Lutheran World Includes Informationlwi 350 for Climate Action Highlights

Assembly Update No. 3 Lutheran World Includes InformationLWI 350 for Climate Action Highlights

LWF Council Elects Chilean Pastor Martin Junge as New General Secretary ...... 9 On 26 October 2009, Chilean pastor Martin Junge was elected as the eighth general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation for a seven-year term. The election took place in closed session...

Call for Greater Public Awareness of Forced Labor and Human Trafficking ...... 11 Representatives of international and faith-based relief organizations attending the Council of the Lutheran World Federation emphasized that wide-spread public awareness was necessary in order to tackle the problems of forced labor and human trafficking... LWF Council members at morning prayer during the 2009 Council meeting form the figure 350, evoking the safe upper limit of

CO2 in the world’s atmosphere of 350 parts per million. © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch

Council Unanimously Adopts Statement Asking Forgiveness LWF Council Affirms Global Commitment from Mennonites...... 13 to Reducing CO Emissions The LWF Council approved a 2 statement that prepares for a GENEVA (LWI) – To mark the International this year’s meeting. The 165 participants in- significant action of reconciliation with churches of the Anabaptist Day of Climate Action on 24 October, cluded 75 representatives from LWF member family... representatives of the Lutheran World churches and partner organizations, as well Federation (LWF) member churches as invited guests, stewards, interpreters and On the Way to the 2010 from around the world celebrated a morn- translators, media persons and LWF staff. LWF Eleventh Assembly ing prayer during which they formed the At its June 2008 meeting, in Arusha, in Stuttgart...... 15 figure 350. Tanzania, the Council resolved to further Ms Angelene H. Swart, chairperson This was in support of the global cam- engage the LWF and its partners in pro- of the Assembly Planning Committee for the LWF Eleventh paign 350.org, which advocates further moting strong political commitments that Assembly presented the third and last efforts and commitment to reducing the would lead to lowering CO2 levels from 390 report of the APC... maximum level of carbon dioxide in the at- to 350 ppm by the year 2020. mosphere to 350 parts per million (ppm). “I very much hope that the Council The climate action prayer was observed continues to take further action toward this in the context of the 22–27 October LWF goal,” said Rev. Roger Schmidt, secretary Council meeting at Chavannes-de-Bogis for Youth at the Department for Mission near Geneva, Switzerland, whose agenda and Development, presiding at the morn- included deliberations on additional efforts ing prayer.

to reduce CO2 levels in the atmosphere to “We can no longer wait but must actively 350 ppm, which experts consider to be the contribute to global ecumenical and inter-

safe upper limit for CO2 emissions. “Upholding Human Dignity: Confront- Continues on page 4 ing Human Trafficking” was the theme of 200909 Contents LWF Council Meeting 2009 3 �� LWF Council Opening Worship Emphasizes Impact of Human Trafficking 1, 4 �� 350 for Climate Action 4 �� Reformation Sunday Sermon Calls for Truth That Sets Free Address & Reports 6 �� LWF President Urges Commitment to a Sustainable and Strong LWF in the Future 7 �� Global Economic Crisis Has Adverse Impact on Lutheran Diaconal Activities 8 �� LWF Treasurer Stoll Warns of Impact of Global Financial Situation on LWF’s Work LWF Council Highlights & Actions 9 �� LWF Council Elects Chilean Pastor Martin Junge as New General Secretary 10 �� General Secretary-Elect Prioritizes Changes That Will Strengthen LWF Communion 10 �� Junge Advocates Relationships That Enhance Sustainability 11 �� Call for Greater Public Awareness of Forced Labor and Human Trafficking 13 �� Council Unanimously Adopts Statement Asking Forgiveness from Mennonites 14 �� LWF Extends Membership to Evangelical Church in Central Germany 15 �� On the Way to the 2010 LWF Eleventh Assembly in Stuttgart 16 �� International Affairs and Human Rights 18 �� LWF Endorses Action for Membership in New Ecumenical Alliance 18 �� Mission and Development 19 �� USD 5.66 Million for LWF Mission and Development Projects 20 �� Ecumenical Affairs 20 �� CHF 12.4 Million for LWF Geneva Coordination Budget 2010 21 �� Theology and Studies 21 �� Communication Services 21 �� Continue Prophetic Example, Ecumenical Partners Urge LWF 23 �� LWF Leaders Speak of Optimism for a Strengthened Lutheran Communion

News in Brief 24 �� Replacement of Council Members and Advisers

Assembly Update No. 3 ...... I-IV

Editorial Team at the 2009 Council Meeting

The Office for Communication Services expresses deep grati- coordinator of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania

Lutheran World Information tude for the support provided at the Council meeting in Cha- and LWI African region editor; and freelance journalist vannes-de-Bogis by: Ms Elizabeth Lobulu, communication Ms Ines Rein-Brandenburg from Ilmenau, Germany.

The Lutheran World Federation English Editor Lutheran World Information (LWI) – A Communion of Churches Pauline Mumia is the information service 150, route de Ferney [email protected] of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). P.O. Box 2100 CH-1211 Geneva 2, German Editor Unless specifically noted, Switzerland Dirk-Michael Grötzsch material presented does not [email protected] represent positions or opinions Telephone +41/22-791 61 11 of the LWF or of its various units. Fax +41/22-791 66 30 Layout E-mail: [email protected] Stéphane Gallay Where the dateline of an article www.lutheranworld.org [email protected] contains the notation (LWI), the material may be freely reproduced Editor-in-Chief Circulation/subscription with acknowledgment. Karin Achtelstetter Colette Muanda [email protected] [email protected] Includes Assembly Update No. 3

2 No. 09/2009 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran LWF Council Meeting 2009 Chavannes-de-Bogis, Switzerland, 22-27 October 2009 LWF Council Opening Worship Emphasizes Impact of Human Trafficking Call for Vigorous Action against This Form of Injustice

A colorful worship service on 22 October marked the opening of the 2009 meeting of the Council of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) at Chavannes-de-Bogis, near Ge- neva, Switzerland. During the service, Ms Dagmar Magold, president of the Council host church, the Federation of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein (BELK), Rev. Lusmarina Campos Garcia, of the English-speaking congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Geneva (ELCG) and Rev. Marc Blessing from the ELCG’s German-speaking congregation Rev. Marc Blessing (left) of the German-speaking Evangelical Lutheran Church of Geneva and Ms Dagmar confronted Council members with Magold, president of the Federation of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein, preside at the Council’s opening worship service on 22 October. © LWF/H. Putsman Penet the situation of boat refugees, illegal immigrants, slave laborers and forced those who are imprisoned, voiceless who are lured by false promises and sex workers. Both Lutheran churches and terrified with fear.” then sequestered, disenfranchised, are members of BELK. Citing a newspaper report, they threatened and exploited as forced They recalled that according to noted that within ten months, hu- laborers. Christian belief, God encounters manitarian organizations had iden- Forced sex workers are beaten, people through those who are mis- tified 19 cases of modern slavery drugged and threatened with death. treated and oppressed. “God weeps in the Swiss canton of Vaud alone. Often they are sold from one place with those who cry,” Magold and This included women who are forced to another in order to maintain their Blessing said, “God is at the side of into prostitution, as well as men dependence, isolated from colleagues and placed under constant supervi- sion, the church representatives pointed out, and called for vigorous action against this form of injustice. They emphasized the fact that various biblical texts described similar examples of oppression and the comfort and liberating power of God. After the opening worship, LWF President Bishop Mark S. Hanson, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, officially opened the Coun- cil meeting, whose agenda includes a closed session on the presentation of the report of the LWF Search Com- mittee for a new general secretary. Further highlights on this year’s

LWF Council members partake in Holy Communion during the opening worship service at Chavannes-de-Bogis Council agenda include action on the near Geneva. © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch president’s address and reports of the

No. 09/2009 3 general secretary and treasurer. The would include an invitation to Coun- Canada. It comprises the President, governing body also receives and acts cil members to join in a global action, Treasurer as well as lay and ordained

on the report of the LWF Renewal aimed at reducing CO2 levels in the persons, representing the different Committee, as well as on reports from atmosphere to 350 parts per million. LWF regions. the respective program committees. A The 49-member Council is the The Council was hosted by the plenary on human trafficking is one of LWF’s governing body, meeting every Federation of Evangelical Lutheran the main topics for Friday, 23 October. 12-18 months between Assemblies Churches in Switzerland and the Prin- A morning prayer on Climate Action held normally every six years. The cur- cipality of Liechtenstein. The church on 24 October marks the International rent Council was appointed at the July has 6,818 members, and has been an Day of Climate Change Action, and 2003 Tenth Assembly in Winnipeg, LWF member church since 1979.

