Our Companion Synod:

Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Central African Republic (EELRCA)

President Andre' Golike

In 2006, Rev. Andre' Golike was elected president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic (EELRCA). The 46-year old was named as successor to Rev. Andre' Zoule' at the church's general synod meeting held at the end of April in Baboua. Zoule' had led the church for the previous eight years. Golike assumed office on July 2, 2006 and will serve a four-year term, which is renewable once.

Following his election, Golike said that during his term he will lay emphasis on strengthening the faith of church members, educating youth, and establishing good management of resources and finances.

From 1981 until 1983, Golike worked as an assistant catechist at the Lutheran Center in Bouar. He then entered the seminary in Baboua and was ordained in October 1994. He went on to study the English language from 1994 until 1995 in Accra, Ghana, and completed his studies in theology at the Makumira Faculty of Theology in Tanzania. From 2000-2005, he was co-director of the seminary in Baboua, as well as a part-time director of school projects.

He is married and has six children.