Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionBoard for International Mission
West-Southwest Region
2 candidates placed on this slate by the Committee for Convention Nominations. 1 links to a profile in the directory.
Candidates (2)
1.Richard Philip Fielitz Jr.Granite Bay, CAHoly Cross, Rocklin CA· Ret. Federal Gov. Chief-of-Staff· LCMS member 54 yrs
Personal statement
I'm a longtime Lutheran who loves the centrality of Word and Sacrament and speaks of Baptism the Lord's Supper, and Absolution with reverence, recognizing that God preserves His church through the Means of Grace. I try daily to live faithfully in my God-given vocationsas husband, father, grandfather, congregant, and neighbor-acknowledging these roles as divine callings rather than just human responsibilities. I understand that I have limits of knowledge, and I strive to continually read Scripture and engage in opportunities to be catechized. I recognize the importance of supporting my pastors, honoring church order, and growing under Word and Sacrament in the congregation where God has placed me.
Synod service
- FI. Com. Mem
District service
Years- and Dist. Conv. FI. Com. Incl. Admin & Nom6
Congregation service
Years- Elder27
Other service
- Chiefof-Staff 7
2.Terence LungSunnyvale, CALutheran Church of Our Savior, Cupertino CA· Aerospace Engineer· LCMS member 31 yrs
Personal statement
I am willing to run for and to serve a term on the Board for International Mission beginning 2026 The BIM has had some turnover since 2016, when I first got elected to it and began serving it. Few of us are now left with some situations have changed in this time. much memory of how My school, engineering, volunteer, and other backgrounds have had me studying and working overseas in Asia, Africa, Europe, and elsewhere over decades (in French or Chinese where useful) and visiting, meeting, and supporting LCMS missionaries, partner churches, military chaplains, and others where they are.
Synod service
Years- 9
- LCMS World Miss
District service
- Dist. Nom. Com. 6
About this position
Board for International Mission. 5 seats up for election. Authorized by 2023 Handbook, pp. 23, 103–5, 123, 144–46..
Conditions for election →Other slates for Board for International Mission
Source: Biographical Synopses and Statements of Nominees, 69th Regular Synod Convention (Phoenix, Ariz., July 18–23, 2026), published by the Office of the Secretary. Bios key →