A Lifetime of Service and a Spirit of Hope: Day 3 at the ELCIC National Convention

The Diocese of Algoma is grateful to have The Rev. Brad Mittleholtz, Incumbent of Christ Church Anglican, Sault Ste. Marie, and Pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, serving as a delegate to the 2025 Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) National Convention, meeting this week in Winnipeg. As part of the Full Communion relationship between the Anglican Church of Canada and the ELCIC, Brad is representing Algoma in this important gathering of worship, discernment, and decision-making. Here is his third and final reflection:

Day 3 reflection

Tonight all the business is done. For Sunday, our agenda only offers worship and departures. In three days we have done the work of the church in convention. We have received reports, welcomed guests, debated at the microphone, shared in table discussions, eaten and drunk together, and become family again.

In our elections, we have a new National Church Council (NCC), a much smaller group than the Council of General Synod of our Anglican Church of Canada, with lay and rostered representation from each of our five synods (i.e., dioceses), and the house of bishops offering an advisory role with voice but no vote at NCC or at the National Convention.

We also have a new National Bishop in the former synodical bishop from the Synod of Alberta and the Territories, the Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer. Bishop Larry recently “retired” from his former role as bishop but agreed to let his name stand for National Bishop. With Bishop Larry, the ELCIC will be in good hands as we navigate significant changes in the life of the church over the next number of years.

We also had the opportunity to discuss and debate items of business arising from the concerns and hopes of the delegates through a process called the Committee on Reference and Counsel. There was significant conversation about the work of the church in the world.

For more news and highlights from the ELCIC National Convention visit: Daily Highlights – Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada