Toward unity and growth: LCC and Malagasy Lutherans explore further cooperation in Quebec 

Pastors from Lutheran Church–Canada, Malagasy Lutheran Church, and francophone pastors of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod gather online.

ONLINE – On Ascension Day, pastors from Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC), Madagascar’s Malagasy Lutheran Church (FLM), and francophone pastors of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) gathered online in a significant first meeting—one that reflects a growing relationship decades in the making. The meeting began with the reading of Psalm 133: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”—a fitting verse for a moment that brought together Lutheran leaders serving francophone communities in Canada, especially Quebec.

This online encounter, while informal and introductory, represents a milestone in a broader, long-term development: the movement toward mutual recognition and deeper cooperation between LCC and the FLM. With the blessing of both church bodies’ presidents—Rev. Denis Rakotozafy (FLM) and Rev. Dr. Timothy Teuscher (LCC)—supervising pastors, Rev. Petera Toloantenania (FLM) and Rev. Dr. David Somers (LCC), have been appointed as spokespersons to lead these ongoing discussions.

An initial in-person meeting between Rev. Rakotozafy and Dr. Somers took place in Montreal on March 18, followed by a second conversation on May 1 between the two spokespersons. A third meeting, involving all FLM and francophone LCC pastors in Quebec and New Brunswick, is proposed for later this year.

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”

— Psalm 133

This growing collaboration is a major step forward for LCC’s French-language ministry, which has gained momentum in recent years. The connection between Malagasy Lutherans and LCC dates back to the late 1980s, when a Malagasy doctoral student in Ottawa reached out to the now-dissolved Sauveur Vivant congregation. She and her children are now active members of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Ottawa.

Today, the FLM has six congregations in Quebec—double the number from just 18 months ago. Malagasy Lutherans now make up approximately one-third of LCC’s Quebec membership, and they are also present in congregations in Ottawa and Moncton. As younger generations of Malagasy Lutherans adopt French as their primary language in Canada, their role in shaping the future of francophone Lutheran ministry in this country will only grow.

The Ascension Day meeting gave participants—pastors and one seminary doctoral student—a chance to introduce themselves and share their respective connections to the Malagasy Lutheran community, which now represents the majority of francophone Lutherans in Canada. This informal encounter offered a first look at the rich potential for mutual support, shared mission, and theological partnership.

Beyond fellowship and mutual encouragement, the collaboration between LCC and FLM is likely to be fruitful in many areas. Lutheran Church–Canada, through Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM, which operates an office in Madagascar) and Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF), is helping distribute Lutheran theological materials in Malagasy, including a forthcoming translation of the Book of Concord scheduled for publication next year. With the FLM’s strong francophone base, the pool of potential pastors to serve LCC and FLM congregations in French will also be significantly broadened.

Both LCC and FLM are members of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), with the FLM currently holding observer status. The FLM has also previously indicated its desire to seek closer relations with the LCMS.

This first online meeting may have been brief and informal, but it signals the beginning of something much larger—a renewed vision for francophone Lutheran ministry in Canada, and a deepening bond between confessional Lutheran churches across continents.

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