LCAQD Synod gathers in Tallebudgera

The Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District (LCAQD) Convention of the Synod opened at St Andrew’s Lutheran College, Tallebudgera on Friday 5 June 2026.

It began with a time of worship enhanced by music and songs courtesy of students from St Andrews Lutheran College. 

LCAQD Bishop Mark Vainikka and St Andrews Principal Luke Schoff welcomed delegates. College students delivered an Acknowledgment of Country by video. 

Opening worship was led by First Assistant Bishop Ben Hentschke. His poetic address touched on the many open doors the church has, from ministry, schools and mission and from Coast to Country, which come to us through God’s grace.  

Bishop Mark constituted the Convention of Synod and visiting dignitaries greeted the convention.

Image at top: Fr David Mahrous, Coptic Orthodox Church; Dr Kate Power, General Secretary Qld Churches Together; LCAQD Bishop Dr Mark Vainikka; Captain Bradley Whittle, Assistant Divisional Commander Qld Salvation Army; Archbishop Shane Mackinlay, Brisbane Archbishop of the Catholic Church; Reverend Stewart Pieper, Director of Services Queensland Baptists; Right Reverend John Roundhill representing the Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane; Reverend Catherine Solomon, Uniting Church of Australia; LCAQD First Assistant Bishop Ben Hentschke.

Gallery: volunteers, visitors and delegates at the opening of the 58th LCAQD Synod.