Companion Synods
The Central/Southern Illinois Synod has a companion synod relationship with two synods of the Malagasy Lutheran Church. The Ambovombe-Androy Synod and Faradofay Synod are located in southern Madagascar and have approximately 40 pastors who serve 60 congregations with 30,000 baptized members. At the Synod Assembly Festival worship each year, the C/SIS gathers offerings that help support the ministry of these synods. Travel between the synods happens every few years, and Bishop Roth is in communication with the companion synods.
Companion synod relationships are rooted in “accompaniment,” which promotes the values of mutuality, inclusivity, vulnerability, empowerment, and sustainability. Companion synods nurture and strengthen one another for life and ministry through prayer, study, communication, exchange of visitors and sharing of resources. The relationships enrich and deepen our ministries by exposing us to global challenges and perspectives as we seek to work with one another to build up the body of Christ and the world.