South African Delegation Visit

A visit from the MCS’s companion synod, the Central Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA), was a highlight of our June 1 synod assembly and the days which followed. 

In addition to attending our assembly, the delegation visited the synod office, various ministry sights, attended worship and preached in congregations, and enjoyed some of the sights and sounds of Chicago—including a Cubs game.  

Six visitors from the ELCSA made the trip, including Bishop G.A. Seane. A delegation from the MCS visited the diocese in 2023. When the South African delegation and MCS members visited the churchwide office of the ELCA at the close of their visit, the synod and diocese renewed their relationship by signing a “Companion Partnership Covenant” document that each office (synod and diocese) will display.

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. The 65 synods of the ELCA have more than 120 companion synod relationships.

MCS’s companion, the Central Diocese, is in Gauteng Province. It is highly urban, home to the cities of Johannesburg, Pretoria and Soweto.