WCC welcomes new Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada national bishop

The World Council of Churches (WCC) extended heartfelt congratulations to Rev. Dr Larry Kochendorfer on his election as the new national bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC). In a letter, WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay praised Kochendorfer’s longstanding commitment to ministry and ecumenical leadership.

"We send our very best hopes and prayers for you and your family,” wrote Pillay, citing Kochendorfer’s decades of pastoral service across Canada and his active engagement in the global ecumenical community, including his involvement with the Lutheran World Federation and Lutheran-Anglican dialogue.

The WCC recognized the ELCIC’s consistent role in championing social justice, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and peace-building efforts at home and abroad. “We admire the ELCIC’s bold witness to national reconciliation, its humanitarian efforts, and its voice for justice,” the letter stated.

Pillay emphasized the WCC’s ongoing commitment to walking alongside Kochendorfer in ecumenical collaboration. “We look forward to journeying with you, as we have done with your predecessor, Bishop Susan Johnson, in nurturing transformative Christian discipleship.”

Kochendorfer succeeds Bishop Susan Johnson, who served as national bishop since 2007.

Read the full letter

WCC expresses gratitude for service of Bishop Susan C. Johnson (WCC news release, 8 July 2025)