Lutheran Church in America. Division for World Mission and Ecumenism

See LCA 28/5/3 Background.

From the description of Guyana Correspondence and Subject Files 1971-1978. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086325

See LCA 28 and LCA 28/5.

From the description of Subject Files 1965-1987; 1971-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086317

From the description of Lutheran Church in America. : Division for World Mission and Ecumenism. Subject Files by Country 1962-1991; 1971-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48087099

See LCA 28/5/4.

From the description of Chile Files 1969-1982. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086324

See LCA 28/14.

From the description of Subject Files 1961-1988. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086343

See LCA 28 Administrative History.

From the description of Program Files 1957-1987; 1974-1984. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 52823220

From the description of Scholarship Student Files 1955-1987; 1972-1985. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 55081892

From the description of Miscellaneous Program Files 1960-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 52823089

See LCA 16/3/2 Administrative History, LCA 28 Administrative History.

From the description of Program Files 1967-1986; 1972-1982. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 52823074

See LCA 28/13.

From the description of Consultations and Seminars 1975-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086342

From the description of Global Mission Events 1975-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48087374

From the description of Subject Files 1962-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086339

See LCA 28 Administrative History, LCA 28/10 Administrative History.

From the description of Activity Files 1969-1986; 1974-1986. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 53244627

See LCA 28/5, Administrative History.

From the description of Subject Files, Publications, Reports 1933-1981; 1971-1977. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48064683

See LCa 28 Administrative History, LCA 28/1/2/1/1 Background.

From the description of Subject Files 1964-1983; 1972-1982. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 52823062

See LCA Administrative History, LCA 28/5/3/2 Background, LCA 28/5/3/4 Background.

From the description of Guyana Program Files 1963-1982; 1972-1980. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 53142735

See LCA 28/10.

From the description of Studies and Conferences by Country 1965-1985. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086332

From the description of Studies by Subject 1964-1985. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086334

From the description of Subject Files 1962-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086338

From the description of Background Files by Country 1948-1985; 1963-1985. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086331

From the description of Project Files 1965-1987; 1972-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086335

LCA 28/13.

From the description of Missionary in Residence Program Files 1970-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086340

The Council of the India Mission was formed in 1920. For its history and for minutes prior to 1963, see ULCA 19/7/1.

From the description of Council of the India Mission, Minutes and Correspondence 1949-1982; 1963-1982. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086329

See LCA 28 Administrative History, LCA 28/3/2 Administrative History.

From the description of Program Files 1948-1987; 1972-1985. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 52823071

See LCA 28/3/2 Administrative History.

From the description of Program Files 1948-1976. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48064679

See Background, ULCA 19/7/2/1 and LCA 16/6/2/1.

From the description of Subject Files 1925-1977. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086330

See LCA 16/7, LCA 16/7/1, LCA 28/5, ULCA 19/8, and ULCA 19/8/2.

From the description of Program Files 1973-1982. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48064685

From the description of Argentina Files 1974-1980. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086321

See LCA 28 Administrative History, LCA 28/5/3 Administrative History.

From the description of Trinidad Program Files 1973-1982. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 54495567

See LCA 28 Administrative History, LCA 28/3/6 Administrative History.

From the description of Program Files 1955-1987; 1968-1986. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 52823078

See LCA 28 Administrative History, LCA 28/1/2/1 Background, LCA 28/1/2/2/1 Background.

From the description of Program Files 1958-1987; 1972-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 52823066

The mission work of the Division for World Mission and Ecumenism (DWME) of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan was administered by the Secretary for East Asia. David L. Vikner served in this capacity for the Board of World Missions (BWM) of the LCA from 1962-1971. Delbert E. Anderson succeeded Vikner from 1971-1972, continuing the post with the DWME (1973-1987). When the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was formed, Anderson continued in this position, retitled Program Director for East Asia, until his retirement in 1998.

From the description of Scholarship Files 1967-1986; 1973-1986. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48064682

The Phebe Hospital and Nurses' Training School was founded in 1921 by Lutherans from America. In 1965 it became interdenominational, with Methodist and Presbyterian participation. In 1970 it became a government-sponsored hospital, though the LCA continued to provide part of the operating costs. The nursing degree program was run jointly by Phebe and the Episcopal-related Cuttington College.

From the description of Phebe Hospital Files 1954-1981. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48064677

See LCA 28 Administrative History, LCA 29/3/1 Administrative History, LCA 28/3/2 Administrative History, LCA 28/3/6 Administrative History.

From the description of East Asia Area Program Files 1960-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 52823081

See LCA 28 Administrative History, LCA 28/7 Administrative History.

From the description of Ecumenical Relationships 1969-1980. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 53237105

See LCA 28 Administrative History, LCA 28/5 Administrative History.

From the description of Program Files 1973-1982. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086323

See LCA 28 Administrative History, LCA 28/6/3 Administrative History.

From the description of Program Files 1963-1987; 1972-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 53237096

Formed in 1963 by merger of United Lutheran Church in America, Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church, Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and American Evangelical Lutheran Church.

From the description of Records of the Lutheran Church in America, Division for World Mission and Ecumenism, 1977-1997 (inclusive). (Yale University). WorldCat record id: 702152297

See LCA 28/5.

From the description of Lutheran Church in America. : Division for World Mission and Ecumenism. Reports 1971-1986. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086320

Ruben Arthur Pedersen served as Secretary for Africa for the Lutheran Church in America, first for the Board of World Missions (1965-1972), and then for the Division for World Mission and Ecumenism. He had previously been an Augustana missionary in Tanganyika (1946-1961), and an Associate Director for the Department of World Missions of the Lutheran World Federation (1961-1965). As secretary for Africa, Pedersen provided administrative leadership for mission in Ethiopia, Liberia, and Tanzania. He succeeded Rudolph C. Burke and was himself succeeded by Gerald E. Currens.

From the description of Ruben A. Pedersen Files 1965-1976; 1965-1973. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48064675

See LCA 28/10 and LCA 28/12.

