2026 World Seminaries Conference: Regional Plans for Collaboration and AI Policy Discussion

The 2026 World Seminaries Conference of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) featured regional reports on the third morning, highlighting collaborative efforts among seminaries across different parts of the world. Representatives from each of the ILC’s world regions presented their findings to the wider assembly, based on discussions held earlier in the week.

The day began with a service of Responsive Prayer, during which Deputy Bishop Boss Sebeelo of the Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (LCSA) delivered the sermon. This opening set a tone of communal reflection and spiritual grounding for the conference proceedings.

The North American region was the first to present, with Rev. Dr. Roland Ziegler of Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne, Indiana) representing the group. Dr. Ziegler emphasized the existing level of cooperation among seminaries in his region and suggested that further leadership meetings could enhance collaboration. He also addressed the impact of generative AI on seminary education, proposing that sharing policies on this issue among ILC churches could be beneficial.

Following North America, the European Region provided its report. Prof. Dr. Armin Wenz of the Lutherische Theologische Hochschule (Oberursel, Germany) introduced the region’s findings, while Rev. Dr. Daniel Johansson of the Lutheran School of Theology (Gothenburg, Sweden) shared examples of cooperation with institutions in Latvia, Fort Wayne, Russia, and Ethiopia. Rev. Sakarias Ingolfsson (Norway and Iceland) discussed the Ad Fontes program in Norway, highlighting the potential benefits of closer collaboration between ILC seminaries. The European Region plans to develop a list of professors and instructors, along with their languages, who could serve as guest instructors at other institutions.

Rev. Dr. Alexey Streltsov of the Lutheran Theological Seminary (Novosibirsk, Russia) outlined plans for regular meetings between ILC theological institutions in Europe. These gatherings aim to foster deeper discussions and debates, with different institutions hosting the meetings in rotation.

The Asian Region’s report was presented by Rev. Michael Prenzler of Lutheran Mission–Australia. He outlined current opportunities and challenges for ILC theological institutions in the region and proposed the initiation of regular online meetings to enhance communication and cooperation. These virtual gatherings would complement in-person international events like the World Seminaries Conference.

The Latin American Region was represented by Rev. Dr.

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