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In June 2005, the Saint Paul Area Synod assembly passed a resolution establishing a companion synod relationship with the Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala, the Augustinian Lutheran Church of Guatemala (ILAG). The Guatemalan companion synod task force oversees the relationship and has a list of speakers who are available to speak to congregations, adult forums, youth, and other interested groups.

History

Founded in 1991 by Padre Horacio Castillo, ILAG ministers to people from the margins of Guatemalan society, particularly the indigenous poor. The church has about 2,000 members in 17 congregations. ILAG also operates two elementary schools in Guatemala City. The ILAG pastoral team is represented by several pastors, evangelists, and catechists who typically work with more than one congregation. Amanda Olsen de Castillo, a graduate of Luther Seminary, serves as the Saint Paul Area Synod's missionary to the Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala.

Companion Congregations

A key component of the companion synod relationship is for congregations in the Saint Paul Area Synod to be matched with ILAG congregations. The relationship is grounded in prayer, communication, visits, financial support, education, and participation.

Two partnerships have already been formed with ILAG congregations: Augustana Lutheran Church, West St. Paul, and Easter Lutheran, Eagan. Within the next five years, the Saint Paul Area Synod hopes to have a partner for each of ILAG’s congregations.

To assist congregations in developing a relationship or to learn more about the work in Guatemala, the task force provides speakers who will meet with congregation councils and other interested groups or lead adult or youth forums. For more information, contact Janet Metcalfe at 651.450.1717 or jkmetcalfe@yahoo.com or Betty Bauer at 651.454.7709 or Thefisherman3@comcast.net.