350 for Climate Action

Continued from p. 1 the December 2009 United Nations are displaced by climate-related crises religious initiatives to respond to Climate Change Conference in Co- become desperate economic refugees. this crisis,” asserted LWF General penhagen, Denmark. Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko Climate change is also related to Photos on the LWF Council’s sup- earlier in his report to the Council the theme of this year’s Council meet- port for climate action are available meeting on 23 October. He noted ing, “Upholding Human Dignity: on the LWF Web site at: www. the organization will also have a Confronting Human Trafficking,” in lutheranworld.org/Coun- delegation with observer status at view of the reality that people who cil/2009/2009-Council.html

Reformation Sunday Sermon Calls for Truth That Sets Free During Sunday morning worship decision you must make,” Hanson told of the neighboring person, saying, on 25 October, the President of the the LWF Council members in his “Remember you are baptized.” Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Sunday morning sermon at the chapel The LWF president said, “The sto- Bishop Mark S. Hanson challenged of the Ecumenical Center where the ry we tell is about writing a new script,” Lutheran church representatives from LWF Secretariat is located. an embodied narrative centered in around the world to tell the story of The eucharistic service was cel- Jesus, and in God’s reconciling love “the truth that sets free” as they lead ebrated in the context of Reforma- and mercy. He pointed out that while the organization into the future. tion Sunday worship. It included Christ sets free from bondage to sin, “The truth that makes you free isn’t a symbolic affirmation of baptism, death and the devil, this “liberation some idea you have to discover [nor] during which participants dipped is not a kind of release, banishment, some religious proposition to which their fingers into a bowl of water and sending you out on your own,” but you must give assent or some personal made a sign of the cross on the hand rather “forgiveness and your incor- poration, your restoration into the abundant life of God’s household.” Hanson underlined that great freedoms had been experienced because of curiosity to discover the Lutheran World Information truth about DNA, distanced galaxies, diseases and what sustains diverse eco systems. However, he explained, an unintended irony that had resulted out of this was that modernism also includes its own skepticism.

Narratives He expressed concern that people not only lived in a culture of deception that refused to see the truth, but that

Worshippers follow the liturgy during the 25 October Sunday morning service at the Ecumenical Center chapel in “we construct alternative truth [and] Geneva. © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch narratives, seemingly so plausible, so

4 No. 09/2009 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran He described reflections at the June 2008 Council meeting in Tanzania under the theme “Melt- ing Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro: A Witness of a Suffering Creation,” and the symbolic climate change action of forming the figure ‘350’ at a morning prayer on 24 October, as a call “for the release of creation from our destructive consumption and to restore sustainability to life.” Equally important are faith reflections on gender and power, sig- nifying God’s restoration of human relationships that are “not based upon domination and male power and privilege.” Hanson said he had cited these Council member Rev. Kazuhiro Sekino (right) and LWF/DTS director Rev. Dr Karen Bloomquist (left) prepare examples as part of story that needed to distribute Holy Communion during the Sunday morning service. © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch to be told, as it was “the story of God incarnation in Jesus Christ, the story believable that we end up deceiving stigmatization and discrimination, of God’s reconciliation and forgive- ourselves.” restoring them to life in community, ness, the story of our continuing Hanson spoke of narratives of the LWF president explained. reformation.” economic recovery in the USA based on stock market indices while unem- ployment there averaged 10.5 percent and over half the world’s population lived in poverty. “We deceive ourselves that our consumption does not destroy the environment, that the Israeli occupation brings security rather than breeds resentment. Or that the perpetuation of white male power and privilege is somehow based upon God’s intentions for humanity,” he added. He cited some of the stories that could be told about the life and work of the LWF, its Council members and advisers as well as staff, and the implications for freedom and reconciliation. The 1999 signing of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification between the LWF and the Roman Catholic Church was an act of being released from burdens of condemnation. Similarly, a proposed statement for action on the legacy of Lutheran persecution of “Anabaptists” which will be considered during the current Council meeting signified healing of memories. The breaking of the silence on HIV and AIDS is During the worship, participants use water to make the sign of the cross on their neighbors’ hands. to release people from the chains of © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch

No. 09/2009 5 LWF President Urges Commitment to a Sustainable and Strong LWF in the Future In a report highlighting the rapidly dations we are making, including a Hanson challenged the Council changing contexts of the Lutheran timetable and process for developing to give high priority to the genera- World Federation (LWF) and its the language of proposed changes to tion of new resources as part of its respective member churches, LWF governing documents.” He stressed the responsibility. “Too often we have President Bishop Mark S. Hanson need to be clear about what decisions left this [task] to the Secretariat or urged the organization’s Council to would be left to future elected Council some member churches rather than make decisions that reflect commit- members and the Geneva Secretariat. exercising leadership ourselves,” he ment to “a sustainable and strong said. He called for a more specific LWF going into the future.” strategy in raising funds for the LWF Presenting his oral report to the Decreasing Financial Endowment Fund. Council, Hanson asked the LWF Resources The president urged member member church representatives to On issues that have an impact on the churches to address how discussions focus on the legacy of the governing organization’s finances, the presi- and decisions on marriage, family body’s leadership. dent noted that while the LWF had and human sexuality would impact the life, work and unity of the LWF. He explained that the ELCA had already taken significant actions on human sexuality in recent months. He said “rather than making (issues on) marriage, family and human sexuality the cause for distancing ourselves from one another in the LWF, let us resolve to engage in deeper dialogue on the theological and ethical issues raised in our current discussions and decisions by member churches.” He pointed out that the LWF task force report on Marriage, Family and Human Sexuality and the Proposed Guide- lines and Processes for Respectful LWF President Bishop Mark S. Hanson delivers his address to the Council. © LWF/H. Putsman Penet Dialogue offered helpful insights and suggestions.

The current Council was elected exercised responsible fiduciary lead- at the 2003 Tenth Assembly in Win- ership despite the global economy Leadership and nipeg, Canada, and is due to complete and serious changes in the financial Accompaniment its work at the July 2010 Eleventh As- resources of member churches, the The president called for a renewed sembly in Stuttgart, Germany. organization faces greater challenges commitment to women in leadership Lutheran World Information Hanson is presiding bishop of currently and in the future. and applauded four member churches the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Citing the ELCA’s situation, that recently voted to ordain women. America (ELCA). Hanson pointed out that the church “We need to give strong leadership as “What shall be our witness? What would be facing a significant de- Council members affirming and -ad story shall we tell?” were Hanson’s crease in its budget from which monishing one another so that gender opening questions in his report, which support for the LWF comes. “We justice becomes a growing reality noted the important issues on this year’s are experiencing a 30-year trend in throughout the LWF,” he said. agenda such as the election of the next decreased membership and giving He urged sustained engage- LWF General Secretary, and response to support the work of the ELCA ment as peacemakers and called for to the Renewal Committee report. beyond its local congregations. … renewed resolve for accompaniment The LWF president affirmed his Furthermore, we do not know the especially in urgent contexts such as commitment “that when we leave budgetary implications of our recent the Middle East, where the Evan- this meeting, we will have clarity and decision on human sexuality,” he told gelical Lutheran Church in Jordan transparency about the recommen- the Council meeting. and the Holy Land seeks an end to

6 No. 09/2009 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran occupation, cessation of violence and lasting and just peace. The president’s report underscored continued commitment to diaconal work; eco-justice and environmental work; and interfaith engagement. Hanson expressed the hope that the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification this month would be an opportunity for the communion to renew its “commitment to dialogue so that one day the unity we have with Christians throughout baptism might be experienced together at Christ’s table of Council members follow plenary discussions. © LWF/H. Putsman Penet the Eucharist.” He said he thanked God for the Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko, and world. “It is truly a joy and honor to leadership provided by the General other staff in Geneva and across the serve with you,” he added.

Global Economic Crisis Has Adverse Impact on Lutheran Diaconal Activities

The adverse effects of the global down some of the essential activities LWF ongoing initiatives on advocacy economic crisis on some of the much earlier than ordinarily planned,” over illegitimate debt, spearheaded by LWF member churches and their said Noko. the churches in Latin America, and institutions, threaten not only the He noted however that the crisis on poverty in Africa and elsewhere. continuation of crucial support to had also portrayed the intercon- needy community members, but the nectedness of “our global village” very survival of these organizations. and further need for reflection on Climate Change Impact “In some cases, pastors and staff implications of the LWF Eleventh Turning to the global impact of climate have not been paid; diaconal activities Assembly theme “Give Us Today change, Noko said a resolution adopted have been significantly reduced; nursing Our Daily Bread.” The theme, Noko by the June 2008 Council meeting had homes for the elderly and children are continued, has a universal tone and facilitated practical follow-up action facing imminent closure … and pension appeal that invite churches to reflect such as the institution of a Geneva funds have dwindled,” said LWF Gen- more deeply on the nature and quality Secretariat CO2 compensation system eral Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko in of the interconnectedness with the rest for air travel. The estimated amount of his report to the Council meeting. of creation. The interconnectedness USD 20,000 annually from this initia- “If funding levels do not improve also allowed broader deliberation on tive would be allocated to LWF and we would have to phase out or close ethics and accountability and other member church projects that improve

the CO2 balance, he added. Noko noted that the Eleventh LWF Assembly to be held in Stuttgart, Germany, would be marking 58 years since the Federation held its Second Assembly in Hannover in 1952, in the land of the Reformation. He challenged Council members to ponder the assembly’s significance for the host church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Württemberg, for local ecumenical expressions, as well as for the global Lutheran communion. Equally significant are com- memorative events to mark the 500th

LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko presents his report to the Council. anniversary of the Reformation, © LWF/H. Putsman Penet which will include the planting of

