The SELK has declined to join the Lutheran World Federation, viewing that body as theologically too liberal. Nevertheless, the Evangelical Lutheran Free Church (Germany), formerly in communion with the SELK, suspended relations in 1987 over perceived doctrinal laxity within SELK. The SELK does not ordain women as pastors, and is strictly against the blessing of gay couples. This is in contrast to the German mainline Protestant churches, which do ordain women to ministry and allow the blessing of gay couples. The mainline Protestant churches (about 25 million members) are organized as the Evangelical Church in Germany (Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland, EKD). Church Structure The bishop of the SELK is elected by the synod. The current bishop is Hans-Jörg Voigt. The main office of the SELK is in Hannover, and is managed by the executive dean Michael Schätzel. The SELK is divided in four main districts, with a provost heading each one. These four districts are divided again in sub-districts, each in turn led by a superintendent. North district: Provost Dr. Daniel Schmidt Sub-districts: Lower Saxony East and Lower Saxony South East district: Provost Gert Kelter Sub-districts: Berlin-Brandenburg, Saxony-Thuringia and Lausitz West district: Provost Burkhard Kurz Sub-districts: Rhineland-Westphalia and Lower Saxony West South district: Provost Manfred Holst Sub-districts: Hesse North, Hesse South and South Germany Bishops since 1972 1972 - 1985: Most Reverend Bishop Dr. theol. Gerhard Rost, LL.D. 1985 - 1997: Most Reverend Bishop Dr. theol. Jobst Schöne, D.D. 1997 - 2006: Most Reverend Bishop Dr. theol. Diethardt Roth since 2006: Most Reverend Bishop Hans-Jörg Voigt, D.D. Church institutions Mission The mission outreach of SELK is led by its mission society in Bleckmar in Lower Saxony near Celle, called Lutherische Kirchenmission (Bleckmarer Mission) e. V. It has missionaries and projects in South-Africa, Botswana, Germany, and Brazil. Education The theological seminary is in Oberursel, near Frankurt/Main. All SELK pastors take part of their studies there. The professors are pastors of SELK. The seminary is accredited by the German state. Other church institutions For different aspects of church life the SELK has a number of other institutions, such as an institution for youth, church music, worship service for children, a liturgy commission, and a commission for church education. Relationship with other church bodies Fellowship The SELK has full communion and fellowship with several Lutheran churches that have the same teaching and Lutheran doctrine, for example: Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod Lutheran Church–Canada Free Evangelical-Lutheran