welby’s family. We ask for wisdom in selecting the new Primate of All England and spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. We also acknowledge Archbishop Welby’s ecumenical openness, including his prioritisation of the Porvoo Agreement, his courage in speaking up for migrant communities—especially in opposing the Rwanda scheme—and his efforts to make the Church of England a more inclusive church.
On October 31, Lutherans around the world commemorate the anniversary of the Reformation. To mark this occasion, the Council of Lutheran Churches in Great Britain is organising a Reformation Day service with Eucharist on the 31st of October at 6pm. We invite all CLC Member Churches to join us in prayer and reflection on the significance of the Reformation in today’s world. The service will take place in London, at St George’s Lutheran Church, 55 Alie Street, London, E1 8EB. Light refreshments will be available.
The CLC’s safeguarding advisor Simon Bass from Church Safeguarding Consultancy will offer one session of in-depth safeguarding training this autumn. The training is for church leaders and those working with children, young people and adults and we can focus on the specific situation of the Lutheran churches.
The date is: Thursday, 7th November, 6pm on Zoom.
The session will cover the following content: understanding abuse and its signs and symptoms, how to respond well to concerns and disclosures of abuse, best practice when working with children and adults at risk of harm.
There will be discussions in the plenary and work in break out groups.
From 10th-14th October, CLC is organising a trip to Wittenberg and the surrounding historic sites of the Reformation under the guidance of the local tour operator Christian Tours Europe.
The registration is extended, the fee is 750 Euros per person in a double room or 850 Euros in a single room. For those who are unable to afford the costs of the trip, CLC can subsidise the fee by £400 for members of one of our nine member churches or regular participants in the ILSC.
More information and registration meelis.sueld[at]lutheran.org.uk.
Martin Modéus, Archbishop of Uppsala and Primate of the Church of Sweden, is visiting the UK. On Thursday evening, he was the guest of the Nikaean Club, which supports the ecumenical ministry of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, expressed his gratitude for the longstanding relationship between the churches: “The Porvoo Communion* is often overlooked because it works. For many years, we have worked together, exchanged ministers, and prayed for each other.” He highlighted the importance of the Porvoo Prayer Diary and gave thanks for this opportunity to come together in fellowship.
Archbishop Modéus reflected on the Church of Sweden’s deep ecumenical involvement and its relationship with the Church of England, which dates back to 1925 with Archbishop Nathan Söderblom. Looking ahead to the ecumenical theme for the year 2025, “Time for God’s Peace,” he spoke about how this will culminate in August, with an open invitation to participate. “In a world marked by terrible conflicts, one of the main goals is to work together as a strong force for peace and reconciliation. We need each other so we can be a force for good in this world.”
He emphasised the importance of international links such as the Porvoo Communion, describing it as “important theologically, spiritually, and practically,” and noted, “We feel at home with each other.” He also highlighted the upcoming Porvoo Church leaders’ consultation next month in Sigtuna, which will focus on climate issues.
The Council of Lutheran Churches was represented at the dinner by London Swedish Chaplain Rev Magdalena Sjöholm and CLC General Secretary Rev Meelis Süld.
* The Porvoo Communion is a communion of 15 Anglican and Evangelical Lutheran churches in Europe.
Most Rev Dr Martin Modéus, Archbishop of the Church of Sweden. Photo: Rev Meelis SüldMost Rev Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, the Church of England. Photo: Rev Meelis Süld
The Lutheran World Federation and the Orthodox Church have issued a joint statement on the Filioque clause in the Nicene Creed, which could have impact on relations between churches in the Eastern and Western traditions. We learn more about our new General Secretary through a conversation between him and the newly appointed chair. Produced and presented by Rev Dr Wendy Sherer and Rev Meelis Süld.
The Council of Lutheran Churches is the representative and enabling body for 9 Lutheran churches in the UK that offer pastoral care to over 200,000 people. We are seeking a part-time Communications Manager (2.5 days a week) to deliver the Christian message, to support the Council of Lutheran Churches and our member churches in the UK and to raise awareness of the Lutheran tradition and its part in the wider Christian community.
We want someone who:
Will develop an internal and external communication strategy that delivers our mission, vision and values.
Has a strong background in journalism or communications.
Has an impressive track record in creating, producing and publishing engaging social media content.
Is an active Christian – ideally with a good understanding of Lutheran theology and tradition.
Has excellent written and spoken English language skills – ideally you will be a native English speaker as you will be working with a variety of people speaking English as a 2nd language.
Has experience in setting up and running livestreaming events, as well as providing technical support to presenters and participants.
Is keen to learn and implement new ideas and technologies and is open-minded to work with people from different cultures and countries.
Please note that the nature of our work means that occasional weekend work and travel within the UK will be required. We are based in London (Waterloo) and applicants must live within commuting distance of our office.
CTE Presidents issue a joint statement in response to recent violent disorder. They urge churches and communities to work together to put an end to violence, restore peace and heal our nation. The statement is co-signed by Bishop Paulina – the President of CTE’s 4th Presidency Group, CLC Trustee and LCiGB Bishop.
6 August 2024
The Presidents of Churches Together in England, named below, have issued a statement calling on churches and communities to work together to end racism, division and disorder. They write…
We are grateful for the immediate response from Churches Together Merseyside Region, committing to support the grieving people of Southport in the wake of the killing of three children and serious injury of others, some of who remain in a critical condition. We are grateful for the ongoing support local churches and other organisations offer those directly affected by these life-changing events. We continue to hold all concerned in our prayers.
In the wake of the terrible events in Southport, we acknowledge the anger felt by many at these senseless killings. We also acknowledge deep and troubling anxiety about immigration. Regrettably, we have witnessed violent, racist attacks and intimidation on our streets. Mosques have been attacked, hotels housing people seeking asylum set on fire and individuals set upon simply because of the colour of their skin. Racism has no place on our streets or in society and should not be stirred up in communities or online. The police have faced unacceptable levels of violent disorder and rioting in their quest to keep the peace on the streets. We are grateful for the work of the emergency services who put themselves in danger to protect the public. We are grateful for communities who have come together to help with the clear up, demonstrating a determination to serve the good of all.
We are also grateful to the many local churches across the country who provide a place of worship and sanctuary for people and who help build stronger communities through action at the grassroots level, including initiatives like Street Pastors and Response Pastors. Let us all work together to put an end to this violent disorder, restore peace and heal our nation.
Archbishop Justin Welby, The Archbishop of Canterbury
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster
Rev Canon Helen Cameron, Moderator of the Free Churches Group
Bishop Paulina Hławiczka-Trotman, CTE President for the Fourth Presidency Group and Head of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain
Bishop Tedroy Powell, CTE Pentecostal and Charismatic President, and National Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy UK
His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas, CTE President for the Orthodox Churches, and Archbishop of the Oecumenical Patriarchate (Diocese of Thyateira and Great Britain)
CLC provides small grants to our member churches and other Lutheran groups in Great Britain. Grants typically range from a few hundred pounds to £5,000, for various needs, from pastor support to community projects. Apply for a small grant from CLC today, and see your mission in action tomorrow! For more information or to obtain/submit a grant application, please contact accounts[at]lutheran.org.uk.
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