Kenya’s Archbishop Joins LCMS Convention, Highlights 20-Year Fellowship and Decision to Leave Lutheran World Federation

The Rev. Dr. Joseph Ochola Omolo, archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK), addressed The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) convention on July 21, expressing solidarity and appreciation for the gathered delegates. Omolo reflected on over two decades of fellowship between the ELCK and the LCMS, which began in 2004. He described their partnership as one of shared worship, study, and commitment to the Word of God, emphasizing that they have “walked together, having our meetings together, fellowshipping together, studying together the Word of God, and struggling together in this walk as a militant church.”

Omolo highlighted the significance of this partnership, especially in a world where many churches “would bend to the winds of the culture.” He praised the LCMS for standing “faithfully on the Word of God and the Confessions,” noting that the church’s witness has “strengthened us in our context” and assured the ELCK that “we are not alone in this journey.”

During his address, Omolo was interrupted by a standing ovation as he announced the ELCK’s recent decision to withdraw from the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). The ELCK had been a member since 1970, but in April, the church council and general assembly voted to end fellowship with the LWF. Omolo explained that the decision followed years of concern over the LWF’s “drift from the authority of the Scripture” and its acceptance of “practices which are unbiblical.” While acknowledging the “painful decision” to leave, he emphasized that the ELCK chose “Better the Word of God than all worldly things.”

Omolo specifically commended the LCMS Church Relations team for organizing the 2026 International Church Relations Conference (ICRC) in Phoenix, which coincided with the LCMS convention. He noted that through the LCMS International Church Relations office, the ELCK and other global Lutheran leaders have deepened their understanding of the Word of God and the Confessions. “It is a great privilege to know,” Omolo said, “that in the world where there are so many winds flowing here and there, there are other brothers who stick to the Gospel, who stick to the power and the authority of the Scripture, and who walk together with us.”

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