The Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church Abroad (LELBāL), whose name was at one time also “the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in Exile,” has changed its name. The LELBāL held a synodical vote from 16 to 28 September 2020, as a result of which the church’s name will now be the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church Worldwide (LELBP).
A statement from Archbishop Lauma Zušēvica concerning the change of the Church’s name:
I greet you on Reformation Day — 31 October 2020 — with the news that a historic change has taken place. In a synodical vote the LELBāL decided to change its name so that it more truly reflects our work. For years now we have been not only abroad or in the diaspora, but in Latvia as well! Already in 2010 our Riga Evangelical congregation was founded and the Riga Reformed-Brethren congregation was active. Gradually one door opened, then another, and those who found their spiritual home with us gathered together with us. Answering the call, in 2016 the founding worship service of the LELBāL Latvian district was held in Riga. Martin Luther believed that the Church must not fall into stagnation; it must be dynamic and ready to transform itself amid new circumstances and needs.
Because of the Second World War and the godless menace of communism, part of the Latvian Ev. Luth. Church ended up in exile outside Latvia. In 1944 the archbishop of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church, Teodors Grīnbergs, was forced to leave his homeland. He continued the work of the Church he led, ending up — together with part of the Latvian people — in refugee camps in Germany. Even then, historical and geographical circumstances forced the Church’s name to be changed several times so that it would reflect the real situation, namely that part of the prewar united LELB now found itself outside Latvia. Over the years we were both the LELB in Exile and the LELBāL. Reaching four continents of the world, Latvian refugees founded congregations, built churches, carried out the mission work of Christ and did not forget their duty to intercede for the brothers and sisters living in the homeland. The prayers turned into deeds, which God blessed!
Together with other Churches we will work so that Christ’s peace, justice, truth and love may grow throughout the world in the strength of the God-given, ever creating and re-creating Spirit!
In English we will be: Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church Worldwide (LELCW);
in German: Lettische Evangelisch Lutherische Kirche Weltweit (LELKW);
in Russian: Латвийская Eвангелически Лютеранская Церковь в Мире (ЛEЛЦМ).
We invite you to get to know us better by visiting our website: www.lelbpasaule.lv
In changing our name, we have not lost our former identity, but have affirmed who we already are and hope still to be! Everything in its own time! Once, in an uncertain, fear-filled time — at the Reformation festival of 1947 — the Rev. Dr Kārlis Bilzens encouraged the Latvian refugees: “The world feels a physical and spiritual emptiness, a desert state. But even now Jesus, in his heavenly reality, walks through the world.” And still, in this pandemic-stricken, troubled, difficult time, He walks through the world and we — in His footsteps! Let us trust!
I wish you the joy of the Reformation festival, the strength of faith, hope and God’s blessing! Let us be united in prayer and help one another to live and to serve to the glory of God! Let us go forward toward a bright future with joy and gratitude for what has been, what is, and what is yet to come!
Archbishop Lauma Zušēvica
Consistory of the LELB Worldwide