WINNIPEG — A significant tradition of religious unity was revived this week as senior church leaders from across the prairies gathered for the first time since 2022. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the National Office of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) played host to a diverse summit of bishops, archbishops, and executive ministers.
The meeting marked the resumption of a coalition that boasts a history spanning at least two decades. While the group has long served as a bedrock for inter-church dialogue in the region, regular in-person gatherings had been paused following their last meeting in 2022, a lingering disruption caused by the post-pandemic landscape.
Tuesday’s gathering was less about theological debate and more about human connection. The primary objective was for leadership to get reacquainted on a personal level and to share vital updates regarding the work being done within each Church and Archdiocese.
The ELCIC served as the host delegation for the resumption of the talks. ELCIC National Bishop Larry Kochendorfer and Bishop Jason Zinko of the Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario (MNO) Synod welcomed their counterparts to the table, joined by Rev. Paul Gehrs, Assistant to the National Bishop.
The room represented a broad cross-section of Canadian Christianity. The Roman Catholic delegation included Archbishop Murray Chatlain of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg and Archbishop Albert LeGatt of the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface.
Representing the Anglican Communion was Bishop Naboth Manzongo of the Diocese of Rupert’s Land. The United Church of Canada was represented by Rev. Shannon McCarthy, the Executive Minister for the Northern Spirit, Prairie to Pine, and Living Skies Regional Councils.
The Ukrainian Catholic Church also had a strong presence at the table, represented by Most Rev. Lawrence Huculak, Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg, and Bishop Andriy Rabiy.
Throughout the day, the leaders took turns outlining the current realities of their specific communities. The discussions provided a rare opportunity for the leaders to share the realities and challenges in the ministry that their respective denominations are facing right now.
By the conclusion of the session, the leaders agreed that such dialogue was much needed. Acknowledging that the break in gatherings had been too long, the group agreed to meet more frequently to foster fellowship and ensure their collaboration remained active.
