Concordia, St. Catharines Announces 50th Anniversary Celebrations Under the Theme “Forming the Future”

Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) announced the celebration of its 50th anniversary during the 2026-2027 academic year. Marking a half-century of theological education and service to the Church, the seminary will host a series of events centred on the theme “Forming the Future.”

The highlight of the anniversary year will take place October 19–21, 2026. This three-day highlight features a multi-faceted program designed to engage the Lutheran community, including:

• Alumni Reunion: A home-coming for graduates with special activities to reconnect and reminisce.
• Festival Service: A grand worship service of thanksgiving for God’s guidance over the past five decades.
• Theological Conference: Titled “Respectful Theological Dialogue in the Internet Age,” this conference will explore the challenges and opportunities of maintaining faithful theological conversations in a digital world.

The conference is open to pastors, church workers, and laity. To accommodate an international audience, the event will be held at the Americana Resort & Spa in Niagara Falls, Ontario, providing a beautiful backdrop for study and fellowship.

A Vision for the Next Fifty Years

Dr. Thomas Winger, President of CLTS, reflects on the significance of this golden jubilee:

    “In our seminary’s first 50 years we saw the birth of Lutheran Church–Canada; and CLTS as her first seminary has sent more than 200 graduates into church service. The next 50 years will be just as exciting as we build on this foundation to bring Christ’s life-giving gifts to the next generations.”

The theme, “Forming the Future,” signals the seminary’s commitment to theological truths of the Evangelical Lutheran Church while equipping future pastors and church leaders for the evolving cultural landscape of the 21st century.

Rooted in History, Serving the World

Founded in 1976 as a daughter seminary of Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne) and originally part of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, CLTS has undergone significant growth. Now a seminary of Lutheran Church–Canada, CLTS continues to serve the church across Canada, the United States, and around the world, providing rigorous theological formation for those called to word and sacrament ministry.

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