No. 09/2009 7 500 trees in the Luther Garden in be so among you: A Faith Reflection Methodists, Mennonites, Anglicans, Wittenberg, by representatives of on Gender and Power” is the title of Orthodox, and the Reformed. Lutheran churches and several ecu- the publication produced by the desk Turning to relations with the menical partners. for Women in Church and Society Mennonites, he reiterated the LWF’s His report underlined the signifi- at the Department for Mission and need to ask “forgiveness from God, cance of a recently published LWF Development. as well as from our sisters and broth- working document that “explores The general secretary explained ers who are the inheritors of the how to guide the communion further efforts taken toward dialogue aimed Anabaptist tradition for having used in being a sign and an expression” of at strengthening ecumenical rela- our confessional writings to justify an inclusive communion. “It will not tions with the Roman Catholics, persecution and execution.” LWF Treasurer Stoll Warns of Impact of Global Financial Situation on LWF’s Work

In his report to the Council, LWF it was anticipated that this would con- decreased support from member Treasurer Mr Peter Stoll warned of tinue. The work of the Department for churches and agencies. the effects of the global economic Mission and Development had been and financial crisis on the work of particularly affected, Stoll said. the LWF Secretariat. The economic 2008: USD 1.1 Million crisis has been long and deep, he said, Surplus and it was unpredictable when times Structural Deficit The 2008 LWF budget showed a sur- would return to normal. Requires Action plus of USD 1.1 million. While the Stoll underscored that the crisis In his report, Stoll noted that the LWF organization’s reserves had increased has had an impact on most if not all secretariat has had a structural deficit to USD 22.5 million, the 2009 and LWF member churches and related for years. “While exchange gains have 2010 projected deficits would reduce agencies, several of which already had fortunately covered the deficits in the these reserves substantially, the trea- to reduce their budgets substantially. last years, we cannot plan our future on surer noted. The global financial situation exchange gains,” he cautioned. The LWF’s total income in 2008 therefore will “inevitably have an The projected deficits for 2009 was around USD 102.9 million, com- impact on the support of churches and 2010 called for strong measures. pared with USD 100.2 million the pre- and agencies to the work of the LWF In view of the structural deficit of vious year. Total expenditure last year Secretariat,” Stoll indicated. He the Geneva coordination budget, was USD 101.3 million, compared with expressed the hope that churches Stoll stressed that activity and staff- USD 96.8 million in 2007. The report and agencies would do their best to ing policies need to be realigned noted that the LWF had to make a pro- support the secretariat in the future. as soon as possible, and that the vision of USD 549,000 to compensate However, this year already, some organization’s streamlining was also undercoverage of the pension fund. member churches and related agencies a priority. These measures were espe- have reduced their contributions, and cially urgent in view of the projected LWF Eleventh Assembly in 2010 Turning to the LWF Eleventh Assembly to be held in Stuttgart, Germany, in 2010, Lutheran World Information Stoll reported that the Assembly working budget was USD 2.2 million. The projected income covers the projected expenditure. As of 30 June 2009, the LWF had received Assembly contributions amounting to USD 1.6 million. The treasurer stated that the budget had been worked out together with the host church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Württemberg, which will be responsible for the local logistics. A prepayment to the Württemberg

LWF Treasurer Mr Peter Stoll reports to the Council on the organization’s finances. church had helped to eliminate most of © LWF/H. Putsman Penet the currency exchange risk, he added.

8 No. 09/2009 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran LWF Council Highlights & Actions

LWF Council Elects Chilean Pastor Martin Junge as New General Secretary

On Monday, 26 October 2009, Chil- Since September 2000, Junge American LWF member churches to ean pastor Martin Junge was elected has been the area secretary for Latin deal with the problem of illegitimate as the eighth general secretary of the America and the Caribbean at the foreign debt in the region. Lutheran World Federation (LWF) LWF Department for Mission and Since 2008 Junge has been pur- for a seven-year term. The election Development (DMD). His key suing a diploma in the management took place in closed session. achievements as DMD area secretary of not-for-profit organizations at the “Verbandsmanagement Institut” (VMI) of the University of Freiburg in Switzerland. From 1996 to 2000, Junge was president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile (Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en Chile - IELC). Follow- ing his 1989 ordination as an IELC pastor, Junge served in two congregations in Santiago de Chile from 1989 to 2000. He studied Protestant theology between 1980 and 1986 at the Georg August University in Göttingen, Germany. General Secretary-elect Junge is married, and has two children. The LWF general secretary con- LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko (left) applauds the election of his successor, Rev. Martin Junge ducts the business of the Federation (right). © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch in collaboration with the Cabinet, which is made up of the directors With this election, Junge be- include the strengthening and refo- of departments and units appointed comes the first representative from cusing of the LWF’s programmatic by the Council. The position holder the Latin America and Caribbean work in the region, and the imple- is responsible for the implementa- region to hold the highest position mentation and structuring of the tion of the Council and Assembly at the LWF Secretariat. advocacy program launched by Latin decisions. The LWF Council elected the 48 year-old theologian to succeed Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko who, upon election in June 1994, became the first African to hold the chief executive post in the LWF. An ordained pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe, Noko’s position was affirmed in 1997, and he was re- elected for a second seven-year term in 2004. He announced at the June 2008 Council meeting in Arusha, Tanzania, that he would be leaving office on 31 October 2010. The seven-member search committee for a new general secretary was headed by the former president of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church LWF President Bishop Mark S. Hanson (right) congratulates Chilean theologian Rev. Martin Junge following Mekane Yesus, Rev. Iteffa Gobena. the latter’s election as the next LWF general secretary. © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch

No. 09/2009 9 General Secretary-Elect Prioritizes Changes That Will Strengthen LWF Communion

The newly elected LWF general process wasn’t easy.” The election was secretary Rev. Martin Junge, says his originally scheduled for 22 October. major priorities include enhancing the quality of relationships among churches in the Lutheran commu- Participatory Change nion and embarking on a participa- Process tory planning process to ensure the Junge explained that prioritizing focus organization’s sustainability. on the institutional development of the Junge received 37 votes in favor LWF was necessary in order to enhance and five against in the closed-session democracy in decision making and election for which a search commit- implementation, promote effectiveness tee had proposed him as the sole and efficiency, and integrate innovation candidate for election. for sustainability in the future. LWF President Bishop Mark S. “We all know how difficult chang- Hanson’s announcement to the open es are, particularly for an organization Council plenary session about Junge’s as big and diverse and with as many election was received with a standing stakeholders and interests as ours. Yet, ovation and a long applause. “Our LWF General Secretary-elect Rev. Martin Junge without changes, without innovation, © LWF/H. Putsman Penet clear vote is a strong, strong state- no organization can survive in the ment of our confidence in Martin long term. This is why plans need to be Junge,” said Hanson. He promised to arrange in dignity and developed, so that those changes that In his acceptance speech, Junge respect “the way we should hand over the gift of communion requires today said he accepted with humility the the work of the LWF.” and tomorrow, can actually take place,” privilege to serve the Lutheran com- said Junge in his acceptance speech. munion in this new position, and urged “I’m prepared to lead these processes, support and prayers in carrying the Transition involving staff in a participatory manner burdens and challenges that the task The LWF president expressed his in order to generate concepts, proposals entailed. He particularly called for the commitment to facilitate this tran- and scenarios, which will then be the support of outgoing General Secretary sition in the best way possible. He basis for your work as the governing Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko, and expressed declared that the long election process body of the LWF,” he added. his conviction that “we will manage to “did not say anything about the quality The general secretary-elect empha- organize a perfect transition period as of the candidate but it was because of sized the importance of the polycentric this communion deserves it. [And one] the difficulties in the procedure.” He nature of the LWF communion—with in which you will be fully in charge said he took personal responsibility no one center, but many centers—al- until the last day of your period, and I that the June 2008 Council meeting in lowing for spirituality, theology and will be able to be in charge right from Arusha, Tanzania, had not given clear diaconal witness to develop especially the first day of my own period.” guidelines for the search committee with respect to ecumenical relation- Congratulating his incoming suc- process. He thanked the two other ships. “This diversity is not a prob- cessor, Noko assured Junge of his co- nominees—Rev. Rafael Malpica Pa- lem. It is a gift,” Junge added, citing Lutheran World Information operation and prayers in the transition, dilla (USA) and Mr Robert Granke examples of LWF initiatives globally saying, “God’s grace is plenty, this is (Canada)—who were present at the including diaconal work, ecumenical your daily bread, to depend on God.” Council meeting and “for whom the dialogues and interfaith diapraxis.

