Global Mission

Global companions in faith dialogue: Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia.

What it Means to Be A Companion Synod

The Upstate NY Synod is in a Companion Synod relationship with two other Lutheran bodies: the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia (ELCZa). These relationships are designated and supported by the ELCA Global Mission office. Both relationships revolve around the idea of accompaniment, as we seek to be more deeply connected as the Body of Christ in the world.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ)

The ELCZ diocese is a member of Lutheran Communion in Southern Africa (LUCSA). We have Companion Synod covenant with this body of faith.

There is active communication between synod bishops and communication between the Global Ministry team and ELCZ head office and pastors, as well as lay and clergy personnel exchanges.

We encourage congregations to become a “twinning” partner, one that forms community through texts, letters, pictures, prayers, and other celebrations.

ELCZ on Facebook

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia (ELCZa)

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia and the Upstate New York Synod – ELCA became global companion churches in 2009.

The ELCZa is composed of fifty congregations with an additional eleven preaching points. The congregations are formed into nineteen parishes covering five districts. The church is served by the Senior Pastor and General Secretary working with ELCZa staff, thirty-two pastors of whom five are women.

Critical ministry includes caring for people living with HIV and AIDS and related issues. Faithfulness, Lutheran Identity, Evangelism, and Hospitality are among their many gifts.

Priorities of our companionship relationship include:

  • Mutual prayer and learning about one another.

  • Supporting Pastors and their families.

  • Support for church vehicles and motorbikes for pastors.

  • Support of development projects including construction of worship centers and income generating programs.