Thoughtcrime
30.3.2026
ILC Board for the term 2025–2028. Juhana Pohjola is third from the right in the photo. Photo: Matthew Block
Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland (Church) was elected to continue as Chairman of the International Lutheran Council. This was a unanimous decision made in the Philippines, early this morning Finnish time. Pohjola has served as Chairman of the Council since 2022. The term of office for the Chairman is three years.
The International Lutheran Council (ILC) is a global association of confessional Lutheran Churches. Its goal is to encourage, strengthen, and promote confessional Lutheran theology both in its Member Churches and throughout the world. The Council is led by an elected Board of Directors consisting of a Chairman, a Secretary, and one representative from each World Area / continent of the member Churches. Archbishop Rinalds Grants of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church Worldwide was elected as the European representative to the Board.
Currently, the ILC has 71 Member Churches, including full members, associate members, and observer members. Members come from five continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. The Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese Society of Finland joined the ILC in 2018. Six Churches were now accepted as new full members.
The World Conference, which ends today, began on Sunday, September 14. The conference was hosted by the Lutheran Church in the Philippines. The event, held every three years, was attended by representatives of ILC Member Churches and invited guests from around the world: a total of more than 130 people representing more than 60 different churches. The theme for the week, Unity in Christ: Confession and Cooperation in a Fragmented World, was based on 2 Corinthians 4:13.
Antonio del Rio Reyes, head of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines, blessed the new Board as it took office. Photo: Niran Temsakun
Bishop Pohjola says he is grateful to begin his second term as Chairman of the Council:
– It is a joy and a privilege to serve the global Lutheran confessional network from this vantage point. The Member Churches of the ILC share a common biblical and confessional foundation, encourage each other in the midst of many difficulties, and support each other in spreading the Gospel of Christ. It is encouraging and meaningful for the Mission Diocese that we have sisters and brothers on every continent who share the same joy in the Gospel of Christ and His gifts.
During the next term, the ILC will continue the Lutheran Leadership Development Program. The goal of the program is to offer Lutheran Churches around the world the opportunity to train leaders who both master strong confessional Lutheran theology and are proficient in practical leadership and resource management skills.
According to Pohjola, in the coming years, the ILC wants to deepen the connection and cooperation between Member Churches. New members are welcome:
– It is gratifying to see how the ILC’s clear theological foundation and vision for its work are arousing interest and a desire to join in the common work worldwide. Churches from many countries have joined us, unreservedly adhering to the Word of God and its teachings in these fragmented and polarized times, Pohjola rejoices.
English translation: Thomas Toepfer
