The United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Argentina and Uruguay (Iglesia Evangélica Luterana Unida—IELU) and the Nebraska Synod have enjoyed a companion synod relationship dating back to 1990.
IELU has more than 10,000 members in congregations and missions, 30 pastors and two deacons distributed throughout Argentina and Uruguay and divided into five districts (Plata River District, West District, District of Patagonia, Southern District, and Northern District. The Rev. Gustavo Gomez serves as the Pastor President of IELU.
The church contributes to the mission of God and serves society in general through diverse activities: the education work with its different educational levels and the care of older adults (through the Retirement Home located in the western zone of the province of Buenos Aires) are the primary diaconal works of the church. IELU is a member of the Lutheran World Federation and the Latin American Council of Churches
The first Lutheran missionaries arrived in Argentina in 1908. A deep bond developed between Argentina and Nebraska through the many Nebraska missionaries who served in Argentina, especially during the 1950s and 1960s.
IELU and the Nebraska Synod give thanks to God for the many expressions of the companion synod relationship between these two church bodies. These relationships are lived out in the lives of individuals, congregations, agencies and institutions of Christ’s Church. Through these relationships, we have nurtured and strengthened one another for life and mission within the Body of Christ.
