CIBL

The Conference of International Black Lutherans (CIBL) grew out of a conference held in Hararé, Zimbabwe September 1986, and is celebrating the 40th Anniversary with a conference on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

About forty (40) African and African American Lutheran theologians, church administrators, and observers from the Lutheran Church in America, the Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe, the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and the Lutheran World Federation gathered on the campus of the University of Zimbabwe.  Led by the Rev. Dr. Albert ‘Pete’ Pero and the Rev. Dr. Ambrose Moyo, participants explored the theme “The Lutheran Heritage and the Black Experience in Africa and North America.”  The conference was sponsored by the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and the University of Zimbabwe through the Department of Religious Studies, Classics, and Philosophy.  The goal of the conference was to develop and affirm an African and African American Lutheran theology in which unity in diversity is celebrated within a culturally inclusive church.

Explore CIBL Materials and Resources here

The CIBL 40th Anniversary Conference

The 40th Anniversary CIBL Conference will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2026 on the Philadelphia Campus of United Lutheran Seminary, 7301 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia. PA 19119. The conference will also be live on Zoom for those who cannot attend in Philadelphia (and recorded for future viewing). All are welcome!

Schedule for the day (all times Eastern Daylight Time):

You can download and print a detailed schedule here. (pdf)

Download the ULS Philadelphia campus map (pdf)

Please note: in-person registration is closed, but you still can register to join the sessions live on Zoom. We hope to see you in Philadelphia or on Zoom on September 9!