From the description of Lutheran Church in America. : Division for World Mission and Ecumenism. Correspondence 1962-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086337

See also LCA 28 Administrative History.

At first Lutheran Church in America (LCA) involvement in the Philippines consisted of financial assistance in the form of grants for particular projects. The LCA believed that its "Lutheran contribution" to work in the Philippines should be ecumenical in nature with the idea of strengthening existing programs instead establishing programs unique to one particular denomination. To that end, the LCA provided financial assistance to Philippine educational projects sponsored by the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA), and to a research center devoted to the pursuit of easing tensions between the various Philippine cultural communities and to promote issues of peace and justice. Funds for this center were transmitted through the National Council Churches of Christ in the USA's Division for Overseas Ministries (NCCCUSA/DOM). The Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) had its principal overseas involvement with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

Direct LCA involvement in mission work in the Philippines began in 1980 with its support of the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music (AILM), formerly the Southeast Asia Institute for Liturgy and Music. The AILM was an independent regional center for the dissemination of worship materials, training and research. The LCA provided financial assistance as well as its first missionaries to the Philippines, Dr. Arlin Jansen and his wife Ruth. Dr. Jansen served on the faculty of the institute as an ethnomusicologist.

From the description of Program Files 1975-1984. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 52823085

See also LCA 28 Administrative History.

The Lutheran Church in America (LCA) did not actively pursue its own mission work in Korea. Mission work in Korea was already well represented by other Christian denominations, including the Presbyterians and Methodists. As a result of other mission efforts, including that of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, there was a large Christian population in Korea, more so than in other parts of Asia or Africa. The LCA believed it better to concentrate its efforts in areas where greater inroads in evangelism could take place. This is not to say that the LCA had no involvement in mission work in Korea. It provided financial assistance, particularly for media projects, through Intermedia, an agency of the National Council of Churches. The LCA also directed money to projects in Korea through the World Association for Christian Communication. In addition to providing financial assistance, the LCA, through the Division for World Mission and Ecumenism (DWME) acted as the means through which other LCA divisions and local congregations could inquire about work in Korea and contacts to make when traveling in Korea.

From the description of Program Files 1971-1987; 1978-1985. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 52823223

See also LCA 16/5/1/2 Background, LCA 28 Administrative History, LCA 28/2/3/1 Background.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania formed in 1965 as the result of the merger of seven Lutheran Churches that had been participants in the Federation of Lutheran Churches in Tanganyika. These churches included the Iraqw Lutheran Church, Lutheran Church of Southern Tanganyika, Lutheran Church of Central Tanganyika, Lutheran Church of Usambara-Digo, Evangelical Church of North-Western Tanganyika, Lutheran Church of Uzaramo-Uluguru, and Lutheran Church of Northern Tanganyika. These predecessor churches of the ELCT had in their collective history the involvement of several mission agencies, including the Augustana Lutheran Mission, Berlin Mission Society, Bethel Mission Society, the Leipzig Mission of Germany, and the Swedish Evangelical Mission. By 1973 the ELCT had grown into a network of ten regional synods and dioceses. It has a presiding bishop elected to a four-year term, and an Executive Council composed of diocese bishops, directors of church institutions, and diocese Secretaries General. This council meets three times per year and the General Assembly meets once every four years. As of 2003 the church has 20 dioceses, a collective membership of more than 2.5 million members, and is headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania.

From the description of Program Files 1965-1986; 1973-1983. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 52823222

See also LCA 28 Administrative History.

LCA mission involvement in the South Pacific included the deployment of an LCA missionary, Dr. Leland J. Mebust, to the faculty of Pacific Theological College, Fiji. He was a member of the faculty from 1970-1978. Reasons given for sending an LCA representative to the college included a desire to strengthen the mission of the church in a geographical area of critical change; participate in an ecumenical venture; and have LCA participation in another part of the world. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the LCA provided grant money to the publishing house Kristen Pres, Incorporated, and provided funds for health training materials. Regarding other areas of the South Pacific, by 1982 the LCA believed, as it did with other geographical areas in which it was considering involvement, its participation would be most beneficial in working with programs that involved ecumenical participation or with Christian institutions and churches already present in the area.

From the description of Program Files 1968-1984; 1975-1984. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 52823087

See also LCA 28 Administrative History.

In 1981 the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) began mission work in China with its collaboration with The American Lutheran Church (TALC) in the Joint ALC/LCA Committee on the People's Republic of China. This committee would relate to the Lutheran World Federation's China Program and the Lutheran Churches' China Coordinating Office in Hong Kong. In 1982 the joint committee recognized the China Christian Council as the entity which represented the Protestant Christian community in China. In 1986, the two churches undertook a review of their long-range planning in China. As a result of this review, the two churches decided to focus mission efforts in China on addressing educational needs.

From the description of Program Files 1946-1987; 1983-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 52823076

See also LCA Administrative History.

The Rev. Dr. Gerald E. Currens served as Executive Director of the Lutheran Church in America's (LCA) Division for World Mission and Ecumenism (DWME) from October 1, 1982, until 1988 when the newly-created Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Division for Global Mission succeeded the mission divisions of the merging churches. Prior to Rev. Currens position as Executive Director for DWME he served as its Secretary for Africa from 1977-1982. Before serving as Secretary for Africa, Rev. Currens served as a missionary to Liberia for the United Lutheran Church in America (ULCA) from 1951-1963 and then for the LCA from 1964-1976.

From the description of Correspondence 1954-1987; 1982-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 52823064

See also LCA 28 Administrative History.

The Rev. Dr. David L. Vikner served as Executive Director for the Division for World Mission and Ecumenism (DWME) from July 1974 until his retirement in September 1982. Prior to this position he served as Associate Executive Director for the DWME from 1973-1974. His involvement in mission work began in 1944 when he served as a missionary to China for the Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church. He served in China until 1950 when he transferred to the Japan mission field where he served until 1958. He also worked in an administrative capacity as East Asia Secretary for the foreign mission boards of the United Lutheran Church in America (ULCA) and the Lutheran Church in America (LCA). With the LCA Board of World Missions, he served as first its Associate Executive Secretary and then its Executive Secretary from 1970-1972. After his retirement from the LCA, he taught at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago until 1995.

