Swedish Archbishop Modéus Highlights Unity as a Force for Good During London Visit

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 Süld
Most Rev Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, the Church of England. Photo: Rev Meelis Süld

Podcast: Lutheran-Orthodox Statement on Filioque in Nicene Creed, New CLC Leadership

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.

 


Work for us: Communications Manager

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.

To apply, please email your CV to: david.rogers[at]lutheran.org.uk
Read the full job description: CLC Communications Manager Job Description (August 24).
Closing date for applications: 9th September 2024

No agencies please


The Presidents of Churches Together in England have issued a statement calling on churches and communities to work together to end racism, division and disorder

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.

Presidents of Churches Together in England:

  • 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)

Download a pdf of this press statement.


The CLC Supports Augusta Victoria Hospital with £10k Donation

The Council of Lutheran Churches has decided to support each year one or two initiatives that go beyond our own Lutheran community in the UK. This year, a £10k donation was given to Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) in East Jerusalem via the LWF World Service.
Sieglinde Weinbrenner, representative of the The Lutheran World Federation Jerusalem Program, said that our donation to the Patients Assistance Fund helps the Lutheran World Federation in Jerusalem to sustain its work ‘…for hope and a future…’ by serving patients who often must rely on social assistance in order to have access to the life-saving, specialized care offered by the hospital. The Poor Fund supports AVH patients and their families with transportation, shelter, food, and psychosocial care. AVH continues to improve and expand its oncology, radiotherapy, dialysis and geriatric departments and plans to diversify its health services by adding new diagnostic tools and equipment to better serve the Palestinian people in need. AVH provides excellent care through its specialty centers, including a state-of-the-art cancer center, and serves rural communities through its mobile diabetes and mammography clinics. Some specialty services for kidney and cancer care provided by AVH are not otherwise available in the West Bank and Gaza. Since October 7th we do not receive patients from Gaza and at the moment, we are not able to treat oncology patients in Gaza. We hope we can resume our lifesaving treatment once the situation allows it.”
Dr Khadra Salami, pediatric oncologist, with a young patient who is being treated for cancer. Photo: LWF/Atta Jabr
More info about the LWF Jerusalem Program worldservice.lutheranworld.org/where-we-work/jerusalem.

CLC Newsletter in July

Here are the updates and events from the CLC and our Lutheran community:
* New Chair and General Secretary in Dialogue
* Task Force for CLC Website Revamp
* Trip to Wittenberg and other places of the Reformation
* Pride Month with London Parade Participation and Other Events
* Video Recording of the Baltic United Remembrance Service
* London Chinese Lutheran Church Anniversary

Read the newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/426bf9f221eb/clc-news-9446671


A new General Secretary for CLC

CLC is very happy to announce that Rev Meelis Süld will become its next General Secretary.

Rev Meelis has been a member of CLC’s staff in his role as Outreach Manager for the last four years and is well known in the Lutheran, ecumenical and Christian journalistic community in the UK and beyond. He is also a pastor in the Lutheran Church in Great Britain, currently serving at St Anne’s Lutheran Church in London.

CLC’s new chairman, Mr. Per Jonsson, notes the importance of having an ordained General Secretary, as Per is lay, and of maintaining a good balance between lay and clergy people in leadership. Commenting on Rev Meelis’s journalistic background as broadcaster and religious editor, he noted: “We have to make ourselves known to the wider audience and tell them what we stand for and why we exist. Meelis’s background will be very helpful in that.”

Rev Meelis shared his excitement taking up the role of General Secretary. He says that his dream is for CLC to be known in UK society through a charitable initiative or a project that serves the whole Christian community or country: “I would like to see what our member churches would like to offer to the wider society. I think it is important that Lutherans are visible and known for their contribution to the public.”

You can hear more from Rev Meelis and Per in our next podcast episode where they reflect on their respective new roles in CLC.

CLC is looking forward to welcoming Rev Meelis in his new role. Please pray for him and for CLC in this period of transition.

Photo by Olev Mihkelmaa

Bishop Paulina Hławiczka-Trotman becomes the president of CTE’s 4th Presidency Group

Bishop Paulina Hławiczka-Trotman has been appointed as the new President for the Fourth Presidency Group of Churches Together in England (CTE). CTE General Secretary, Bishop Mike Royal, said: “Bishop Paulina has a proven track record of ecumenical engagement and an unswerving commitment to CTE’s Racial Justice Working Group. As the first female Polish Bishop in the UK, she is a trailblazer. We are excited about the ongoing journey with our Lutheran sisters and brothers”.
Until now, the role was filled by the CLC General Secretary Dr Anna Krauss, who has stepped down from the Presidency to take up the post of Director of the The Lutheran World Federation’s (LWF) Centre in Wittenberg, Germany.
Photo by Rev Meelis Süld