Special guests welcomed at the 2025 synod convention

Several special guests and observers were present for the 2025 synod convention. Rev. Makisimu Musa, president of the Obadiah Lutheran Synod (OLS) of Uganda, Africa, was invited as a special guest. In 2023, WELS declared fellowship with the OLS (read more here), a Lutheran church body with more than 30 congregations and 6,000 baptized souls. While Musa was unable to attend the 2023 convention, he expressed his joy in being present this year.

During his address to the delegates, Musa reported on the history of the OLS and the work God is doing in and through his people in Uganda—including a seminary training program, growing schools, a thriving disability ministry, and much more. Musa emphasized that the Lord has richly blessed the OLS, which plans to plant 20 new congregations within the next five years.

“We are confident in our God and the plans he has for us to continue preaching and teaching the Word, and we are grateful for the support of WELS as we continue those efforts. My prayer is that our partnership with each other will continue to be a blessing for both of our churches for many years to come. I pray also that the Lord would bless the people of WELS and the work you are doing in his name,” said Musa. “May he use you to touch the lives of countless others, just as he has used you to touch the lives of the people in the OLS.”

Rev. Glenn Obenberger, currently serving his final year as president of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS), is also attending the convention. He addressed the delegates on Tuesday morning to extend his greetings from the ELS and expressed gratitude for the years of fellowship and friendship shared between the synods.

“We have been walking together with you for the last 153 years of your 175 years of existence,” said Obenberger. “So, we join you in your celebration of God’s gracious working among you—blessing your many synodical tasks as Christ continues to work through you, as he has promised, advancing his kingdom both near and far.”

Also present was Rev. Karl Gurgel and his wife, Barb. Gurgel was elected to the office of WELS president in 1993 and served faithfully through 2007 for a total of 14 years. In celebration of the synod’s 175th anniversary, his presence speaks to the long history of faithful leaders who have helped lead the Wisconsin Synod into the present day. During his address to the delegates, he encouraged WELS in its ongoing mission to share Christ with the world. He remarked, “Under his blessings, as he—through us—brings his Word to the world, may we go forward confidently.”

Additional special guests and observers of the 2025 synod convention include Dr. Matthew Harrison, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod president; Rev. James Krikava of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod; Rev. Joseph Naumann, Church of the Lutheran Confession vice president; Rev. Baltazar Kaaya, Africa Mission Evangelism Church of Tanzania bishop; and Rev. John Braun, WELS 175th Anniversary Planning Committee member and former executive editor of Forward in Christ magazine.