From the description of Correspondence 1972-1982. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 52823061

See also LCA 28 Administrative History, LCA 28/5 Administrative History.

The Lutheran Church in America (LCA) became involved in mission development in Haiti in 1975 by working with a small group of Lutherans in Port-au-Prince who desired to establish a Lutheran church. This group, officially known as Mission Evangelique Lutherienne en Haiti, was led by Mr. Ben Bichotte, a Haitian who confirmed as a Lutheran while pursuing studies in Germany. The LCA provided the group minimal financial assistance to increase agricultural production. The LCA also assisted other ecumenical agencies working in Haiti, such as Lutheran World Federation, Church World Service, and Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE).

By 1978 efforts to further mission and development were encountering difficulties. This was due, in part, because three LCA groups, the Division for World Mission and Ecumenism, the Caribbean Synod, and the Division for Mission in North America were all participating in work in Haiti and had different mission philosophies. The LCA Staff Team on the Caribbean alleviated this problem somewhat when it designated the DWME as the agency responsible for developing an LCA ministry in Haiti.

Even though there were initial plans for the DWME to send a pastoral missionary to Haiti, those plans were put on hold indefinitely in 1979. The DWME also decided to shift its focus to one more ecumenical in nature. It sought to distance itself from the Mission Evangelique Lutherienne en Haiti due to perceived irregularities in its operation. Instead, the DWME decided to send a one-time grant to a leadership training program run by the United Methodist Church that would also train Lutheran leaders.

From the description of Haiti Program Files 1975-1980. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 53147750

See also AUG 24/8 Administrative History, LCA 16/7/6 Administrative History, LCA 28 Administrative History, LCA 28/5 Administrative History.

In 1974 the Division for World Mission and Ecumenism (DWME) saw the Lutheran Church in America's long-range strategy for mission work in Uruguay including an expanded media ministry, a mobile medical-dental unit to serve isolated communities, a summer camp program, and theological training for lay persons who wished to serve as tent-making ministers. The Rev. Edelmiro Cortes and his wife Providencia began service in Uruguay in 1975 after serving from 1973-1974 in Peru.

Work in Uruguay occurred in Rivera where, in addition to regular parish work in Christian education, counseling, holistic ministry, and youth activities, theological preparation continued through an extension seminary. The Lutheran Center and Ecumenical Institute located in Montevideo, on property owned by the DWME, provided administrative assistance for two development projects to which the LCA also provided assistance: upgrades to modernize the regional honey industry, and the construction of a milk processing plant in a rural community. In 1978 the church located in Rivera, Resurrection Lutheran Church, achieved legal status and became the first Uruguayan Lutheran church. The DWME anticipated that its involvement in Rivera would diminish over time, but that it would be called upon to provide assistance to neighboring communities wishing to begin new ministries.

By 1987 the Ecumenical Institute continued to offer facility resources to ecumenical organizations and center staff worked to provide resources for those persons interested in the Christian faith and involvement with the church. Resurrection Lutheran Church in Rivera appears to have been the only Lutheran congregation in Uruguay with which the DWME was involved.

From the description of Program Files 1975-1981. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 53147675

See also LCA 28 Administrative History.

In 1954 the United Mission to Nepal (UMN) formed under the sponsorship of the National Christian Council of India and Pakistan. Membership in the mission was granted on the condition that a member body would either send personnel for service in Nepal and provide funding for their service or contribute a financial grant to the mission. UMN had an initial membership of 10 mission agencies working in nearby Northern India. Even though the initial aim of the UMN was to minister to the needs of those living in Nepal and to make Christ known through word and life, to be able to establish work in Nepal the UMN had to promise the government it would not evangelize. Consequently, the primary work of the mission was to educate children and adults, help to develop agriculture and industry, and treat the sick and suffering. The mission was also involved in community development, scholarship programs, literacy work, and education.

The Lutheran Church in America (LCA) joined the UMN in 1974. For several years mainline denominations in the United States asked the LCA to join the UMN to help bring balance to an operation that was dominated by conservative evangelicals whose Christian witness took the form of severe pietism. By 1985 the DWME had four people working within the UMN in Nepal: as director at Patan Hospital's Primary Care program; working with a UMN nurses training program; working on an agriculture development project as part of the government's rural electrification program; and as chief pharmacist at Tansen District Hospital.

From the description of Program Files 1961-1987; 1974-1981. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 53238386

See also LCA 28 Administrative History.

Trans Mission began as a newsletter of the Lutheran Church in America's Board of World Missions (BWM). It was first titled, temporarily, New York Mail with the first issue appearing in December 1971. With the creation of this newsletter, the BWM hoped to encourage feedback and communication from the board, staff and missionaries; to inform missionaries as to actions by the staff and board and provide interpretation for those actions; develop a collegial sense among the missionaries; and provide useful news of missionaries and partner churches for those living overseas. It was published four times per year and received by all missionaries, active and retired, and board members. While the BWM publication World Encounter was seen as having a wider audience outside the church, this newsletter was perceived to be more of an "in-house" publication. Its editor was the Rev. William Dudde, editor of World Encounter. The Rev. Norman Nuding, BWM Director for Personnel, served as a resource person based in New York. With issue number 3, May 1972, the title of the newsletter changed to Trans Mission.

From the description of Trans Mission 1971-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 53237109

See also LCA 28 Administrative History.

By the early 1970s the Lutheran Church in America's (LCA) Division for World Mission and Ecumenism (DWME) determined that the future of mission work in Asian countries needed to include, if not rely on primarily, indigenous Christian experts and that mission work had to develop from within a country.

