Companion Covenant

Between
Western Iowa Synod                    and                             Southern Diocese
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America          Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania

"That they may all be one" John 17:21a

VISION
The Companion Synod relationship of Western Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and the Southern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania exists for the purpose of strengthening one another for life and mission within the body of Christ. It offers us the privilege of participating in the life of another church through prayer, study, communications, and exchange of persons and resources. It opens our eyes to the global challenge that Christ offers us today through and involvement with a church of another culture and calls us to deepen our commitment and discipleship as individual persons and as a community of faith.

MISSION
Through our Companion Synod program, we will:
1.	Be renewed and empowered in our faith and commitment in mission by the witness of Christians.
2.	Share in the vision, life and mission of the family of Christ.
3.	Be educated and challenged by this encounter which will reflect an awareness of problems and possibilities as we share our life in Christ.
4.	Recognize our own gifts and resources for participation in the Companion Synod mission for Christ.

GOALS
1.	Encouragement of regular corporate and individual prayer support for one another.
2.	Provide opportunities for people to people and congregation to congregation fellowship and partnership.
3.	Establish an annual Companion Sunday to be observed on a mutually agreed upon day.

This Covenant is signed in agreement on 18th May, 2004 by:

Bishop Michael Last							Bishop Cleopa Lukilo