The origin of Lutheran work in the Philippines dates back to
1927, when a Filipino, Alvara A. Carino, went to live with an American family in
St. Louis, Missouri. He listened to Lutheran radio broadcasts and eventually
entered Concordia Seminary. After graduation in 1937, he resolved to become a
missionary pastor in his native Philippines. Because of World War II, there was
a delay in carrying out his dream, but Lutheran work officially began in 1946,
just after national independence.
The readiest response to the Gospel was among people in North
Luzon
s
hill country. One early convert was a young man who served as an interpreter for
missionaries. Baptized Thomas Batong, he studied theology and was ordained in
1961. He earned advanced degrees in the U.S. and served as the dean of the
Lutheran Seminary and later as president of the Lutheran church.
The LCP emphasizes evangelism, mission, education, and
stewardship, engaging all church members as active participants regardless of
their respective stations in life. Pastoral counseling plays a vital part in
helping people confronted by radical change. Mass media, both broadcast and
print, are used effectively. The LCP currently has a membership of 25,000 in
over 150 congregations, most of which are in the highland region of North Luzon.
The Lutheran Church in the Philippines became a full partner
church of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in 1971, just as a theological
storm was brewing in the LCMS. The LCP went a step beyond its mother synod and
joined the Lutheran World Federation. Confident of its confessional heritage,
the LCP has not hesitated to become ecumenically involved. It has been active in
the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, and participated in a
series of dialogues with the Roman Catholic Church whereby baptism in both
churches was mutually recognized.
The
Asian
Institute for Liturgy and Music (AILM), an independent ecumenical
center for the study of liturgy and music in Southeast Asia, was established in
1981 as the venue through which worship and the creative arts could be developed
by Asians in response to their cultures. Recognizing the need for contextual
adaptation, authentic composition, and the sharing of ideas and resources, AILM
is involved in research, training, information dissemination, and performance.
The institute has expanded its scope to offer continuing
education workshops and seminars as well as four residency programs: Worship
Associate, a two-year program focusing on the understanding, preparation, and
execution of liturgy and worship services, taking into account the local
context; Bachelor in Church Music, Master of Theology in Liturgy and Music, and
Master in Church Music.
The Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music makes a concerted
effort to touch base with the churches in Asian countries to enable AILM to meet
the changing needs of those it serves. The importance of the program is
expressed in AILM