Upon gaining independence, less-developed countries became sensitized to their new autonomy, along with their cultures' places in society. The question for aid organizations and mission agencies was how to help these countries embrace their autonomy and cultural identity and reach their fullest potential. In the past these goals would have been accomplished by using local church leaders and deployed missionaries. But missionaries, in addition to being assigned more short-term assignments and having a specialized positions in the field, came from vastly different cultural backgrounds and therefore found it increasingly difficult to identify culturally with the people in the local communities.

The LCA determined what was needed was persons with the expertise, energy, time, and dedication to help communities move towards realizing their potential. With this in mind, the LCA created to the position of Development Officer, or Ecumenical Consultant whose primary role was to cultivate partnerships and relationships from which mission projects pertaining to community health, adult education, and building and sustaining a Christian community for the betterment of local communities in countries comprising the Southern Asian region. Sam Manoharan Isaac was the LCA's first development officer in Southern Asia. His official title was Consultant for Ecumenical Development in the Southern Asia Region. He began work with the LCA on July 1, 1975.

From the description of Consultant for Ecumenical Development, Southern Asia Region, Files 1974-1980. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 53244351

See also LCA 28 Administrative History.

The Lutheran Church in America's (LCA) approach to establishing mission objectives for work in Burma deviated somewhat from the typical practice of deploying missionaries in administrative, educational, or medical capacities. Burma, once a colony of Great Britain, gained its independence in 1948, but fell victim to a 1962 coup staged by General Ne Win. Because of the severe limitations placed upon church mission agencies and their inability to deploy persons to Burma, the LCA found itself relying primarily on providing technical and financial assistance in the establishment of various programs coordinated by the Burma Council of Churches (BCC), an ecumenical agency comprising various denominations in Burma.

Since the LCA had no missionaries in Burma, its primary role was to provide assistance through various projects. DWME support began in approximately 1972 with contributions to what was termed the "Rangoon Ministry." In addition to support for this ministry, the DWME also provided funds for emergency situations and to assist Indians who stayed behind in Burma to register with the government or to "buy" Burmese citizenship, with which persons of Indian heritage could then enroll their children in school, acquire job security, and own property. Other projects included development of a theological education by extension training program for lay and ordained persons, a Bible correspondence program, a pastoral care and counseling program, and assistance with ministry for university students.

From the description of Program Files 1957-1984; 1974-1984. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 53238385

See also LCA 28 Administrative History.

The Lutheran Church in America (LCA) gained an opportunity to work in Indonesia as a result of political and economic shifts that allowed for increased opportunities for Christian evangelism. Its work in Indonesia began on January 1, 1970, after a request from the Lutheran World Federation for it to assume responsibility for Lutheran mission efforts in Indonesia.

LCA involvement in Indonesian Lutheran activities was to be through partnerships with the Rhenish Mission as well as with Batak churches. The LCA also sought to support a university and theological seminary through means of financial and personnel assistance. In addition to the work of supporting educational institutions, the LCA also provided support for an orphanage, medical work, Christian education for laypersons, and agricultural training.

From the description of Program Files 1951-1985; 1968-1985. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 53244349

The Lutheran Church in Malaysia "constituted in convention in 1963, became an official body on January 1, 1964" (Bachmann and Bachmann, p. 245). In 1965, when Singapore separated from Malaysia, the name was changed to the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore. (For minutes of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore see LCA 28/6/5/1.) Its origins lie in the Malayan mission work of the United Lutheran Church in America (see ULCA 19/1/6/2), taken over by the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) at the time of its formation in 1962. The first congregation was established in 1955. These congregations related to the Malaysian Christian Council but could not be granted full membership until they became an official Malaysian church.

Officers of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore were president, secretary, and treasurer. The treasurer was the business manager appointed by the Board of World Missions of the LCA. In 1972 the title was changed from president to bishop.

The church met annually for the purpose of receiving reports, holding elections, and approving work of the Executive Council. The Executive Council met monthly to conduct business between annual meetings. It was composed of the three officers plus four elected members who then chaired standing committees on evangelism, education, stewardship, and finance and property.

The ULCA explored quite early the possibility of united work with the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran mission. The Tamil work was started by Tamil Lutherans from India and was later supported by the Church of Sweden. They did not, however, succeed in forming one church from these two bodies (ULCA and Tamil Evangelical Mission). Instead, the Tamil Evangelical Mission launched the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore (ELCMS) in 1963, the same year that the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore was organized. It was not until 1977 that the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore and ELCMS joined with the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia and the Protestant Church in Sabah to form the Federation of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Malaysia and Singapore. Each of the four churches, however, maintained its individual identity.

From the description of Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore Files 1952-1975; 1962-1975. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48065004

The Andhra Christian Theological College (ACTC) opened in 1964, with William D. Coleman as its first principal, and Luthergiri Theological Seminary hosting the new institution. In 1973 it moved to Secunderabad, near Hyderabad. All degrees continued to be granted through Serampore College, the institution with which Luthergiri Theological Seminary had been affiliated.

The College was directed by a Board of Governors, with membership on the board coming from each sponsoring group. To these church body representatives, the following members were added: ex-officio members principal, bursar, and dean of women; one member from among the deans in rotation; and two additional members, including one from the Board of Theological Education of the National Christian Council of India. A Chairman of the Board was elected annually and the principal served as secretary. Between annual meetings of the Board, business was conducted by an Executive Committee consisting of the chair, secretary, bursar, and four elected members, the four to come from institutions not represented by the other three members of the committee.

The Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute was established as the United Lutheran Theological College (Gurukul) in Madras in 1931, under the auspices of the Federation of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India (FELC). Originally affiliated with the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, in 1934 the school was transferred to the territory of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church. There it functioned first as the Theological Department of the Andhra Christian College and later as the Lutheran Theological College at Rajahmundry. In 1953 Gurukul was reorganized to include a research institute and located in Kilpauk, Madras. A restructuring in 1971 transferred the degree programs to the United Theological College in Bangalore, and Gurukul became the Gurukul Centre for Continuing Theological Education. Gurukul now provided programs for training of laity, pastors' extension courses, training for specialized ministry, research projects, and practical training toward the Bachelor of Divinity.

