“It is an honor to be elected,” says Rev. Larry Kochendorfer, one of 48 council members appointed by the Twelfth Assembly of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF). Those elected represent churches from the seven LWF regions.
Kochendorfer, Bishop of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), is one of five council representatives from the North America region.
Election to LWF council, “carries with it a responsibility to hear the voices of the global communion,” he says. Council members also need affirm and encourage, “what we are hearing. I’m honored to be representing the region.”
Kochendorfer highlights the importance of council members bringing back the stories and voices from council meetings to their regions.
This is something that will come quite naturally to the bishop. “I’m a listener and encourager of stories,” he says. “I’m looking forward to bringing with me my experience of being in other contexts and hearing the stories and engaging in those stories.”
“I hope to also share the stories from my region,” says Kochendorfer.
Speaking on future priorities for the council, he mentions that sustainability for the communion is going to be vital, drawing specific attention to the importance of the LWF Endowment Fund.
LWF/Trina Gallop
