History of the ELCSS/S

Key Years in the History of the ELCSS/S

1993

Founding of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan (ELCS)

1999

300 members of the 8 congregations comprising the ELCS celebrate the ordination and installation of Rev. Andrew Elisa as President

Talks begin with the Lutheran Heritage Foundation to create the Concordia Lutheran Institute for the Holy Ministry (CLIHM)

2000

CLIHM begins educating students

2006

Rev. Andrew Elisa is commissioned as Bishop of the ELCS

2008

Rev. Andrew Elisa goes home to God

2011

South Sudan officially joins the ELCS, and the church is renamed the Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Sudan/Sudan (ELCSS/S)

2017

Rev. Peter Anibati Abia is elected as the new Bishop of the ELCSS/S

2022

Fellowship between the ELCSS/S and the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) is declared by LCMS President Rev. Matthew Harrison

2023

ELCSS/S fellowship with the LCMS is endorsed by the full LCMS church body in convention

2024

ELCSS/S becomes a full member of the International Lutheran Council (ILC)

The ELCSS/S joins in fellowship with the LCMS

The ELCSS/S becomes full member of the ILC

The History of LHF Work in Sudan and South Sudan (1999-2018)