OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

Dear Beloved Christian Faith Community Around the World,

With these presents let it be known that the Ruling Council of Communio Messianica (CM), representing Muslim Background Believer (MBB) churches and ministries around the globe, did, during its official session in May 2026, take the historic step outlined below on behalf of CM’s spiritual guidance, growth, and expansion of ministry.

Council Decision

We are deeply honored to announce that the Venerable Rev. Ali Kalkandelen, who has dedicated years of faithful service, church planting, mentorship, and exemplary leadership to MMBs and the wider Christian faith community, has been duly chosen as a "Bishop Elect" within Communio Messianica. (See Bishop Elect Rev. Ali’s brief bio below.)

Reverend Kalkandelen’s election aims at his role within the canonically ordered global Communio Messianica MBB body of churches and ministries, not the leadership of any other specific Christian denomination or body within his home country Turkey.

Archbishop Thomas Schirrmacher of Communio Christiana, who is the former Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance and the current president of the International Institute for Religious Freedom, Together with Archbishop William Mikler our CM “Mentoring Bishops and Honorary Advisors,” will help us to coordinate and realize the episcopal consecration of Bishop-Elect Rev. Ali to assure its canonical correctness according to the rules of the First Council of Nicaea (AD 325) Canon 4, and do so in demonstration of CommunioMessianica’s commitment to learn from and be in fellowship with the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ worldwide, which is now nearing its 2,000th birthday.

Ministry and Vision

This election of Bishop-Elect Rev. Ali reflects Communio Messianic’s global spiritual vision and mission, our commitment to preserving and developing godly cultural and spiritual values, and our dedication to strengthening MBB communities and ministries worldwide. As a duly consecrated bishop in the “one holy catholic and apostolic church” (Nicene Creed), our brother Rev. Ali Kalkandelen, as a bishop, will continue to guide, mentor, and extend Christ’s Gospel and love to wider audiences with deeper authority and renewed vision.

Roadmap and Consecration Schedule

The. official roadmap to and the schedule for the sacred Consecration Ceremony will be shared with the wider Church and our CM community in the near future, following the completion of final preparations.

Request for Prayers

As we embark on this sacred journey of high responsibility and service, we kindly request the precious prayers of all our CM brothers CM and sisters, as well as those of the entire faith community. Specifically, let us pray:

For the preparation process to unfold smoothly under the Lord’s grace and guidance;

For Rev. Ali Kalkandelen to be equipped with divine wisdom, strength, peace, and protection for his new office;

And for the Communio Messianica community to be further blessed in this new season of preparation;

With Grateful Hearts…

We extend our heartfelt thanks, in advance, for your ongoing support, companionship, and prayers.

May the peace and blessings of our Lord be with you all.

Sincerely,

The Ruling Council of Communio Messianica (CM)

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REV. ALI KALKANDELEN BIOGRAPHY

Ali Kalkandelen is born in Turkey in 1969. He studied pychology in Istanbul University and and got his MA degree in counseling from Denver Seminary. He is married to Pervin and they have two children.

Ali Kalkandelen is a dedicated pastor, mentor, and church planter with decades of experience in spiritual leadership and guidance. As an MBB himself, he is widely known for his deep commitment to faith in Jesus and his passion for building Bible-based MBB communities rooted in a biblical culture and shared values.

He is known for learning from and cooperating with the wide range of new and historic churches in his homeland Turkey. He continues his global ministry in partnership with Communio Messianica, strongly supported by his family, his church and a global network of faith leaders.