The school was governed by a College Council, responsible to the FELC, which also elected two of its members. Other council members were a representative from each member body and the principal.

From the description of Education Files 1942-1979; 1962-1979. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48087373

See also LCA 28 Administrative History.

Prior to 1980, primary responsibility for administration of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA)World Hunger Appeal Program resided with a consulting committee that related to the Office for Administration and Finance and an inter-agency hunger staff team. At the 1980 LCA convention the appeal was extended for the remainder of the decade. As a result, changes were made regarding coordination of the program. The consulting committee's responsibilities were reduced and the hunger appeal staff team assumed responsibility for coordinating the world hunger program. The Division for World Mission and Ecumenism (DWME) became the coordinating agency for the hunger appeal staff team and also had the responsibility of presenting hunger appeal budget recommendations to the LCA's Executive Council. The Office of Administration and Finance retained the primary responsibility of overseeing fundraising for the World Hunger Appeal.

A study of the World Hunger Appeal Program completed in 1982 revealed that duties assigned to the DWME were not clear. By the DWME having responsibility for coordinating the hunger staff team, it appeared it would be the agency ultimately responsible for coordination of the program, but this was never clearly defined. In addition, there was no staff member in DWME given a specific assignment pertaining to coordination of the hunger program. After the 1982 study and its recommendations were considered, it was decided that the DWME would assume responsibility for coordinating the development and recommendation of all world hunger projects and budgets, developing a strategy for emphasizing the World Hunger Appeal throughout the decade, and coordinating a process to evaluate and review World Hunger projects. The Rev. John M. Mangum, Director for Planning, was named the DWME staff person who would implement the coordination of the World Hunger Program. In addition to these duties, DWME also played a small role in World Hunger interpretation in the publication World Encounter, and it also administered some grants, primarily in the area of development. In the latter part of 1984 Susan Brook, Assistant to the Executive Director of DWME, took over the responsibilities of LCA World Hunger Program Coordinator.

From the description of Program Files 1974-1987; 1984-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 54496416

The Lutheran Church in Guyana (LCG) was established by constitution in 1966, the same year that British Guiana gained independence from Great Britain and was renamed Guyana. It was established as a reorganization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of British Guiana, founded in 1943 (see ULCA 19/8/3/2).

The governing body of the LCG was the Annual Convention, with business conducted by an Executive Council between conventions. The officers, who served both the convention and the Executive Council, were president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer, with the first three elected by the convention and the treasurer appointed by the Executive Council. The president and vice-president were both ordained ministers. In addition to the four officers, the Executive Council included three additional members elected by convention. The Executive Council was to include no less than four and no more than five ministers.

The church was divided into parishes, with each parish governed by a Parish Council. If a parish contained only one congregation, the church council of that congregation became its Parish Council.

The LCG was an Associated Church of the Lutheran Church in America and as such was entitled to elect representatives to the LCA biennial conventions. It was also a member of the Lutheran World Federation.

Presidents of the LCG during the time of this set of records were as follows.

W.S. Bone, 1966-1967 (resigning before his term was up); Victor Munro, 1967-1968; J.B. Dookram, 1968-1972; P.T. Jagdhar 1973-1976.

From the description of Lutheran Church in Guyana Files 1963-1976. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48086326

Lutheran work began in Ethiopia in 1866 by the Swedish Evangelical Mission. They were joined by the Swedish Mission of Bible True Friends (1921), German Hermannsburg Mission (1927), Norwegian Lutheran Mission (1948), Icelandic Mission (1952), and the Danish Ethiopian Mission (1948).

Work in Ethiopia became indigenous much more quickly than in many countries. With the Italian occupation (1936-1941), missionaries were sent home. When the occupation ended, many of the established churches chose to retain their autonomy, advising the missionaries to go to those who had not yet heard the gospel, and offering to assist them in this endeavor. The Conference of Ethiopian Evangelical Churches was organized in 1944 without missionary participation.

American Lutherans did not become involved until the American Lutheran Church sent Herbert Schaefer as a missionary in 1957. Schaefer assumed a strong leadership role in the matter of establishing a united Lutheran church body and in 1959 the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY) was founded. Rapid growth and opportunity caused the EECMY to call on the help of other missions and churches in America and Europe for assistance in personnel and finance. A consultation of cooperating agencies was called in 1974 and in 1977 a Committee of Mutual Christian Responsibility was developed.

In 1973 Gerald Currens made a survey tour of Ethiopia in order to determine where the Lutheran Church in America might begin work. The LCA began cooperation with the EECMY in 1974, sending two missionary pastors (Daniel Olson and David Brostrom) to serve in the Addis Ababa Synod. Olson returned home in 1977 and Brostrom was reassigned to Ghana in 1978. The LCA continued its relationship through scholarships and assistance to the youth program of the Addis Ababa Synod, as well as other scattered projects and committee work.

From the description of Program Files 1970-1983. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48064676

The first paragraph of the first minutes of the Chinese Advisory Committee (CAC) shows that the committee was conceived at a meeting of the Commission on World Missions (CWM) of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF)in 1960. The CAC met annually. Until 1974 meetings were scheduled in conjunction with the time and place of the meetings of the CWM of the LWF, although it was not an agency of the LWF. In 1975 it began to schedule two meetings per year, back to back, which met in Hong Kong and Taipei, Taiwan, so that more national church officials could participate. At that time it was determined that two chairmen (one from Hong Kong and one from Taiwan) would be selected, with a secretary still chosen from the committee. However, the minutes continue to list a single chairman and secretary, both from the sponsoring mission bodies. In 1977 the name was changed to China Area Coordinating Committee.