Junge Advocates Relationships That Enhance Sustainability

The general secretary-elect of the “Communion is a concept about LWF that continues to affirm the rel- Lutheran World Federation (LWF) relationships, about strengthening evance of churches in society especially sees sustainability as one of the major the reason to be. It is the gift of being for people who are marginalized. challenges for the global Lutheran able to meet, talk, listen to stories and Responding to a question on communion. “It is not only about fi- experiences, and have open encounters whether the various positions of nances, but it has to do with the quality at the table,” Junge stressed, when he LWF member churches on human of relationships outside and within the addressed a press conference on 27 sexuality could eventually lead to di- LWF,” said Rev. Martin Junge. October. He outlined his vision for an vision in the communion, the general

10 No. 09/2009 Communication Information World Lutheran secretary-elect underlined that the Anglican Church, Evangelical Lu- LWF was already dealing with the theran Church, Reformed churches, General Secretary-elect Junge em- issue. It was therefore important to Methodist Church and several Pen- phasized the important role of com- build up on the process instituted by tecostal churches. munication, as already pointed out the LWF Council to facilitate discus- On the current global financial in various LWF processes including sion on this topic, Junge explained. crisis, Junge said it was especially im- a 2007 communication audit. “Com- He pointed out that the “Pro- portant to assess the implications for munion without communication is posed Guidelines and Processes for “the moral and social fabric of those not sustainable,” he said, adding the Respectful Dialogue on Marriage, who have been severely affected.” need to take up this as a core issue in Family and Human Sexuality” pro- Such difficult times “call for mutual the LWF renewal process. duced by a Council-appointed task accountability and responsibility, and He underscored the LWF itself force in 2007, offered both theologi- solidarity,” he said. “as an on-going process” with a cal insights and methodology in deal- He said it was important to con- strong sense of passion for people, ing with this topic. From previous tinue strengthening the LWF at the churches, peace, reconciliation and LWF encounters, documents and the grassroots not only at the global and justice. The task now, he added, was current Council meeting, “I perceive regional levels but also at the level of to see “how to continue writing the energy that the members [churches] church members.” story.” want to keep the unity and stay in the communion,” he remarked. He said he foresees “a strengthened LWF coming out of this dialogue.”

Keeping Ecumenism Alive On LWF’s engagement in ecumenical dialogues, Junge affirmed the -im portant ongoing work by the various dialogue groups and commissions, saying, “We must keep ecumenism alive.” He noted that as president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile he had participated in the process which led to the 1999 signing of the document “Mutual Recognition of Baptism” by the Roman Catholic Ms Karin Achtelstetter (left), director of the LWF Office for Communication Services moderates the press Church, Syrian Orthodox Church, conference with Rev. Martin Junge. © LWF/H. Putsman Penet Call for Greater Public Awareness of Forced Labor and Human Trafficking Representatives of international Labour Organization (ILO), called throughout the world were at the time and faith-based relief organiza- for concrete legislative measures and victims of forced labor, the major- tions attending the Council of the stricter enforcement of the ity of whom, (9.4 million) Lutheran World Federation (LWF) existing laws of individual were in Asia. The human emphasized that wide-spread public countries. He pointed out trafficking industry alone awareness was necessary in order to that despite the great out- generates estimated profits tackle the problems of forced labor cry against modern slavery of almost USD 32 bil- and human trafficking. the existing legislative lion per year. Plant urged “Upholding Human Dignity: Con- countermeasures were churches to use their influ- fronting Human Trafficking,” was the poorly enforced. Criminal ence to strengthen aware- theme of the 22 to 27 October meet- law and labor law needed ness in civil society about ing of the LWF governing body. to be brought into line. injustice and to call upon Mr Roger Plant, head of the Spe- According to a first ILO Mr Roger Plant, head of the ILO their governments to take Special Action Programme to cial Action Programme to Combat report in 2005, an esti- Combat Forced Labour appropriate measures. He Forced Labour at the International mated 12.3 million people © LWF/H. Putsman Penet confined himself to prob-

No. 09/2009 11 lems involving labor-related exploita- from any person under the Ms Elena Timofticiuc, tion. Numerically, human trafficking menace of any penalty and project manager for AID- of women for sexual exploitation is of for which the said person Rom (Ecumenical Associa- greater magnitude, yet it also receives has not offered himself tion of Churches in Roma- greater public attention. voluntarily.” This can also nia), highlighted the social apply to legal work. consequences of migrant I n t h e labor in Romania, often in- Coercion French-speak- volving coercion. Families Apart from the more bru- ing part of fall apart, marriages break tal and dramatic instances Switzerland, up, and children are left Mr Ismaila Faye, of human trafficking—for the relief orga- Libertá Association behind. Out of the 172,000 example, when refugees nization Liber- © LWF/H. Putsman Penet children attending second- die of asphyxia in freight tá has opened a ary school, each has at least containers—there were hotline for persons seeking one parent working abroad. According many subtler forms of help. Of the 118 calls re- to Timofticiuc, 35,000 children aged coercion. According the ceived last year, between 10 and 14 years ILO report “The Cost Ms Elena Timofticiuc, 31 were cases have both parents working of Coercion,” a growing AIDRom project manager of human traf- abroad. © LWF/H. Putsman Penet number of migrant work- ficking. Ms Is- Rev. Sonia Skupch of ers were entrapped into slave-like maila Faye, head of the or- the Evangelical Church conditions, as labor brokers promising ganization, reported that a of the River Plate, Argen- high wages lured these workers from great stir was caused when tina, and an LWF Coun- their home countries. Once abroad, they identified six cases of cil member, presented a they find themselves sexual exploi- documentary film on the isolated, vulnerable and tation of wom- topic of sexual exploitation, helpless, unable to speak en who had Dr Fulata L. Moyo, produced by the Argen- the foreign language and been brought WCC program executive for tinean ecumenical relief Women in Church and Society heavily indebted. The legally into © LWF/H. Putsman Penet organization for refugees passport they would need the country by and migrants CAREF with for the trip back home is diplomats. The organiza- support from the LWF. The film’s core taken away from them. tion sees as its most urgent message is “prostitution is not the oldest Employers and legal re- task to heighten awareness profession in the world, but rather, the cruiters work hand in among the population, in oldest form of abuse of women.” LWF Council member Rev. Sonia hand in order to deceive Skupch © LWF/H. Putsman Penet particular among women Dr Fulata Lusungu Moyo, program workers. Low wages and and migrants, churches executive for Women in Church and So- poor working conditions aside, forced and relief organizations, government ciety at the World Council of Churches, labor is defined by the ILO as “all bodies, media, police and customs focused on the exploitation of women work or service which is exacted authorities. from a biblical perspective, saying that women’s bodies were not a commodity, but God’s likeness. As a result, trafficking of women perverts the biblical and humanitarian value of hospitality into Lutheran World Information its opposite—it is the host who should afford protection and satisfy the needs of the guest, not vice-versa. LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko, in a thought-provoking conclusion, recalled that many high- ranking church leaders, who understood work as a vocation and a blessing, were unaware of the complex reality of slavery and exploitation. Yet, examples of human trafficking could be found even in the Old Testament. He sug-

LWF Council meeting participants exchange views about the plenary on human trafficking and how the issues gested that “this can encourage us to conveyed relate to their respective contexts. © LWF/H. Putsman Penet read the Bible with different eyes.”

12 No. 09/2009 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran Council Unanimously Adopts Statement Asking Forgiveness from Mennonites The Council of the Lutheran World This action of the LWF was based ical Affairs, the Council also agreed Federation (LWF) approved a state- upon the work done by the Luther- that the International Lutheran ment that prepares for a significant an–Mennonite Study Commission, Council (ILC) is informed about the action of reconciliation with churches 2005-2009. Their report “Healing report and statement, and that ILC’s of the Anabaptist family. of Memories: Reconciling in Christ,” participation is invited in affirming regret and sorrow over the Lutheran persecution of Anabaptists. The Council requested the LWF General Secretary to send this report and statement to the LWF member churches for information, study and discussion, and possible responses. Both documents would also be made available to pre-assembly delegates for discussion at their meetings.

Justified by Faith Alone After the unanimous vote, Rev. Dr Larry Miller, general secretary of the Mennonite World Conference (MWC), welcomed the action in a spirit of celebration and prayer. The Assembly of the MWC, meeting in Asunción, Paraguay, in July Mennonite World Conference General Secretary Rev. Dr Larry Miller brings ecumenical greetings to the 2009 LWF Council meeting. © LWF/H. Putsman Penet 2010 had warmly received the news that Lutherans might take such an With this endorsement, the statement “Action on the Legacy of Lu- theran Persecution of ‘Anabaptists’” is recommended for adoption at the July 2010 LWF Eleventh Assembly in Stuttgart, Germany. The statement expresses “deep regret and sorrow” for the legacy of violent persecution of Anabaptists, and especially for the ways in which Lutheran reformers supported this persecution with theological arguments. It asks forgiveness, “from God and from our Mennonite sisters and brothers,” for these past wrongs and also for the ways in which later Lutherans have forgotten or ignored this persecution and have continued to describe Anabaptists in misleading and damaging ways. Council members applaud the message from the Mennonite representative. The statement then makes com- © LWF/H. Putsman Penet mitments about how the violent history of persecution by Lutherans was received by the Council, which action and had promised to “walk will be remembered and about how commended the Commission for “its with” Lutherans in their process. He the Lutheran confessional legacy will thorough and important work.” noted that this request for forgiveness be interpreted from now on in light Receiving recommendations from would require that Mennonites also of this action. the Program Committee for Ecumen- would change.

