Visiting Lutheran churches in Malaysia and Singapore
Today, the ELCA Southeastern Synod engages in companionship with the Lutheran Church in Malaysia (LCM) and the Lutheran Church in Singapore (LCS). Our synod has been involved with the LCM for decades. LCM has a signed memorandum of understanding with the Southeastern Synod.
Prior to retirement, Bishop Gordy wanted to visit these two churches, requesting Shepherd of the Lake member, Frank Navratil to join him. During their visit, they met with Bishop Aaron Yap in Malaysia and Bishop Terry Yee in Singapore. They also visited several churches, senior centers, a clinic, youth/children centers, outreach to the Orang Asli people in the Highlands, and the Harmony Center in Singapore. The trip was very moving and rewarding.
Frank Navratil with Bishop Julian Gordy and Synod Council member Roxanne Thompson.
Holy Cross Church in Ipoh
Elder care home, Rumah Loe and Care
Lutheran Church located in Orang Asli
Lutheran church
Jurong Christian Church Singapore
LCM has affiliations with:
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- Lutheran Church of Australia
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria
- Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission
How it all started
Missionaries arrived in the 1950s from Hong Kong in Malaysia and Singapore well before they became independent from British Colonial Government. In 1963, the Lutheran Church in Malaya was officially constituted. When this occurred, there were already 6 Lutheran congregations and 679 baptized members. In 1965, Singapore was separated from the Federation of Malaysia. In 1967, the church name was changed to Lutheran Church in Malaya and Singapore. In 1971, LCMS joins the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). Today the two churches are known as Lutheran Church in Malaya and the Lutheran Church in Singapore.
The mission’s reach now includes:
Singapore:
- Cambodia
- China
- Mongolia
- Thailand
- International Lutheran Seafarers’ Mission
Malaysia:
- Myanmar
- Vietnam
- China
