Companion Synods
Companion synod relationships of the ELCA connect Lutheran churches throughout the world with ELCA synods and congregations. These relationships are concrete expressions of the communion and fellowship with the more than 140 Lutheran member churches of The Lutheran World Federation.
Each of the 65 synods has at least one international church companion and many have additional relationships, resulting in more than 120 companion synod relationships.
These relationships are rooted in “accompaniment,” which promotes the values of mutuality, inclusivity, vulnerability, empowerment and sustainability. Through the program, companion churches and ELCA synods nurture and strengthen one another for life and ministry through prayer, study, communication, exchange of visitors and sharing of resources.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod's Global Companion Synod is the Northeastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania.
Our Domestic Companion Synod is the Southeast Michigan Synod.
NORTH EASTERN DIOCESE OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN TANZANIA (ELCT)
The North Eastern Diocese (NED) has been in companionship with Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod for more than 3 decades in proclaiming the Word of God and in praying for each other. The NED covers the Tanga Region in Tanzania and has 75 parishes.
The Diocese’s core mission is proclaiming the Word of God all around its community and to the outside world. There is rapid growth of membership in every church and there is always a need for a new church building as the numbers of members increase rapidly. In the last two years the Diocese has opened 11 new parishes. In opening these new parishes, Pastors are able to effectively perform their duties.
In Tanzania there are many students who for different reasons are not able to go to the University. The Diocese has hence opened a Technical Training Institute where such students can attend and end up with a diploma or certificate in fields like Pharmaceutical Studies, Education, Eco Tourism, Special Needs Education, Church Music etc.
Social services are available to many vulnerable groups including women, the aged, children and people of various disabilities.
Other ministries of the Diocese are:
Bumbuli Hospital,
Lutindi Mental Hospital,
Irente Children’s home, this is a home for the Orphans,
Irente School of the Blind
Irente Rainbow School
Bumbuli College of Health and Allied Sciences.
SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN SYNOD, ELCA
The Southeast Michigan Synod empowers, supports, and serves 100 area congregations and its members and has been a Reconciling in Christ Synod since 1992.
Bishop Don Kreiss serves the Southeast Michigan Synod.