No. 09/2009 13 “You are not applauding for your- around the world; this action will move In 1980, the LWF Executive selves,” said Miller. “You are ap- such cooperation to a new level. Committee expressed sorrow for the plauding for the grace of God in our Referring to the MWC global pain and suffering caused by the con- midst. Mennonites have learned from conference in Asunción, attended by the demnations and called on member Lutherans that we are justified by faith LWF general secretary and his assistant churches “to celebrate our common alone, because we know that justi- for ecumenical affairs Prof. Kathryn Lutheran heritage with a spirit both fication produces not only relations Johnson, Noko added, “[We] wept like of gratitude and penitence.” between oneself and God but also children in Paraguay when we saw how In 2002, the LWF Council es- communion between the churches.” the Mennonites would embrace us.” tablished the Lutheran-Mennonite LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr The dialogue reconciliation pro- International Study Commission in Ishmael Noko congratulated the Com- cess began in 1980 during the 450th partnership with the MWC. mission for its work, and expressed anniversary of the Augsburg Con- During its work the Commission his hope that the Stuttgart Assembly fession, when representatives of had discovered that the history of “would be a landmark,” in view of the Mennonite churches raised ques- persecution consistently intervened anticipated action. “Our children will tions, about how they could join in in their efforts at theological discus- be proud of this day,” Noko remarked. celebrations of a document which sion. He noted that Lutherans and Men- explicitly condemned Anabaptists Telling the history together would nonites already are working together and their teachings. in itself be an act of reconciliation.

LWF Extends Membership to Evangelical Church in Central Germany

The Council of the Lutheran World Information (LWI). According to Bishop Ilse Junkermann was Federation (LWF) extended full the LWF Bylaws, if a merger takes elected as the first EKM regional LWF membership to the Evangelical place involving one or more member bishop in March 2009. The bishop’s Church in Central Germany (EKM). churches and one or more non-mem- seat is in Magdeburg and the church The EKM came into existence in ber Lutheran churches, it is sufficient office in Erfurt. The EKM’s territory January 2009 as the result of a merger that the new church declares that it hosts some of the most significant between the Evangelical Lutheran wishes to belong to the Federation. memorial sites of the Reformation Church in Thuringia (ELKT) and The two churches had been mov- such as the Luther town of Witten- the Evangelical Church of the Church ing closer together for ten years. In berg, the Luther town of Eisleben, Province of Saxony, becoming the 2007, their synods took the decision Mansfeld, Wartburg Castle in Eisen- legal successor to both churches. to merge, which became effective on ach and the Augustinian Monastery The EKM has around 910,000 1 January 2009. in Erfurt. members. The number of LWF member churches remains unchanged at 140 churches in 79 countries. However, the membership figure goes up by just under 480,000 to a total of 68.94 million. The Council endorsed the new church on 26 October upon a recommendation from the Standing Commit- tee for Membership, whose report was Lutheran World Information presented by committee chairperson Rev. Claudia Schreiber of the Church of Lippe (Lutheran Section), Germany. The ELKT, a United church, joined the LWF in 1947. In 1817, King Fred- erick William III of Prussia decreed the merger of the Lutheran and Re- formed congregations in his territory, giving rise to the United churches. “We are glad to become members of the LWF and intend to remain so,” LWF Council member Thomas Jensch, a youth representative from Mr Thomas Jensch of the Evangelical Church in Central Germany responds to the Renewal Committee’s report the ELKT told Lutheran World during the Council’s second plenary session. © LWF/H. Putsman Penet

14 No. 09/2009 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran On the Way to the 2010 LWF Eleventh Assembly in Stuttgart

Ms Angelene H. Swart, chairperson offerings collected during worship and Village Groups in English and of the Assembly Planning Commit- services to the LWF Endowment German. The Spanish and French tee (APC) for the Eleventh Assembly Fund and the other half to a yet-to- versions should be available before the of the Lutheran World Federation be-determined LWF project. The end of the year. The six brochures take (LWF) presented the third and last Council also approved the Assembly up aspects of the Lord’s Prayer peti- report of the APC. song titled “Give, Give Us.” tion for daily bread (Given by Grace, To All, Today, Having Enough, Bread and The Bread of Life). Council members also received From Winnipeg to Stuttgart – The Report of the General Secretary on behalf of the Council to the Assembly. Swart announced in her report the launching of the Assembly Web site the previous week. Participants and persons inter- ested may henceforth access compre- hensive information in four languages at www.lwf-assembly.org

Local Preparations Logistic preparations in Stuttgart have begun, Swart indicated, with APC chairperson Ms Angelene H. Swart (South Africa) delivers the committee’s report to the Council. the recruitment of volunteers locally © LWF/H. Putsman Penet and from throughout Germany. The Kongtresszentrum is organizing Swart, from the Moravian Church Economic accommodation and meals for par- in South Africa, informed partici- and Climate Justice ticipants and local institutions are pants at the Council meeting about The LWF governing body further invited to provide financial support. the state of preparations for the decided, upon recommendation by German political figures invited forthcoming assembly to be held in the Department for Theology and include Chancellor Angela Merkel Stuttgart, Germany in July 2010. Studies, that the Assembly prepara- and President Horst Köhler. The Assembly, which is the Fed- tions include the elaboration of a Plans include setting up a large eration’s highest governing body, will statement on economic and climate tent to create an affordable place for take place from 20 to 27 July 2010 justice. It was requested that the pre- all participants to get together outside under the theme “Give Us Today Our Assembly consultations be actively commercial restaurants. An exhibit Daily Bread.” It will be attended by 418 involved in this process. area is also being negotiated where delegates from the 138 full member The Council agreed that delegates institutions and partner organizations churches, half of whom will be women and church leaders should be requested can make documentation available re- and 20 percent youth delegates. Repre- to provide concrete examples of the garding issues such as climate change, sentatives of the two associate member impact of current economic and cli- HIV and AIDS, community-build- churches, recognized churches and matic changes in their local contexts. ing, Lutheran-Mennonite relations congregations will attend, as well as In keeping with the Assembly theme, and diaconal work. observers from LWF national com- the causes of climate change need to be Swart also indicated that all mittees and partner organizations. A elucidated, as well as the biblical, theo- delegates have been invited to spend total of around 2,000 participants are logical and ethical perspective of LWF several days prior to the Assembly anticipated, including local church col- member churches and specific counter- in a local congregation and to visit laborators, co-opted and regular LWF measures they might envisage. Reformation sites in Germany. The staff, interpreters, translators, stewards United Evangelical Lutheran Church and accredited media representatives. of Germany (VELKD) plans to cover At this year’s meeting, the Coun- Study Materials the cost of an overnight stay in the cil adopted the schedule and agenda and Web Site Luther town of Wittenberg. Nego- for the Stuttgart Assembly. It also At the Council, members received the tiations are under way with travel decided to contribute half of the study materials for the Bible studies agencies to obtain economical rates

No. 09/2009 15 for one to three-day visits of German The Württemberg church would like The women’s pre-Assembly took place, member churches. to draw on its pietistic tradition to 27–31 October in Bogis-Bossey, Swit- Kirchenrat Klaus Rieth, the contribute to the rediscovery of the zerland, immediately after the Coun- secretary for Mission, Ecumenism democratic roots of Lutheranism, cil meeting. The youth pre-Assembly and Church Development Services Rieth added. will take place in Dresden, Germany, of the host church, the Evangelical 11–17 July 2010. Lutheran Church in Württemberg, LWF Treasurer Mr Peter Stoll hopes the Stuttgart Assembly will Pre-Assembly reported that the Eleventh Assembly send a “very clear message” to society Consultations was budgeted at USD 2.2 million. demonstrating that the Assembly To prepare delegates for the Assembly, Projected income covers projected theme can have a genuine impact. seven pre-Assemblies are scheduled: expenditures. At 30 June 2009, the “We are looking forward to a very Africa: 23–28 March 2010 in Abuja, LWF had received Assembly contri- spiritual pre-Assembly that will give Nigeria; Asia: 6–9 December 2009 butions totaling USD 1.6 million. The strong impetus to spiritual life in in Bangkok, Thailand; Europe: 13–17 budget had been elaborated together the congregations,” said Rieth said March 2010 in Bratislava, Slovak with the assembly host church, which in an interview with Lutheran World Republic; Latin America and the Ca- will be responsible for logistics locally. Information (LWI). The host church ribbean: 12–16 April 2010 in Bogotá, A prepayment to the Württemberg expects the global ecumenical com- Colombia; North America: 29–31 church would eliminate most of the munity to take a giant step forward. January 2010 in Kitchener, Canada. currency exchange risk, Stoll added.

