A new Advocacy for Women in Pastoral Ministry (AWPM) team has been established in the LCANZ, continuing the church’s work following the 2024 Convention of General Synod resolution that both women and men may be eligible for ordination.

The formation of the team, approved by the General Church Board (GCB) and College of Bishops (CoB), marks a transition from the 2025 Advocate for Women in Pastoral Ministry role, held by Dr Pauline Simonsen, to a collaborative, team-based approach.

Dr Tania Nelson has been appointed by GCB and CoB as convenor of the AWPM team. Other team members are Pastor Maria Rudolph, Jordan Moore, Helen Middelmann and Emma Graetz, who were gathered by Pauline and have generously offered their time in this voluntary ministry.

The team will continue to advocate for women in pastoral ministry as part of the LCANZ’s Way Forward process. It will provide advice to LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith and to joint meetings of GCB and CoB, as well as serve as a key point of contact for women across the church.

Tania said she is honoured to build on the foundations laid over the past year.

‘I’m delighted to continue the excellent work of Dr Pauline Simonsen to advocate for women in pastoral ministry in the LCANZ,’ she said.

‘Our team has been tasked with establishing a primary point of contact and a voice for women discerning, training or serving in pastoral ministry within the LCANZ. To all women who are discerning a call to ministry, those who are training for ministry and to the women who are already serving as pastors, we are here to support you.’

Tania encouraged women considering a call to pastoral ministry to connect with the team via email at advocateWPM@lca.org.au

Pauline, whose appointment in 2025 focused on establishing the advocate role, reflected on the significance of this next step.

‘Thank you to all the women who are holding or discerning a call to pastoral ministry,’ she said. ‘Thank you for your forbearance and tenacity. I hope and pray that those Jesus is calling – women and men – will hear and answer his call.’

Tania brings extensive experience in church life and ministry to the role. A specific ministry pastor candidate, she currently serves as ministry lead at Mawson Lakes Community Church in suburban Adelaide, where she was installed on 1 February 2026. She was the manager of Lutheran Media from August 2023 to January 2026 and previously served as the LCANZ’s executive officer – Local Mission. Before this, Tania was the head of school of theological studies and associate dean for academic affairs at Australian Lutheran College.

Find more information about the implementation of the Way Forward resolution at www.lca.org.au/implementation-ordination-resolution

Your Church House Exhibition Centre is opening soon!

13 April 2026

by Lisa McIntosh

The Church House Exhibition Centre, which will highlight the stories of our LCANZ, is set to open in the coming weeks. Located on the ground floor of LCA Church House in Adelaide, the centre will be a part of South Australia’s History Festival next month, open from 5 May for individual and group visits and tours.

Currently being fitted out with interpretive story and pictorial panels, interactive displays, audio-visual elements and rare and historic artefacts and artwork, the exhibition space features content that reflects our Lutheran heritage, present-day ministries of faith, worship and service and future directions.

The centre will provide opportunities for engagement and connection within the wider church and broader community, both through events such as the History Festival and by being open to the public each week. The initial opening hours will be Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10am to 4pm, with walk-ins welcome. Guided and group tours will also be available; please email exhibitioncentre@lca.org.au to inquire or to make a booking.

We are also looking for volunteers to help welcome and guide visitors to the centre. If you or someone you know may be interested in serving in this way, please email the above address or phone 08 8267 7300.

13 April 2026

by Tanya LeechPrint Friendly, PDF & Email

To our Lutheran school communities around Australia, Easter meant much more than just chocolate eggs and a visit from the Easter bunny. Instead, it was a time centred on faith-filled learning, reflection and storytelling, as students and staff engaged with the true message of Easter in creative and meaningful ways.

At Bethania Lutheran School in Queensland, Prep students embarked on a joyful Easter learning journey as part of their classroom unit. Over two days, teachers brought key moments from Jesus’ life to life through reenactments, allowing students to walk through the story for themselves. Children then stepped into the narrative, acting out scenes and responding through a range of creative art activities. The school described it as a special time of learning and reflection, and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate how much these students have grown in their first term of school through their Christian studies.

At Good Shepherd Lutheran School, Angaston in South Australia, students made their way down the main street of Angaston to Zion Lutheran Church for a special Easter worship service, led by Pastor Rob Borgas. With Pastor Rob set to retire, it was the last time he will lead worship for the Good Shepherd school community.

Easter reminds us that God’s love is indescribable, and that death and darkness do not have the final say. Following the service at Zion, students enjoyed time together at the Angaston Adventure Playground for an Easter egg hunt and playtime.

The school community of Redeemer Lutheran College, Rochedale, in suburban Brisbane, shared Easter messages of hope and new life as students and staff reflected on the truth at the heart of the season: Jesus is risen. He is risen indeed! Easter Sunday worship served as a reminder for the community, which includes the co-located Our Saviour Lutheran congregation, that God’s love is stronger than death and that hope is alive. The college shared via social media that staff and students offered prayers for God’s peace, joy and promise of new life to fill the hearts of students, families and the wider community.

At Victory Lutheran College Wodonga, in northern Victoria near the New South Wales border, the Easter story was presented through a series of primary school services led by Year 6 students. The final service concluded with the resurrection and was enhanced by music from the Victory College Orchestra. Earlier, another class shared the events of Jesus’ arrest, trial and crucifixion through narration and reenactment. Each service was described by the college as being reverent and meaningful, reflecting the students’ care and commitment.

Meanwhile, at Wimmera Lutheran College’s Horsham Campus, in Victoria, Year 12 students invited the local community to step into the Easter story through a ‘Journey to the Cross’. The college reported that this reflective walkthrough featured stations designed to bring the Easter narrative to life, offering space for contemplation and connection.

Together, these experiences and many more from across Australia reflect the wide-ranging ways our Lutheran schools share the Easter message with staff, students and families – through learning, worship, creativity and community.