Christ’s message of Gospel forgiveness was apparent in ways big and small as more than 1,300 delegates — and hundreds more guests, both national and international — descended on downtown Phoenix July 18–23 for the 2026 LCMS convention under the theme “Christ Is Risen Indeed.”
International News
Global Lutheran leaders: Challenges abound, but Christ’s contentment rules
The 2026 International Church Relations Conference was held in Phoenix July 16–27 to coincide with the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
‘Pray for the churches’: Join international church bodies in year of prayer
LCMS Church Relations has created a yearlong schedule, beginning Aug. 2 or anytime, for congregations and individuals to pray for two church bodies by name each week.
From the mission field: Children making connections
The LCMS Eurasia region hosted a “Missionary Kids Connect” event in April.
Follow convention news wherever you are
The 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) is set for July 18–23 at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Mission boards hold last meetings of triennium
Both boards will hold their next meeting Sept. 17–18 in St. Louis in conjunction with the installation of the LCMS president.
Harrison elected to sixth term as LCMS president
The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison was elected after receiving more than 50% of the votes on the third ballot.
Synod presidential election to require third ballot
The candidates whose names will stand in the runoff election are the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, the Rev. Dr. Joel D. Biermann and the Rev. Benjamin T. Ball.
Synod presidential election enters runoff
The initial round of voting in the election for president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) was not conclusive, and a runoff will be required.
Proposed Canadian legislation marks Bible as ‘hate speech’
Bill C-9, known as the Combatting Hate Act, passed Canada’s House of Commons in March and is pending in the Canadian Senate.
From the mission field: The Spirit’s work in Germany
Deaconess intern Anika Slayton shares a story about planting Gospel seeds in Germany.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya withdraws from Lutheran World Federation
The LCMS commends the ELCK’s action as “a remarkable expression of confessional unity.”
May ‘Witness’: All about convention
The May issue of ‘The Lutheran Witness’ provides a sneak peek at this summer’s Synod convention.
From the mission field: Sharing God’s Word through music
In her role as a sacred music educator, LCMS missionary Becky Bartelt assists LCMS church partners and services congregations in the Asia region through God’s gift of music.
Spring ‘Engage’: Connecting people to Christ’s church
The Spring 2026 issue of ‘Lutherans Engage the World’ includes an article about University Lutheran Chapel in College Station, Texas, which is helping students stay connected to God’s Word while they are in school.
