LCC Chaplains Respond to Tragedy at CFB Wainwright; Church Called to Prayer

Last Updated on October 21, 2026

Wainwright, AB—Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) joins in prayer for all those affected by the tragic fire at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright, Alberta, which claimed 4 lives and left 39 others injured, according to reported figures. Our hearts grieve with the families of those who died and all those facing the physical and emotional consequences of this tragedy.

LCC chaplains serving with the Canadian Armed Forces are actively responding, providing pastoral care and spiritual support to the bereaved, the injured, military members, first responders, caregivers, and leadership.

“As I receive the reports from our Division Chaplains, I am hearing about support to the notification teams, the fallen, the injured, the families, the members, first responders, caregivers, and leadership,” said Major the Rev. Dr. Victor E. Morris, CD, Acting Command Chaplain of the Canadian Army. “We should be very proud of them as they hold the hands of those going through this.”

Among those serving in the aftermath is LCMS chaplain Padre Greg Lutz, who is uninjured and serves at CFB Wainwright. In addition to his military chaplaincy, Padre Lutz volunteers with the local RCMP and has been focused on supporting first responders. The Rev. Sean Smallwood, another full-time LCC chaplain serving at Wainwright, has also been alongside troops in the field. Other LCC reserve chaplains, including the Rev. Sye Van Maanen in Edmonton and the Rev. Phil Washeim in Victoria, have contributed to the response, with Rev. Van Maanen assisting with next-of-kin notifications. Major the Rev. Dr. Victor E. Morris and the Rev. Vince Moore are among the other chaplains serving in this demanding ministry.

Grateful for LCC’s military chaplains and all who are serving those who grieve, those who have been injured, and those responding to this difficult situation, President David Haberstock makes the appeal for synod to pray, “They are working to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to bear the lives of these. Please pray for our chaplains and all impacted by this tragedy.”

As LCC weeps with those who weep, the Church is responding in prayer. West Regional Pastor the Rev. Michael Schutz initiated a region-wide prayer based on Psalm 46, which has since circulated beyond the region, drawing members of the wider synodical family together in a shared appeal to God for mercy and strength.

The Rev. Don Schiemann, LCC’s Dean of Military Chaplains, has called on the Church to pray especially for the families of the deceased, those who have been injured, and the chaplains called upon to deliver difficult notifications and bring God’s comfort to those affected.

In a broken world, we entrust those who mourn, those who suffer, and those who serve them to the mercy of our gracious God. May the Lord sustain the grieving, strengthen the injured, and grant wisdom, compassion, and endurance to all who provide care.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Kyrie eleison!

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