Council Actions The sections that follow provide a summary of other actions taken by the LWF Council at its October 2009 meeting. International Affairs and Human Rights

Action against Human The churches’ role was under- Trafficking lined in not only challenging the The theme of the October 2009 widespread impunity enjoyed by Council meeting “Upholding Hu- traffickers, but also in insisting on man Dignity: Confronting Human the establishment of appropriate and Trafficking” was further emphasized effective laws against human traffick- in some of the Council decisions. ing. The Council urged the Lutheran Receiving recommendations from communion’s churches to join local, the Program Committee for Inter- national or international actions or national Affairs and Human Rights, campaigns against human trafficking, the Council affirmed its rejection and support ecumenical and inter- of practices and activities that turn faith cooperation on this issue. human beings into commodities, LWF member churches, De- especially for the purposes of forced partment for World Service country or exploitative labor, sexual exploita- programs and partners in countries tion, forced marriage, armed conflict Ms Diadem Depayso (Philippines), chairperson of that had not ratified the Trafficking Lutheran World Information or so-called organ harvesting. the Program Committee for International Affairs Protocol were urged to challenge The governing body therefore and Human Rights, reports to the Council. their governments to ratify the © LWF/H. Putsman Penet called on all LWF member churches Protocol. to acknowledge and address the chal- alization and stigma of vulnerable lenges related to theological, spiritual, persons, and to address issues of ecclesiological and Christian an- poverty, exclusion and insecurity. Tribute to Peaceful 1989 thropological dimensions of human The Council also reminded the Revolution trafficking. Churches were asked to LWF member churches of their The Council meeting coincided with provide leadership in preaching and obligation to offer compassion, coun- the 20th anniversary commemora- other forms of public witness against seling and support to victims of traf- tions in the former German Demo- the commercial exploitation of hu- ficking, and the need to promote the cratic Republic (GDR) of peaceful man beings. reintegration of the affected people demonstrations in the city of Leipzig The Council urged churches to in the community in order to reduce that marked a turning point in the speak out and work against margin- the risk of repeated trafficking. democracy protests, which was fol-

16 No. 09/2009 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran lowed by the opening of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989 and free elections in March 1990. The LWF governing body adopted a public statement in which it commemorated the role played by church people in the former GDR “in inspiring and mobilizing popular resistance to an oppressive government, through prayer and non-violent action for peace and freedom.” The LWF Council statement noted, “These events culminated on 9 October 1989, when after prayers in the churches of Leipzig an estimated 70,000 people took to the streets bearing candles and prayers against (Right) Ms Doris Kitutu (Tanzania) makes her point on the international affairs and human rights report; on guns and the threat of violence. The the left is Rev. Hedwig Pirker-Partaj (Austria). © LWF/H. Putsman Penet faith and courage of those people remains an example to all of us today, for the Effective Elimination of Jordan and the Holy Land in their and calls us to reflect again on the Discrimination Based on Work and quest for continued witness for justice role of the church in proclaiming Descent in order to provide an ap- and peace in the region. God’s peace and justice and confront- propriate basis for the international It reiterated the importance of ing violence and oppression wherever community to address caste-based the Ecumenical Accompaniment God’s people suffer.” discrimination as a global concern. Program in Palestine and Israel as a tangible act of solidarity and witness for peace, and called on churches to Justice for Dalits Israel-Palestine continue to support the program and The Council also received the “Bang- The Council re-affirmed its support facilitate the presence of accompaniers kok Declaration and Call”, issued for restarting negotiations for the from churches in the global South. by the March 2009 joint LWF and implementation of a just, two-state World Council of Churches (WCC) solution to the Israeli-Palestinian global ecumenical conference on jus- conflict, including a shared Jeru- Climate Change tice for Dalits in Bangkok, Thailand, salem. It noted with concern the Receiving the committee’s recom- and commended it to LWF member current efforts by Israelis to change mendations on climate change, the churches and programs. the status quo in the Holy Basin in Council reiterated the call to member The Council affirmed that caste and around that city (the Old City, churches contained in the June 2008 and related discrimination contra- Silwan and the Mount of Olives). Council’s resolutions, urging further dict the Christian teaching that all It endorsed strongly the August- involvement and deepening of theo- are created equal and in the image September 2009 statement by the logical and ethical reflection and of God. The governing body called WCC Central Committee with action on climate change. Relevant on LWF member churches in both regard to Israeli settlements in the materials and resources produced by caste-affected and other countries to Occupied Palestinian Territory. the LWF and from the WCC and challenge their governments to make The Council deplored actions, other ecumenical partners were com- a firm global commitment to the such as revocation of residency rights, mended to the member churches. elimination of caste-based discrimi- home demolitions, and denial of Further to the symbolic prayer nation, and implement measures to permits, which reinforce the trend of and action on climate change (see fulfill that commitment. Christian emigration from the Holy page 1) the Council called upon all While expressing support for Land, “a place where the Christian member churches to observe 13 the ongoing work of the UN hu- community can continue to be a December 2009—during the UN man rights treaty bodies and other bridge-builder with the other two Climate Change Conference in international organizations to ad- Abrahamic faiths for peace.” Copenhagen—as a day for prayer, dress untouchability and caste-based The LWF governing body re-af- confession and action on the issue of discrimination, the LWF governing firmed its support for the ministries climate change, to ring church bells body called for the adoption of the and witness of the LWF and the or to take other symbolic solidarity draft UN Principles and Guidelines Evangelical Lutheran Church in actions. The general secretary was

No. 09/2009 17 asked to produce and make available Further effort was urged in insist- The LWF governing body called liturgical material for use by member ing that the international community for the establishment of just and churches on this occasion. establish a fair, equitable, legally-bind- adequate means of financing climate Representatives of the LWF ing agreement to succeed the Kyoto change mitigation and adaptation communion attending the Copen- Protocol, in order to achieve the target in developing countries. The goal is hagen conference, and LWF member of 40 percent reduction of developed to improve adaptation to the worst churches around the world, were country carbon emissions by 2020. consequences of global warming, asked to advocate for an agreement The Council noted that the Intergov- reduce emissions, and deploy ‘clean’ that is based on justice and to speak ernmental Panel on Climate Change had technologies. Such funding, the out for the vulnerable and poor. The clearly indicated that if global warming Council noted, “must not be drawn Council called upon the Lutheran is to be limited to between 2.0 and from existing development coopera- communion to highlight especially 2.4°C, global emissions would peak no tion budgets or commitments.” the impact of climate change on food later than 2015. This would stress again The important insights and wis- insecurity and increasing human the critical urgency and unprecedented dom of indigenous people were vulnerability, including phenomena magnitude of the challenge of climate underlined as integral to ethical such as climate change migration and change and its threat to humanity and and sustainable relationships with climate change refugees. the rest of creation. creation.

LWF Endorses Action for Membership in New Ecumenical Alliance At its October 2009 meeting, the would enhance the effectiveness of Council endorsed a recommendation diakonia within the Lutheran com- that allows the LWF to seek mem- munion and e ecumenically. bership in ACT Alliance – Action by In view of the urgent task of trans- Churches Together, slated to unify lating and conveying local knowledge in January 2010 the existing ACT of partners and networks in the global emergency and development bodies. South into the dialogue with constitu- The Council encouraged LWF encies and governments in the North, member churches and related agen- the communication of their respective cies to also apply for membership. diaconal identity and relationship It further requested the LWF to with the global church was underlined pursue in its relationship with ACT as an immediate task. Alliance concerns expressed in the The Council noted that today’s message from the October 2008 diaconal contexts required that spe- LWF Global Consultation on Dia- cialized ministries and related agen- konia (see www.lutheranworld.org/ cies primarily accompany and seek to Ms Brenda V. Akpan (Nigeria), chairperson of the LWF_Documents/LWF-Diako- promote capacity building in churches Program Committee for World Service © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch nia_Consult_Oct08.pdf). while playing a facilitating role that is Further attention was called to appropriate to local contexts. to engage with one another in dis- reviewing relationships between The LWF governing body urged cussions about roles and approaches. churches, agencies and mission organizations to commit themselves to The urgent need for dialogue was societies, with the aim to seeking long-term partnerships with churches, underlined in order to establish codes Lutheran World Information new synergies and connectivity that and acknowledge the ongoing need of conduct in diakonia.

Mission and Development

Human Sexuality The LWF general secretary www.lutheranworld.org/LWF_ Receiving recommendations from was asked to remind the member Documents/2007_Council/Task_ the Program Committee for Mis- churches about the Report of the Force_Report-EN.pdf ) sion and Development, the Council Task Force on “Marriage, Fam- The Council asked the LWF requested the LWF Secretariat to ily and Human Sexuality” ad- through its Departments for Mission develop a plan of action for the years opted by the LWF Council at its and Development and Theology and remaining until 2012, taking into March 2007 meeting in Lund, Studies to provide study material consideration various aspects related Sweden, and accompany them as on how Lutherans understand and to deliberations on marriage, family they follow up through study and interpret Scripture in light of current and human sexuality. discussion of this document. (See challenges in the communion.

18 No. 09/2009 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran they are shared to support the com- structures for appropriate action by munion.” Such policy would also help the Stuttgart Assembly in order to in lifting up best practices from the fulfill a 2003 assembly resolution member churches, and build upon requesting clear policy definition the praxis of sustainability within the on this issue. Commitment to the context of spirituality of giftedness. necessary capacity building was emphasized in order to enable mean- ingful participation and not merely Youth and Gender representation. On youth and gender representation in the LWF, the Council urged the member churches and regions to con- Gender and Power struct and re-construct the delegations The Council received the document to the Stuttgart Assembly in a way It Will Not Be So Among You! A Faith Dr Carlos G. Bock (Brazil), chairperson of the that fully adheres to the commitments Reflection on Gender and Power, pro- Program Committee for Mission and Development regarding women and young people duced this year by the DMD Women © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch representation made at the LWF as- in Church and Society desk. Member The Council further agreed that semblies in Budapest, Hungary (1984) churches were encouraged to actively the Pre-Assembly consultations and Curitiba, Brazil (1990). participate in the follow-up process provide time and space for consulta- The Council also reminded the leading to the development of an tion on this issue and that DMD member churches of the 2003 Win- LWF gender policy. develop and provide a framework for nipeg (Canada) assembly resolution discussion. urging their “commitment to ensure and implement 20 percent youth par- Diakonia Handbook ticipation at future assemblies, and to The Council also received the hand- Stewardship urge the member churches to ensure no book Diakonia in Context: Transforma- On stewardship in the communion, less than 40 percent male and no less tion, Reconciliation, Empowerment, and the LWF governing body resolved than 40 percent female youth represen- requested DMD to facilitate focused that the LWF Secretariat develop for tation among the delegations within activities to promote utilization of Council approval a draft policy that their region at future assemblies.” this resource. The publication brings would deepen “our understanding of The general secretary was asked to together experiences of how diakonia God-given gifts for the sake of our prepare a draft document on gender is practiced and understood in the life common mission and ways in which and youth participation in the LWF of the Lutheran communion.

