Bishop-elect announced

The Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand has elected Pastor Paul Smith as the next Bishop. His instalment will take place in early 2022.

The NCCA congratulates Pastor Paul on his election to the leadership of the Lutheran community. Pastor Paul will serve the LCANZ for the 2021-24 synodical term.

Pastor Paul Smith, the immediate past bishop of the Queensland District, is currently serving a six-month placement at St Peter’s Lutheran College Indooroopilly. Pastor Smith will be installed as the LCANZ bishop early in 2022. He succeeds Pastor John Henderson, who has served as bishop since 2013 and did not seek re-election

Read the Lutheran article LCANZ Bishop elect humbled by call to serve as church leader

We bid a fond farewell to Bishop John Henderson.

Bishop John Henderson has had a long association with the NCCA, serving as the General Secretary from 2002 to 2008. He then served on the NCCA Ltd Board from 2016 to 2020. 

We have been wonderfully blessed to have Bishop John's ecumenical experience and passion guide us over the years.  We will be ever grateful for the contributions he has made to the organisation and pray for continued blessings upon him.

We say a heartfelt prayer of gratitude for his goodwill and service, support and encouragement. His presence at our ecumenical gatherings will be missed. May he be gifted with much happiness and fulfilment.  

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."   Colossians 3:15