bishops

by Bishop Paul Smith

When I became the pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church, North Adelaide, some of the parish folk told me the story of the recent time when the church building had been broken into. The thieves took the historic ‘mission field’ crucifix from the altar. Thankfully, it was returned.

Some Queensland Lutherans would know at least a little about new LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith, who served as their district bishop between 2015 and 2021. But many in our church may not have heard the incredible and inspiring story behind the faith journey of our sixth churchwide leader.

by Bishop John Henderson

From 2002 to 2009 I worked as General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Australia. It was a remarkable role.

The 20th General Synod elected Pastor Paul Smith as the LCANZ’s next bishop and Pastor Neville Otto as the assistant bishop. Delegates also elected the General Church Board to serve the LCANZ for the 2021-24 synodical term.

LCANZ bishop-elect Pastor Paul Smith says he is ‘humbled’ by his election by General Synod and has asked for the prayers of church members as he prepares to take up the role next year.

by Bishop John Henderson

God willing, when this edition of The Lutheran is published, the 2021 online sessions of the LCANZ 20th Convention of General Synod will have successfully concluded.