The Lutheran Church of Rwanda
Lutheran Church of El Salvador
Taiwan Lutheran Church
During our Prayers of the People in Sunday morning worship, prayer petitions are lifted up for our Companion Synods in El Salvador, Rwanda, and Taiwan; and often included is a prayer for domestic Companion Synod in South Dakota. Companion Synods, Sister Synods, Sister Parishes ... they all are lumped in one form or another into the same conversation. So what are they? In a word, they are faith-based connections, much used in the greater Lutheran Church. A notation from our ELCA website sums it up best: It’s a way to “nurture and strengthen one another for life and ministry through prayer, study, communication, exchange of visitors and sharing of resources.”
Our All Saints Lutheran congregation makes monthly connections through our Second Mile giving program, in which we lift up in prayers, offerings, written articles such as this, about various expressions of ministry in the greater Church. The connections (i,e., ministry partners) come mostly through our Sierra Pacific Synod, ELCA, and sometimes through other connections.
In January, the Second Mile Ministry giving ministry partner of All Saints is “Companion Synods”. Space does not allow a description of each Companion Synod relationship. A quick focus will be made on El Salvador, the earliest connection. Rwanda, Taiwan, South Dakota connections will be left for another time.
In the 1970s and 1980s, conflict in El Salvador arose over various issues (political, hunger, "haves" and "have nots", etc.). It’s a narrative we have often heard throughout history. Civil War ensued. The Christian Church (i.e., the Roman Catholic Church) became involved in advocating for the poor and the oppressed. Assassinations took place of church leaders, notably priest Rutilio Grande in 1977, Archbishop Oscar Romero in early 1980, and four church women leaders in late 1980. The Lutheran Church was information at the time, becoming involved as a voice for the poor and oppressed.
Soon Lutheran congregations in Northern California became connected with Lutheran congregations in El Salvador, and formed “Sister Parish” relationships offering support, companionship and friendship. When the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the predecessor to the Sierra Pacific Synod ELCA were formed in 1988, the formation included a Sister Synod relationship with the Lutheran Church in El Salvador.
The civil war in El Salvador was resolved through a peace agreement and a national election took place through a mediation process in 1992.
The Lutheran Church in El Salvador, though small, has continued to grow and become a strong place of faith. Rev. Medardo Gomez, the first (and continuing) bishop of the Lutheran Church in El Salvador is retiring, and a successor bishop will be installed in January 2025.
As we embark in a new year in 2025, please remember our brothers and sisters in our Companion Synods in your prayers, and as you are able, with your financial offerings as well.
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