USD 5.66 Million for LWF Mission and Development Projects

At its October 2009 meeting, the had pointed out that the substantial previous years was an intentional effort LWF Council received projects of reduction of projects compared to to improve on quality while also tak- the LWF Department for Mission and Development (DMD) approved by the LWF Project Committee. The DMD projects amount to USD 5.66 million, for the period 2010 to 2012. The amount includes some USD 2.1 million in 2010, USD 1.86 million in 2011 and USD 1.7 million in 2012. In his report to this year’s Council meeting, the Project Committee chairperson, Bishop emeritus Dr Július Filo, Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in the Slovak Republic (ECAC-SR), explained the budgeted amounts were for 35 projects—11 in Africa, 13 in Asia, 3 in Europe and 8 in the Latin America and Caribbean Council members follow program committee reports in plenary. (Left) Bishop em. Dr Július Filo (Slovak Republic) is region. In the committee’s report, Filo chairperson of the LWF Project Committee; on the right is Rev. Iteffa Gobena (Ethiopia). © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch

No. 09/2009 19 ing into account the available financial churches’ holistic ministries of evan- The Project Committee report had and human resources. In 2008 and gelism, diakonia, advocacy, sustainable emphasized the role of projects and pro- 2007, the committee approved 50 and development, communication, and HIV grams as important spaces for learning in 51 projects with a financial volume of and AIDS. The department ensures the Lutheran communion. It noted the USD 7.4 million and USD 8.9 million fund-raising from the LWF partner increased interaction between projects and respectively. organizations and churches to sup- programs as a promising beginning, and In the context of the department’s port the approved projects, as well as stressed the need to harvest from these overall mission to foster communion coordination and assessment of project different spaces in order to enrich the within and among the LWF member applications and accompaniment and overall work of DMD and strengthen the churches, DMD projects extend the monitoring during implementation. holistic mission of the churches.

Ecumenical Affairs

In addition to the action on a Lu- from the Lutheran – Reformed Joint theran statement on reconciliation with Commission 2008. churches of the Anabaptist family, the LWF Council (see page 13) agreed on other processes with respect to ecu- Pentecostals menical dialogue and conversations. On ongoing conversations with Pen- tecostals, the Council requested the general secretary to begin a process of Roman Catholics preparing for a Lutheran – Pentecostal The Council received the Commu- International Commission. A progress niqué from the first meeting of the report on the formation of such a com- Lutheran – Roman Catholic Com- mission will be provided to the next mission on Unity 2009 meeting with meeting of the LWF governing body. appreciation; and expressed its antici- pation in receiving a text on the anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. Rev. Dr Joachim Track (Germany), chairperson of Strasbourg Institute the Program Committee for Ecumenical Affairs The Council also received the © LWF/H. Putsman Penet The governing body re-affirmed the report from the 2008 meeting of the LWF’s strong commitment to the Symposium of Biblical Scholars with of the Lutheran – Orthodox Joint ecumenical research work in which appreciation. Commission with appreciation. the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg, France, is devoted. Appreciation was expressed for the Orthodox Anglicans and Refomed institute’s staff and its assistance to the On Lutheran – Orthodox relations, The Council also received the Com- LWF Office for Ecumenical Affairs. the LWF governing body received muniqué from the Anglican – Lu- The institute’s continued support and the communiqué from the 2009 Pre- theran International Commission substantial contributions to the bilat- paratory Meeting for the 15th Session 2009 with appreciation, and similarly eral dialogues was underlined.

Lutheran World Information CHF 12.4 Million for LWF Geneva Coordination Budget 2010 At this year’s meeting, the LWF Overall, expenditures for the Council approved an amount of CHF coordination activities of the General 12.4 million for the LWF Geneva Secretariat are projected at CHF 3.7 Coordination Budget for the year million. This includes the Offices for 2010. Finance and Administration, Inter- The LWF Geneva Coordination national Affairs and Human Rights, Budget (the so-called A-Budget), of Communication Services, Ecumeni- which 80 percent consists of staff-re- cal Affairs, Personnel and Planning, lated costs, has a projected deficit of as well as the LWF governing bodies CHF 1.4 million for the year 2010. (Council, Executive Committee and The Council decided to charge the the Office of the President). LWF Treasurer Mr Peter Stoll, chairperson of the deficit against the reserves of the Program Committee for Finance and Administration The expenditure projections in respective departments. © LWF/H. Putsman Penet 2010 include CHF 4.1 million for

20 No. 09/2009 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran the Department for Mission and USD 131.2 million for the work of The so-called Summary of Needs Development; CHF 0.9 million for the various LWF departments and (SoN) for 2010–2011 was sent to the the Department for Theology and offices for the year 2010 including member churches, National Com- Studies; and CHF 3.7 million for programs and projects. This amount mittees, related agencies and mission the Department for World Service also includes the Geneva Coordina- agencies with requests for funding in (DWS). tion Budget and USD 30 million for the form of designated and undesig- Already in June 2009 the Council the work of eight DWS associate nated contributions. approved by mail vote a budget of programs.

Theology and Studies

Receiving recommendations from tention including the specific actions the Program Committee for Theolo- recommended. gy and Studies, the Council affirmed The Council expressed support for and commended the communiqué, the development of a call or declara- “A Call for Churches Critically to En- tion on economic and climate justice gage with Governments,” from the through the various events leading up consultation Holding Governments to the Eleventh Assembly. It encour- Accountable, held in Geneva, 19–21 aged participatory input into such a

October 2009. The general secretary Program Committee for Theology and Studies declaration as it journeys through the was requested to send the document chairperson Rev. Dr Barbara Rossing (USA) reports various pre-assembly gatherings lead- to the member churches for their at- to the Council. © LWF/H. Putsman Penet ing up to the Stuttgart assembly.

Communication Services

Acting on a recommendation from It was underlined that these pro- the Program Committee for Com- cedures should include “Guidelines munication Services, the Council for Communication Procedures asked the general secretary to develop during Elections of the LWF,” de- and bring to its next meeting clear scribing internal communication procedures to be followed in case of Ms Klára Wagner-Balicza (Hungary), Program Committee management and potential public elections in the LWF. for Communication Services © LWF/H. Putsman Penet steps to be taken.

Continue Prophetic Example, Ecumenical Partners Urge LWF Greetings from World Church Leaders Praise Lutheran Contribution to Reconciliation Praise for the justice liance of Reformed contribution toward Christian unity, and reconciliation ef- Churches (WARC), particularly the move toward recon- forts of the Lutheran the Mennonite ciliation with Mennonites. World Federation World Conference “The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) were the fo- and the Internation- is a deeply valued communion, not cus of greetings from al Lutheran Coun- only to our common Lutheran mem- sister organizations cil (ILC) brought ber churches, but to the entire WCC at the October 2009 greetings. fellowship and the wider ecumenical Council meeting. WCC Gen- movement. Therefore, it is an honor Representatives eral Secretary Rev. to offer a word of encouragement as of the Roman Catho- Dr Samuel Kobia you embark on this final Council lic Church, World praised LWF’s ef- meeting before the Assembly in

Council of Churches Mr Douglas Chial conveys the WCC’s message forts against human Stuttgart next year,” said Kobia in his (WCC), World Al- to the Council. © LWF/H. Putsman Penet trafficking and its greeting read by Mr Douglas Chial,

No. 09/2009 21 WCC program executive for church the Council to set a writing a brief text and ecumenical relations. prophetic example on on the ecumenical The WCC general secretary this important aspect significance of the described the LWF’s move toward of human injustice. Reformation anni- reconciliation with Mennonites as He asked for LWF’s versary year in 2017, deeply significant for the entire ecu- prayers as the new and also collating menical movement. “The Lutheran World Communion of the contents and World Federation and the Mennonite Reformed Churches results of the dia- World Conference have been care- (WCRC) approaches logue to date under fully nurturing a new form of dia- its Uniting General the heading “Bap- logue—reconciliatory dialogue—a Council next sum- tism and Growth dialogue that is rooted in the vision mer in Grand Rapids, in Communion”.

