Our Synod and Congregational Opportunities for Companionship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic
For about 10 years, our synod has been involved with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic (Église évangélique luthérienne de la République centrafricaine), or EELRCA. In 2000, 2005 and 2010, President Andre Golike (equivalent to our Bishop) visited our synod. The commitments we have to local projects grew out of a conversation with President Golike and other C.A.R. partners (see below) during the most recent visit.
Due to geography, it is apparent our relationship with the C.A.R. will be quite different from our relationship to Peru. For many reasons it is almost impossible to visit there, although it has been done by a brave few.
Accompanying our sisters and brothers in C.A.R. our focus includes:
- Helping raise money and supplies for and awareness of their many projects
- Becoming educated and aware of the culture and needs
- Sharing their music and liturgy within our congregation and synod
- Developing a closer relationship with the missionaries serving the C.A.R.
- Other Partners in Mission with the EELRCA
U.S. Based
Companion Synods: Eastern North Dakota, Western North Dakota, Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast
ELCA Congregations and Individuals: Many congregations and individuals provide support for the ministries of the EEL-RCA through their prayers, visits and generous gifts to World Hunger and Global Gifts.
Global Health Ministries: Providing support to the health ministries of Lutheran churches around the globe, GHM is responsible for funding a major health initiative of the EELRCA — a new clinic in the town of Gallo.
Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry (LPGM): A long time partner with the EELRCA, LPGM has supported St. Timothy’s parish in Bangui, the Martha and Mary Women’s Center in Bouar, and the new Gallo Clinic.
International
Evangelical Lutheran Mission (ELM) in Germany: The ELM provides mission personnel and grant support for the EELRCA in a variety of areas, including theological education and health ministry.
Mission Afrika (MA) in Denmark: Mission Afrika is a long time partner with the EELRCA providing key assistance, especially in the areas of health care and evangelism.