The purpose of the committee was "to serve as a cooperative agency between the various overseas boards and societies in terms of their joint relationships to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong (ELCHK), the Taiwan Lutheran Church (TLC) and the Taiwan Lutheran Mission (TLM, later the Taiwan Lutheran Missionaries Association or TLMA)." Such cooperation took the form of providing staff and financing based upon reports, proposals, and requests from the ELCHK, TLC, TLM, and TLMA.

Participating Lutheran church bodies were the American Lutheran Church, Augustana Lutheran Church, Church of Sweden Mission, Danish Missionary Society, Finnish Missionary Society, Lutheran Free Church of Norway, Norwegian Lutheran Mission, Norwegian Missionary Society (until 1966), and the Lutheran Church in America. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod sometimes participated as a consultant, and representatives of the ELCHK, TLC, and TLM were also listed as consultants.

From the description of Minutes, Agendas, and Correspondence 1961-1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48065003

The mission work in Malaya (later Malaysia and Singapore), begun under the auspices of the Board of Foreign Missions of the United Lutheran Church in America (ULCA), was administered on the field by the Administrative Council of Missionaries in Malaya of the United Lutheran Church in America (1953-1962), the Association of Missionaries in Malaysia and Singapore of the Lutheran Church in America (1963-1972), and the Association of Missionaries in West Malaysia and Singapore (1972-[1979]). The name changes correspond to the changes in governing bodies, i.e., the Board of Foreign Missions of the ULCA, the Board of World Missions of the LCA, and the Division for World Mission and Ecumenism of the LCA.

The Administrative Council met monthly. The Association of Missionaries met annually; its Executive Committee met monthly. The Executive Committee was composed of the officers plus one additional member. Later this committee was expanded to include the superintendents of medical work, the hostel, and the rest house and the chairman of the Board of the Lutheran Bible Training Institute.

The association served as a liaison between the Lutheran Church of Malaysia (see LCA 28/3/6/1 and LCA 28/6/5/1) and the Board of World Missions of the ULCA and LCA.

Minutes for this association can be found under LCA 28/6/5/1.

From the description of Association of Missionaries in West Malaysia and Singapore Files 1954-1988. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48064681

See also LCA 28 Administrative History.

Lutheran Church in America (LCA) mission work in Thailand began in earnest in 1975 with the deployment of LCA missionaries the Rev. David N and Carol Eichner. Their assignment was two-fold. They were to work with the Urban-Industrial Life Division of Christ Church in Thailand (CCT), the principal church with which the LCA worked in Thailand and Pastor Eichner was to serve part-time as a pastor at the Lutheran Church of Thailand (LCT), a single congregation sponsored by the Lutheran Council in the USA, (LCUSA) Division of Service to Military Personnel.

Reasons the LCA decided to begin work in Thailand included the hope that Thailand could be a gateway into work in Indochina and the wish to develop a partnership with the CCT where it would aid the church in its urban-industrial work and the CCT could provide assistance in the search for an expatriate pastor for the LCT. The LCA also desired to assist the LCT which comprised primarily American military families. Over time the congregation's membership would become more civilian as the American military presence began to diminish, but in the interim it needed an American pastor to whom expatriate members could relate.

In addition to the work of Rev. Eichner, the LCA also sent personnel to serve on the faculties of two universities in Thailand. DWME personnel were on staff at Payap College, later Payap University, and at Mahidol University, a state university with the only religious studies program in the country, DWME personnel were placed on staff beginning in 1984.

From the description of Program Files 1974-1985. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 53385516

See also LCA 28 Administrative History.

The Rev. John Frederick Neudoerffer served as Secretary for Southern Asia and the Middle East for the Division for World Mission and Ecumenism (DWME) of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) from 1972 until his retirement in 1984. He served the LCA's Board of World Missions first in the position of staff secretary for India from 1963-1968 and then Secretary for Southern Asia and the Middle East from 1969-1972. He began his career in mission work in 1954 when he was appointed a staff secretary for India for the Board of Foreign Missions of the United Lutheran Church in America (ULCA). While serving as staff secretary for India for the ULCA he also served from 1954-1959 as the secretary for personnel recruitment.

Rev. Neudoerffer, son of ULCA missionaries to India the Rev. August and Amy Rohrer Neudoerffer, was born in Rajahmundry, India, on February 13, 1918. He remained in India until he was 18 when his family moved to Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He received his bachelor's degree from Waterloo College, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, in 1939. He attended Waterloo Seminary, Waterloo, Ontario, and was ordained in 1942. Prior to his work with the Board of Foreign Missions of the ULCA, he served from 1942-1954 as pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Montreal. He married Faith Baird in 1942 and they had four children. Pastor Neudoerffer died in Kitchener, Ontario, on February 24, 1995 at the age of 77.

From the description of Rev. John Frederick Neudeorffer Files 1967-1982; 1978-1982. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 53386110

See also LCA 28 Administrative History, LCA 28/6/1/1 Background.

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) first provided direct aid to the Batak church in Indonesia on an emergency basis in 1947 when it supplemented the efforts of the weakened German Rhenish Mission Society (RMS). Most of the LWF's aid was subsequently channeled to the Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP), or "Protestant Christian Batak Church," the largest Batak church. The HKBP, though owing its existence to the RMS, chose not to adopt the classic Lutheran confessions but rather formulated and adopted its own in 1951 (two years after Indonesia had won its independence from the Netherlands). In order to promote the independence of the HKBP while also promoting its Lutheran bona fides, the LWF was instrumental in founding Nommensen University in North Sumatra in 1954, which was made part of the HKBP. To strengthen the doctrinal element, the LWF also funded several positions in the Theology Faculty at Nommensen. These LWF-funded professors were logical candidates to serve as LWF representatives in Indonesia, and several of them did.

