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ELCA Companion Synod Program

Celebrating the Global Body of Christ

 
Sixty-five ELCA synods and five ELCIC synods participate in over 120 international companionships.  These extend the bilateral relationships between our churches and Lutheran church bodies in other countries, called companions.  The Companion Synod Program is a concrete expression of the communion fellowship among the 140 member churches of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and an exciting way ELCA members can engage in global mission!


Find your companion synod relationship


Share what you are doing


Learn from Others



When companions engage one another in authentic relationships, everyone's lives are changed."

- Peggy Contos Hahn
Assistant to the Bishop for Global Mission, TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod


RESOURCES FOR YOUR RELATIONSHIP

Upcoming Events and Opportunities


New Resource on Accompaniment

Read about the evolving accompaniment lens and methodology, including exploring the context and meaning of mission today, five accompaniment values, five action areas and five important elements of any growing, mutual relationship.



Upcoming Events

See a list of upcoming Companion Synod Consultations and Regional Global Gatherings, where you will receive updates and network with other leaders.
 


Companion Synod Handbook

Companion Synods Handbook

A valuable resource for beginning and strengthening companion synod relationships, including the complex issues involved in cross-cultural relationships and mission:

  • Table of Contents and Introduction
  • Part 1: Companion Synod Basics  
  • Part 2: For Synods 
  • Part 3: For Congregations
  • Part 4: Planning Trips
  • Part 5: Hosting International Guests 
  • Appendices (including the Protocol Agreement for Companion Synod Relationships between the Conference of Bishops and the Global Mission unit)
  • Orientation Handouts

Download full PDF copies in English, SpanishGerman, or FrenchPDF Format

To order paper copies of the English Companion Synod Handbook, please call the ELCA at (800) 638-3522.  Stay on the line for a Resource Information Specialist.   


Sending personnel to your international companion

Learn how your synod can work with the ELCA Global Mission unit to send mission personnel to work with your international companion in a Shared Personnel Placement.   


Sending funds to your international companion

Your synod can ask Global Mission to send funds to your international companion, or to check for compliance with the US PATRIOT Act. Click here. Contact the relationship managers listed below by region.for assistance. 


Models for ELCA synod global ministry

To learn how synods across the ELCA structure and sustain their global ministries, read the Models for ELCA synod global ministry draft report. PDF Format


Contacts

For more information about your companion synod relationship, contact your synod office.  For more information about relationships with companions in a specific country, contact a Global Mission staff person: 



Global Links E-Newsletter


 
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