The Eurasia Blog

Serving in the 50th anniversary thanksgiving service, from right to left: Archbishop Janis Vanags of Riga, Latvia and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia (ELCL), student Eric Black, the crucifer for the service, and Tutor Joel Humann, liturgist. 

On February 25, students, alumni, and friends of Westfield House from all over the world gathered together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding. Located in Cambridge, England, Westfield House is the house of theological studies of the Evangelical Church of England (ELCE), an LCMS partner church. On February 22, 1962, Bo Giertz, Bishop Emeritus of Sweden, delivered the inaugural lecture, and Westfield House was opened. Fifty years later, Rev. Janis Vanags, archbishop in Riga, Latvia, preached at the service of thanksgiving. Those gathered together heard the Word of God and gave thanks to Him for fifty years of Lutheran theological education in Cambridge. Following the service and a reception, Rev. Jonathan Mumme, LCMS missionary, delivered a paper titled, “The Proper Distinction between Law and Gospel, a Living Legacy.” Rev. Mumme was installed in January 2012 as an international tutor at Westfield House. His presentation was followed by a paper from Roger Whittall, a visiting Tutor, on “Luther in England.” It was a day for both looking back and looking forward, as Westfield House makes changes to its curriculum and expands study opportunities for international students.

• Support the work of Rev. Jonathan and Rachel Mumme at Westfield House.
• Pray for the work of the LCMS in the United Kingdom.