As delegates to the 68th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod (LCMS) conducted the Synod’s business, more than 40 international guests participated in their own event down the hall. This was the first International Church Relations Forum organized by LCMS Church Relations at an LCMS convention.
The four-day event had its own daily schedule, which included worship, a theological presentation and significant time for discussion. Presentations delved into unity in Christ and confession; unity in the church through the Christ Child/pro-life efforts; unity in the way of worship; and the proclamation of Christ crucified as the key for the church’s unity in raising up pastors, promoting the true doctrine and sharing the diversity of God’s gifts for the common good — from mission and mercy to vocation and stewardship. Church Relations staff arranged to have translators present both to facilitate understanding and discussion during the event, as well as to prepare a manuscript of the papers for attendees to take home.