The first LWF representative to figure in these papers, the Rev. Gerhard O. (Gary) Reitz, served from October 1956 until February 1962. He was an American Lutheran Church (ALC) missionary on loan to the LWF from service in Borneo (to which he returned in 1962). Reitz's title, "liason officer for the LWF," implied plenipotentiary powers, and indeed Reitz appears to have exercised his role with great application and vigor. The HKBP, however, increasingly preferred to conduct business directly with LWF headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Reitz left for a year-long furlough in June 1960, during which time LWF interests were coordinated by fellow Theology Faculty members the Rev. Audun Tang and the Rev. Edward O. Nyhus. Upon Reitz's return in June 1961, relations between himself and the HKBP sharply deteriorated following his request for an accounting of how LWF funds were being used by the HKBP. The HKBP Church Council voted on August 23, 1961 to suspend cooperation with Reitz, a decision Reitz believed was indicative of HKBP thinking not only about him but also "over against all foreign assistance."

After Reitz left Sumatra for Borneo in February 1962 Pastor Nyhus (on instructions from Dr. Arne Sovik, Director of the LWF's Department of World Mission) assumed responsibility for LWF financial matters in Indonesia. He was not given Reitz's title of LWF liason officer as the HKBP had just then proposed that the position of LWF liason officer be abolished as the relationship between the two bodies would be better served by a LWF representative on the HKBP's already-functioning Committee on Reconstruction and Interchurch Aid (CORIA), a body "through which all help from Western Churches is to be channeled, to receive, to request and to administer." The HKBP also stated that it sought this change so that it could no longer be vulnerable to the charge of being a "mission church."

Nyhus left on furlough on June 1962 and Tang assumed his LWF duties. Evidently the LWF had gone some distance towards honoring the HKBP requests, as Tang now signed himself merely as "LWF representative in Indonesia" and not as "LWF liason officer," as Reitz had done. Nyhus was back in place as "LWF representative" in April 1963. Tang and Nyhus did serve on the HKBP CORIA and forwarded its reports to LWF headquarters.

From April 1963 until the departures from Nommensen University of Tang (August 1970) and Nyhus (summer 1971) there appears to have been periods of overlap or sharing of the responsibilities of LWF representative between the two. At some points Tang clearly took the lead in LWF matters, while at others Nyhus did so. In a letter dated December 10, 1968 Won Yong Ji, Secretary for Asia of the Department of World Mission, LWF, states that both Tang and Nyhus were "our representatives in North Sumatra"-an even more modest designation than "LWF representative in Indonesia." Clearly the LWF was taking pains to avoid any implication that it had a supervisory role on the ground in Indonesia that would compromise the independence of the HKBP.

In the summer of 1968 the LWF's Commission on World Missions, meeting at Hillerod in Denmark, resolved to terminate its mission work in Indonesia as soon as it could be turned over to another Lutheran mission agency. On February 7, 1969 LWF headquarters in Geneva announced that "The LCA Board of World Missions in New York has informed the LWF Department of World Mission here that it is willing to assume basic mission responsibilities in Indonesia starting in January 1970." The press release concluded with the statement that "The LCA missions board, which is headed by Dr. Arne Sovik, former LWF missions director, acted in response to a request for the LWF and the Indonesia churches."

Dr. Sovik and the LCA sought to retain as much of the mission staff in place in Indonesia as possible. Pastors Tang and Nyhus appear to have played a transition role in 1970-71, continuing to administer remaining LFW funds in Indonesia while also coordinating with the LCA missions board. For example, various LFW accounts in Indonesia were not transferred to LCA control until May 1971. The period of transition came to an end with the retirement of Pastor Nyhus from the Indonesian mission field in the summer of 1971; Pastor Tang had left in August 1970.

From the description of Lutheran World Federation Indonesia Files 1954-1974; 1956-1971 (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 67836791

See also LCA 28 Administrative History.

Dr. Ross E. Paulson served as a member of the Management Committee of the Division for World Mission and Ecumenism for the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) from 1986-1988. He also served as a member of the LCA's Board of World Missions 1967-1973. From 1980-1986 he served on the Illinois Synod's Committee of World Mission and Ecumenism. While serving on this committee, he served on its budget and planning committee, resource task force, and was its chair from 1983-1986. In 1986 he was elected to a four-year term which was abbreviated due to the merger that created the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Dr. Paulson was a Professor of History at Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, and served as chair of its history department.

From the description of Dr. Ross E. Paulson Files 1987. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 53385419

See also LCA 28 Administrative History, LCA 28/5 Administrative History.

Lutheran Church in America (LCA) mission work in Jamaica occurred through its Division for Mission in North America (DMNA), the Caribbean Synod which supported a development project, and the Division for World Mission and Ecumenism (DWME) which provided administrative assistance to the United Theological College of the West Indies located in Jamaica. The DWME provided administrative and pastoral care of Lutheran staff members and it also provided assistance in the development of projects that would have as their goals the ultimate self-support of the seminary.

The United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI) formed in 1965 as a result of a merger of three seminaries. The LCA's involvement with the college was through its support of the Lutheran Church in Guyana, which sent its ministerial candidates to UTCWI for theological training. Starting in 1966, the LCA Board of World Missions provided the Lutheran tutor as part of its assistance to the Lutheran Church of Guyana (LCG), which was not yet in a position itself to provide a tutor. In 1973 a tutor from the LCG, the Rev. Geoffrey Tannassee was nominated to serve as the Lutheran tutor at UTCWI. The LCA continued to pay his salary and other necessary expenses. Early on in addition to supplying the Lutheran tutor, the DWME also deployed its pastors to serve as instructors on the faculty.

By 1980 the LCA stopped sending missionary personnel to serve on the faculty, but continued to support the college through an endowment fund earmarked for theological education in the Caribbean. In 1984 the UTCWI made a request of the Secretary for South America and the Caribbean to consider sending a missionary to serve on the faculty and as a Lutheran tutor. There had been no Lutheran professor on the faculty since 1979 when Pastor Tannassee died. By 1985 the DWME was still studying whether or not to send a tutor to serve Lutheran students from Guyana and Surinam. It was the wish of all involved that a Lutheran tutor from the Caribbean be appointed to the position but as of 1985 there had been no candidate available. In early 1987 the UTCWI formally requested that the DWME send a pastor to serve on its faculty by September 1987.

