African Theological Conference in Accra Ghana

February 12-15, 2013, an African Lutheran Theological Conference will be jointly sponsored by the Church Relations Office of President of the LCMS, the LCMS Office of International Mission, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana and Luther Academy. We anticipate representation from English and French speaking Lutheran Churches from all across Africa.



Approximately 60 people from 15 countries attended the conference, including Nigeria, Togo, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea, Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, and the United States.

The purpose of the conference is to deepen the understanding of confessional Lutheran doctrine and practice and to strengthen relationships between churches that are committed to confessional Lutheranism. Influences from liberal European theology, American "Evangelicalism-Pentecostalism" and indigenous movements continue to challenge the "emerging" Lutheran churches who are struggling to establish and maintain authentic Lutheranism.

The theme of the conference will be "The Third Article of the Creed: The Holy Spirit." Under the general theme "Lutheranism in the 21 51 Century," this year's conference will address a variety of critical issues facing the Lutheran Church today.

Speakers and Topics


Rev. Dr. Joseph Ochola Omolo, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya, Bishop of Lake Diocese, and Principal of Matongo Seminary

Rev. Gordon Gyampo-Kumi, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ghana: "Challenges facing Lutheran Worship in Africa"



Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, President of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA: "Sacramental Tensions in Lutheran History"



Bishop Paul Kofi Fynn of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana graciously hosted the conference at Wisconsin International University in Accra, Ghana.


The Wisconsin International University is among the highest rated private universities in Ghana. Currently, the university has about 3,000 students and has a capacity of about 8,000 students. The University has served as a good host for the conference.



Dr. Collver presented on recent events in Ethiopia and how some of the bishops in Tanzania reacted to the news, followed by an open forum on how the International Lutheran Conference (ILC) could make an impact in Africa.

The Program Committee consisted of the Rev. Dr. Albert Collver Ill, Director of Church Relations--Assistant to the President LCMS and Executive Secretary of the International Lutheran Conference (ILC); Rev. Dr. Paul Kofi Fynn, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana; Dr. Timothy C. J. Quill, Director of Theological Education; Rev. Gordon Kumi, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana; Rev. Daniel McMiller, Dir. of Luther Academy.

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Location:Accra,Ghana