The ELCH in Brief

Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 November 2010 12:10 Written by Administrator Saturday, 06 November 2010 19:30

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti (ELCH) is a confessional Lutheran church body that maintains the distinctive theology and practice of the Lutheran Confessions. Haiti is a very difficult context in which to operate, but these brave Christians have been able, by God's grace, to start 105 congregations (and almost as many Lutheran parochial schools). The ELCH are the only church body in Haiti that is in altar and pulpit fellowship with The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Although they (with their countrymen) are in chronic need for life's most basic provisions, they are rich in Christ. They reach out with the gospel, both in words and in charitable love to those around them. The ELCH operates three orphanages, and facilitate the work of many medical and construction mission groups from the USA. They are a vibrant church of about 20,000 souls.

The ELCH have launched a seminary, Concordia Theological Seminary - Haiti, which received accreditation from the Haitian government in 2008. With this status, the seminary can grant the accredited degree of Bachelor of Theology to men who complete a rigorous program leading to ordination. Their professors are drawn from the leadership of their church body, who were trained at Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne), and they often receive guest professors from the USA. Seminary courses are taught at four regional centers in Haiti to reduce travel expenses and difficulties.

The spiritual landscape in Haiti is quite diverse, and religious syncretism abounds. For example, it is very common for Haitians who are members of the Roman Catholic Church to also be affiliated with a Vodou temple. In fact, the majority of Haitians practice Vodou. Haitian Vodou originated in Western Africa, and was imported with the slave trade in Haiti's colonial period. Simply put, Vodou involves the worship of spirits who are thought to provide benefits and protection in this life. The ELCH are a living confession of Christ in the midst of deep spiritual darkness.

O Christ, Our True and Only Light,
Enlighten those who sit in night;
Let those afar now hear Your voice
And in Your fold with us rejoice.
(LSB 839)