From the description of Jamaica Program Files 1972-1980. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 53147674

See also AUG 24/9 Background, LCA 16/5/1/2 Background, LCA 28 Administrative History.

The Division for World Mission and Ecumenism (DWME) of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) continued mission efforts started in Tanzania by its predecessors' the Board of Foreign Missions of the Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church and the LCA's Board of World Missions. In later years mission work in Tanzania involved blending a variety of traditions and organizations of not only the LCA and its predecessors, but also mission agencies from several countries. To address these challenges, a cooperative mission agency, the Lutheran Coordination Service (LCS) was created in 1973. Its membership included all supporting mission agencies, with the exception of the Norwegian Lutheran Mission. After the creation of this agency, funds for mission work in Tanzania that the DWME normally channeled through the USA National Committee of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) remained with the DWME for disbursal. In addition to this agency, the DWME also participated with the Division for World Mission and Inter-Church Cooperation (DWMIC) of The American Lutheran Church (TALC) in the East Africa Committee.

By 1980 the LCA and TALC were of the opinion that for the ELCT to become more self-reliant, the LCS would need to begin a reduction in subsidies to the church. This proved to be a point of great debate as only a few other agencies within the LCS agreed with this position. In the late 1980s the focus of the LCS increasingly became financial management issues. This highlighted a need for increased consultation between the LCS and ELCT as to the direction and scope of assistance in mission work the LCS would provide the ELCT.

From the description of Program Files 1957-1987; 1973-1982. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 52823221

See also LCA 28 Administrative History.

Lutheran Church in America (LCA) involvement in Middle East ministries began in 1968 with its assistance in sending the Rev. Bruce Schein to assume a pastorate at Redeemer Lutheran Church, East Jerusalem. The Board of World Missions, predecessor to the Division for World Mission and Ecumenism began in earnest to explore further inroads into Middle East ministries in 1970 when it approved of the development of a ministry to Islamic people.

The LCA's Division for World Mission and Ecumenism was a partner church to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan (ELCJ) which comprised several churches and had an extensive educational system. Because of the extensive educational system, partner churches and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) formed the Coordination Committee of Overseas Partners of the ELCJ (COCOP). DWME was an affiliated member that could raise points and voice concerns or questions, but not vote on any business matters.

By 1986 discussions as to how the new church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) would approach its ministries in the Middle East were occurring. Even though the level of cooperation between the TALC and LCA had been good and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches (AELC) had a small but important presence in the Middle East, common guidelines were established as to how to proceed in the new church in the LCA, TALC, and AELC-coauthored document, "Planning Document for ELCA Middle East Ministry."

From the description of Program Files 1965-1987; 1968-1984. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 53244350

In 1845 a Black American, the Rev. Boston J. Drayton of South Carolina, began mission work in Liberia. It was hoped that his home synod, the South Carolina Synod, would support this work. The synod noted his departure and talked about "prayers, sympathy, and pecuniary aid," but no aid was given, and the synod did not adopt the work. Drayton ultimately dropped the mission work and turned to political activity in Liberia.

It was not until 1860 that the General Synod (see GS 16/ Administrative History) officially began work in Liberia, with the Rev. Morris Officer credited with initial work in Muhlenberg. The work was continued by the United Lutheran Church in America (see ULCA 19/, BFM, Administrative History and ULCA 19/4, Liberia, Background) and then by the Lutheran Church in America.

In the LCA the Secretary for Africa, was given administrative oversight of the mission work in Liberia. The Secretary also had administrative oversight of work in Ethiopia and Tanzania.

Ruben Arthur (Ruben A.) Pedersen served as Secretary for Africa for the Lutheran Church in America, first for the Board of World Missions (1965-1972) and then for the Division for World Mission and Ecumenism (1973-1976). Gerald Elwin (Gerald E.) Currens served as Secretary for Africa for the LCA (1976-1982).

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Liberia (ELCL) was organized in 1947, after 87 years of mission status. The church became fully autonomous in 1965, with the formation of the Lutheran Church in Liberia (LCL) and the election of a Liberian churchman, the Rev. Roland J. Payne, as bishop. Bishop Payne had previously served as president of the ELCL.

From the description of Program Files 1956-1980; 1963-1982. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48065002

In 1919 the Board of Foreign Missions of the United Lutheran Church in America (ULCA) asked that the workers in Argentina organize a Missions Conference as soon as possible. This was done in January 1920, using the name Argentina Mission of the ULCA. When a constitution was prepared in 1921, the missionaries asked that it be renamed the Argentine Conference of Missionaries and Argentine Workers of the ULCA. As explanation for this request, they indicated they expected to form a separate group for the missionaries and wanted this official group to reflect that it would include non-missionaries.

The group that included only missionaries became the Conference of Missionaries. The larger group soon became the Argentine Conference of the ULCA, dropping the words and Argentine Workers, but maintaining its broader character of missionaries and other workers. The Argentine Conference was the forerunner of the Iglesia Evangelica Luterana Unida (IELU), organized in 1948.

For many years the Conference of Missionaries provided most of the leadership for both groups. The president of the Conference of Missionaries was also president of the Argentine Conference of the ULCA. In 1940 the latter's rewritten constitution still required that the president be a missionary until the membership of the Argentine Conference would reach a three-to-one ratio of nationals to missionaries.

In addition to the administration of most of the mission program during the first three decades of ULCA work in Argentina, the Conference of Missionaries also maintained the mission and church property, carried on correspondence as liaison between the church and home boards, and pastored many of the churches. Even after the organization of the IELU, the Conference of Missionaries continued this liaison role and continued to make recommendations and decisions relating to mission housing, salary, and placement.

From the description of Lutheran Church in America. : Division for World Mission and Ecumenism. Argentina, Conference of Missionaries 1948-1977. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 48064686