An Advent Lament for the Church
A message from LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith and Assistant Bishop Stephen Schultz
'Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Stir up your might and come to save us! Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved' (Psalm 80)
In this first week of Advent, we share this lament for you on behalf of our church leaders of the College of Bishops and the General Church Board.
A new Lutheran church has been established in Australia known as Lutheran Mission - Australia. This new church is led by pastors who have left our LCANZ. It was established as a new Lutheran church which would not admit both women and men to the office of the public ministry.
Since the formation of this new church, we have met with their representatives in our desire to continue as partners in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the common practice globally between churches of various denominations.
In particular we offered to the representatives of LM-A the process to “recognise a relationship” between two Lutheran Churches. LM-A declined to do this.
Subsequently, we sought to establish an alternative common basis to recognise each other as partner churches in the Gospel. A meeting was held between the LM-A President Matthew Anker, LM-A Vice-President Mathew Ker, LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith and LCANZ Assistant Bishop Stephen Schultz in November 2025.
At this meeting, it was made clear that LM-A does not recognise our Church as an orthodox Christian church. This means that LM-A does not recognise the LCANZ as a partner Lutheran church in the Gospel of our Lord and is not pursuing a relationship with us. The Lutheran churches around us in the Asia and Pacific and our ecumenical partners of the National Council of Churches, confirm that our LCANZ is an orthodox Christian church, and a partner with them in the Gospel.
We lament this situation because we know the relational impact this will have on our pastors and people. We ask the Lord of the church to guide all his beloved people both in the LCANZ and in the LM-A. We encourage the people in our LCANZ communities to continue to receive the people of LM-A as sisters and brothers in Christ who share in our Lutheran Confession to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus.
Our leaders will continue to reach out to LM-A to find ways that we can work together in the Gospel of our Lord.
'Come Lord Jesus come into this weary world.
O how we long for you to come, Lord. Come!'
In Christ,
Bishop Paul Smith
Assistant Bishop Stephen Schultz
On behalf of the College of Bishops and the General Church Board
‘I was two years on the street. I was a broken, disheveled, depressed, lonely, and rejected woman. And today I’m living back in society rather than on the peripherals.’
Listen to Deena’s powerful story of finding hope in homelessness.
Click here to listen....
Listen
Glad Tidings is a warm and inspiring journey through the world’s most beloved Christmas carols, their origins, hidden meanings, and the faith-filled hearts that brought them to life. From the gentle peace of Silent Night to the joyful rhythm of the Sussex Carol, each story reveals how God’s love and creativity shine through music.
Whether you’re curious about the history of your favourite hymns or simply want to rekindle the wonder of Christmas, this booklet is a reminder that behind every carol lies a message of hope, joy, and redemption, the true heart of Christmas.
Click on this link for the booklet.
Download Booklet
Stamps for Mission has raised nearly $540,000 for LCA International Mission, and your used Christmas card stamps can help keep this going.
Learn more about Stamps for Mission here, including where you can send your stamps.
The LCA SA–NT District Office (137 Archer Street, North Adelaide) is now a new SA drop-off point for Stamps for Mission.
25 November 2025
LCANZ Churchwide Office (CWO) staff moved into the new Church House in Adelaide’s CBD yesterday and will be ready to welcome visitors to the 139 Frome Street premises as of next Monday (1 December).
The five-story building is designed not only as office space for staff from the CWO, Australian Lutheran College, Lutheran Media, LCA International Mission, Australian Lutheran World Service, Lutheran Education Australia, and Finke River Mission, but also as a purpose-built hub to support mission, ministry and collaboration across the wider church.
While the building’s design offers modern workspaces and flexible meeting areas, the vision for Church House goes far beyond infrastructure. Space will also be available for visitors and other Lutheran ministry partners, which the LCA’s Executive Director of Church Operations, Brett Hausler, said ‘reinforces Church House’s role as a shared resource for the wider church community’.
A standout feature of Level 3 is a reconfigurable meeting and event space designed to host workshops, training sessions and gatherings – all supporting the church’s mission to grow, serve and reach out in Christ’s name. The space will also be available for use by other Lutheran entities.
On the ground floor, a welcoming reception and new exhibition and events space will offer opportunities for community engagement and education. Featuring displays that reflect both Lutheran heritage and future direction, this area is intended to invite learning and connection within the church and the broader community and will be launched in early 2026.
Located near Bethlehem and St Stephen’s Lutheran churches in Adelaide, the new Church House was purchased following the sale of the LCANZ’s properties in North Adelaide last year.
Read more about the Frome Street move and stories about some of the legacies of the former Churchwide Office at 197 Archer Street, North Adelaide, on the LCA website here.
Reasons why the LCA Child Safety Standards (CSS) are important:
- When we care for children and keep them safe, we are following Christ’s mandate. We must always remember that children bring their own unique vulnerabilities, and they rely on safe adults and protective cultures to keep them safe. Keeping safe is not something that children can reliably do on their own.
- We have a synodical responsibility to protect and care for our children. Our LCA Synod has acknowledged that children are a precious gift from God; they are to be nourished and nurtured in their spiritual life within the church; their needs must be considered by all boards, councils and committees; and they are to be cared for and protected by maintaining and promoting a culture of safety in all areas of the church, congregation and its activities. In addition, the objects of the constitution of the church include a requirement that children are to be protected from all physical, psychological, sexual and spiritual abuse.
- We also have multiple legal responsibilities relating to child safety. We have a duty of care to keep children safe, and this duty of care sits with our church councils and leadership teams. We are also required to abide by various laws in each jurisdiction that relate to mandatory reporting, failure to report, failure to protect, reportable conduct and working with children type checks.
- And finally, we have important regulatory responsibilities in relation to compliance with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations across each of our Australian jurisdictions.
As we form one congregation, we need a new name that represents our united community and vision statement.
You are invited to share your name ideas, with a short reason for your choice.
A shortlist will be prepared by the Governance Council and Ministry Team for members to choose from and use after amalgamation.
Submit written or emailed suggestions by January 16th, 2026, to the Hub
E: cchubtan@gmail.com
83 Murray Street, Tanunda 5352
See attached
This year, we launched our Entry & Establishment Scholarships, designed to remove financial barriers and support students from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds as they begin their tertiary journey.
Each scholarship is valued at up to $15,000, paid over three years - and flexible enough to be used as a fee reduction or a cash payout.
Applications are now open for Round 1, closing December 9, 2025.
(There’s a second chance with Round 2 closing February 9, 2026.)
These scholarships are open to potential students who:
✅ Are commencing a new undergraduate Bachelor degree
✅ Can demonstrate financial disadvantage
✅ And meet at least one of the following:
• From a low socio-economic background
• From a regional or remote area
• Are a First Nations Australian
We’d be grateful if you could share this amazing opportunity with any members of your congregation who you think may benefit. You can download a printable brochure with all the key information here:
Download Brochure
If you want to learn more about Tabor Scholarships or you’re ready to apply via our quick and easy application form, visit our scholarships page here:
Scholarships Page
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or would like some physical flyers; we’re here to help.
Kind regards,
Molly Peier
Schools and Community Liaison Officer | Tabor College
H Wednesday-Friday E mpeier@adelaide.tabor.edu.au P +61 8 8373 8715