of transforming relations through the Michigan, and prom- WARC General Secretary Rev. Dr Setri The reception of unity we share in Christ,” he said. ised to pray with the Nyomi greets the LWF Council. the “rich fruits of “This form of dialogue is not simply LWF in preparation © LWF/H. Putsman Penet dialogue” was an expressed in theological agreement, for its own Assembly urgent ecumenical but through spiritual transforma- in Stuttgart in July. task, he declared. tion. Reconciliation and forgiveness Monsignor Dr Matthias Türk Türk also recalled the tenth an- are truly the work of Christ alone of the Pontifical Council for Promot- niversary of the signing of the Joint through the power ing Christian Unity Declaration on the Doctrine of Jus- of the Triune God,” (PCPCU) brought tification, celebrated on 31 October noted Kobia. greetings from the 2009 on a splendid international oc- The WCC general Roman Catho- casion with a symposium and church secretary praised the lic Church. There service in Augsburg, Germany. LWF for its wider had been a fruitful ILC Executive Secretary Rev. efforts to foster new dialogue between Dr Samuel H. Nafzger brought forms of dialogue that Catholics and Lu- greetings from the council, which assist the churches therans for over 40 has over 30 member churches. He in deepening their years, he said. “In expressed the importance it attaches search for visible the last four decades to seeking ways in which the two unity in Christ. It we have achieved Lutheran organizations, ILC and

was this kind of in- Monsignor Dr Matthias Türk from the more than we could LWF, can cooperate around the novation that helped Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian ever have imagined world, even when there are signifi- to pave the way for Unity brought greetings from the Roman or dreamed of!” The cant differences between them on a common declara- Catholics. © LWF/H. Putsman Penet dialogue was impres- major theological matters. In partic- tion on justification a sively characterized ular, it would consider involvement decade ago, remarked Kobia. by the fellowship and friendship in the proposed act of repentance “The election of a new general that had grown up toward the Menno- secretary and the final preparations between the two de- nites, Nafzger un- for the Stuttgart Assembly will be nominations, “with- derlined. among the legacies that this Council out wanting to pass At its October offers to the next generation of LWF over the difficulties meeting, the LWF Lutheran World Information leadership,” Kobia concluded. “May on our way forward Council had recom- the Holy Spirit guide the Council together,” he stated. mended that the Elev- as you seek to discern the gifts in The PCPCU rep- enth Assembly adopt leadership that will best serve the resentative added that the statement “Action Lutheran World Federation in the the new international on the Legacy of Lu- years to come.” Lutheran-Roman theran Persecution of WARC General Secretary Rev. Catholic Commission ‘Anabaptists’” (see page Dr Setri Nyomi, also commended on Unity, which first 13) when it meets in ILC Executive Secretary Rev. Dr Samuel the LWF for taking up the theme met in July 2009, had Nafzger greets the LWF Council. Stuttgart, Germany of human trafficking, and called on tackled two projects: © LWF/H. Putsman Penet in July 2010. More LWI News at www.lutheranworld.org/News/Welcome.EN.html

22 No. 09/2009 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran LWF Leaders Speak of Optimism for a Strengthened Lutheran Communion Council Actions Affirm Call to Reconciliation in a Polarized World

The Lutheran World Federation Hanson said at the Council’s clos- the persecution of Anabaptists by (LWF) Council concluded its 22–27 ing press conference. “In a polarized Lutheran authorities and especially October meeting with optimism for world that is what we, as a com- over the fact that Lutheran reformers a strengthened communion, showing munion, are called to do,” he added, theologically supported this perse- that potentially dividing issues could during the press conference which he cution. The LWF governing body be resolved by reconciliation and not addressed jointly with LWF General also received the report “Healing of fragmentation. Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko. Memories: Reconciling in Christ, from the Lutheran-Mennonite Inter- national Study Commission. Noko pointed out that “in the awakening of modern time ecumenism, we are beginning to realize we need to relate to people of other faiths, which also makes us look at our own home and start breaking walls that have distorted our image.” The general secretary noted that the continuing movement of popu- lations also had an impact on how people viewed others. “Because of migration, Lutherans all over the world came to learn of the persecu- tions of Mennonites,” said Noko. He noted that in today’s context “in joint humanitarian work at ecumenical Left to right: LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko, LWF President Bishop Mark S. Hanson and LWF Office for Communication Services Director Ms Karin Achtelstetter at the final press conference of the 2009 level, we work closely with the Men- Council meeting. © LWF/H. Putsman Penet nonites in ways we would never have done before.” This was how LWF President The Council adopted a statement Noko said other Council actions Bishop Mark S. Hanson described in which the LWF expresses pub- such as the adoption of the report of the outcome of the six-day meeting licly its deep regret and sorrow over the Assembly Planning Committee, during which the Council elected the next LWF general secretary; adopted a statement on reconciliation with the Mennonites for further action by the Eleventh Assembly and agreed to continue reflection on marriage, family and human sexuality issues, including discussion at pre-Assem- bly gatherings. The LWF governing body agreed input to recommendations on the LWF renewal process, to be adopted at the July 2010 As- sembly; and adopted the assembly agenda including rules of procedure and a song for the gathering. “Asking for forgiveness from the Mennonites demonstrates the communion’s willingness to seek the Attentive media persons at the closing press conference truth for the sake of reconciliation.” © LWF/H. Putsman Penet

No. 09/2009 23 Lutheran World Information Evangelical Lutheran Churches in in Churches Lutheran Evangelical LWF governing body, meeting every every body, meeting LWF governing Liechtenstein. LWF member churches and partner partner and LWF churches member firm the strength of the communion communion the of strength the firm Switzerland and the Principality of Principality the and Switzerland organizations. It was held atIt Cha was organizations. Confronting Human Trafficking” vannes-de-Bogis near Geneva, Swit Geneva, near vannes-de-Bogis was the theme of the 2009 Council Council 2009 of the theme the was af Israel/Palestine, in on peace and hu and for Dalits on justice action lead in future.” in lead issues. crucial with dealing in for more active participation of youth of youth participation for more active in balance age and gender in ness communion “that they are going to going are they “that communion LWF. need the the He emphasized ensure more fairness and inclusive and more fairness ensure to required were steps further that members in shaping the Lutheran Lutheran the shaping in members meeting, attended by 165 by partici attended meeting, change climate on trafficking, man pants including representatives from from representatives including pants zerland, hosted by the Federation of the by hosted zerland, Bishop Dr Solomon Rajah Solomon Dr Bishop elected Council The Lutheran Church in Suriname, to replace Rev. Roy Thakurdyal Thakurdyal Rev. Roy to replace Suriname, in Church Lutheran Lutheran Church in Malaysia (ELCM) as a Council mem aCouncil as (ELCM) Malaysia in Church Lutheran November 2008. November Hutagalung from the Christian Protestant Church in Indo in Church Protestant Christian the from Hutagalung Services, became ELCM bishop in February 2009, follow 2009, February in bishop ELCM became Services, Church was elected as a Council member to replace Ms Sophia Sophia Ms to replace member aCouncil as elected was Church and Administration. and appointed to the Program Committee for Communication for Communication Committee Program to the appointed ing the death of Paul in a boating accident in Guatemala in in Guatemala in accident a boating in of Paul death the ing nesia. Purba serves on the Program Committee for Finance for Finance Committee Program on the serves Purba nesia. ber, replacing the late Bishop Julius D. Paul. Rajah, who was was who Rajah, D. Paul. Julius Bishop late the ber, replacing “Upholding Human Dignity: Dignity: Human “Upholding The general secretary pointed outpointed secretary general The , Evangelical Rev., Evangelical Kross elected Kenneth also Council The The 49-member Council is the the is 49-member Council The Ms Jenette Alisha Purba Alisha Jenette Ms Replacement of Council Membersand Advisers

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------12-18 months between Assemblies held held 12-18 Assemblies between months Tenth Assembly in Winnipeg, Canada. Canada. Tenth Winnipeg, in Assembly It comprises the President, Treasurer as Treasurer as President, the It comprises Council meeting. © LWF/H. Putsman Penet Putsman ©LWF/H. meeting. Council Council was appointed at the July 2003 2003 July at the appointed was Council Representatives of LWF member churches around the world applaud at the closing session of the October 2009 2009 October the of session closing the at applaud world the around churches member LWF of Representatives well as lay and ordained persons, repre persons, ordained and lay as well normally every six years. The current current The years. six every normally senting the different LWF regions. regions. different LWF the senting 11 61 +41/22-791 30 66 +41/22-791 , Evangelical , Evangelical [email protected] Published and distributed by: The Federation Lutheran World route de Ferney150, Box 2100 P.O. Geneva Switzerland 2, CH-1211 Tel. Fax E-mail www.lutheranworld.org - - - World Service, replacing the late Bishop Julius D. Paul. Julius Bishop late the replacing World Service, Ecumenical Affairs. Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe/Bread for the World in Germany, World for the Germany, in Katastrophenhilfe/Bread Diakonie Jeyakumar as chairperson of the Standing Committee for Committee Standing of the chairperson as Jeyakumar Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), succeeding Dr Bel Dr succeeding (ELCA), America in Church Lutheran Committee for World Service. The Council also appointed appointed also Council The for World Service. Committee for Committee Program the joins Kross adviser. Council ing Committee include Mr Louis include Dorvilier Committee ing from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Guyana as an LWF LWF an as of Guyana Church Lutheran Evangelical the from replaces Dr Konrad von Bonin. von Konrad Dr replaces Mr Volker Mr ELCA. Gerdesmeier the from also Deressa letech mar Rev. Dr A.G. Augustine Jeyaku Augustine A.G. Rev. Dr appointed Council The Other newly elected members of the World Service Stand World of the Service members elected newly Other from the Arcot Lutheran Church [India], to the Program Program to the [India], Church Lutheran Arcot the from - 2009-Council_Actions.html Council/2009/ More information about actions actions about information More www.lutheranworld.org/ is available on the LWF Web at: site the on available is meeting LWF Council the at taken

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