Marangu at 60’: Celebrating Growing Lutheran Solidarity in Africa Tanzanian Church Hosts Historic Reformation Preparation Event

Lutheran World Information

In this issue 05 Tribute to Dr Tawfiq Nasser...... 10

Nepalese government asks LWF to help coordinate relief efforts...... 14

Perspectives on church witness in European society today...... 18

Violence in DRC Causes Immense Displacement...... 27 (Left to right) Speakers at the 1955 conference in Marangu included Dr Emmanuel Abraham (Ethiopia), Ms E. M. Marealle (Tanzania), and LWF Executive Committee President Dr Franklin Clark Fry (USA). Photo: LWF Archives ‘Marangu at 60’: Celebrating Growing Lutheran Solidarity in Africa Tanzanian Church Hosts Historic Reformation Preparation Event

MARANGU, Tanzania/GENEVA (LWI) – “This Tanzania, the venue of the first such is an opportunity to celebrate growing gathering in 1955. Lutheran solidarity, unity and courage.” “Marangu to Wittenberg: Being a This is how Presiding Bishop Dr Alex G. Reforming Church in a Changing Af- Malasusa of the Evangelical Lutheran rican Context,” is the theme for this Church in Tanzania (ELCT) describes year’s jubilee, which will also map the the forthcoming 60th anniversary of the churches’ contribution to the global first meeting of all Lutherans in Africa in Reformation anniversary in 2017. Del- Marangu, northern Tanzania. egates will reflect on the churches’ From 20-25 May 2015, over 200 journey together since the first all-Africa delegates from The Lutheran World Lutheran leaders’ conference 60 years Federation (LWF) member churches in ago, and address relevant theological, Africa, LWF global leaders and invited socio-economic and political issues. ecumenical guests will gather at the Marangu Teachers’ College in northern Continues on page 3 Contents

Communio 1 ��‘Marangu at 60’: Celebrating Growing Lutheran Solidarity in Africa 3 ��Climbing to Kilimanjaro’s mountain top as stewards of God’s creation 4 ��Malasusa: Challenges in Africa need special attention from Lutherans 5 ��Assurance of solidarity in the LWF communion of churches 6 ��Lutheran Church unity in Africa strengthens advocacy for justice and peace 7 ��Support from church leaders critical for gender justice integration 8 ��Africa’s spiritual gifts enrich the global church 9 ��At the age of 102, Marangu 1955 delegate reminds African Lutherans of unity of purpose 10 ��Tribute to Dr Tawfiq Nasser 11 ��Rural Communities in Nepal Receive Aid 12 ��Distributions Starting in Most Affected Districts Outside Kathmandu Valley 14 ��Nepalese government asks LWF to help coordinate relief efforts 14 ��LWF Scales Up Support in Nepal’s Moment of Devastation 15 ��LWF reaches rural areas of earthquake-hit Nepal 16 ��Heavy Aftershock Rattles East of Nepal 17 ��Norway’s Lutherans Co-Host LWF Church Leadership Gathering 18 ��Perspectives on church witness in European society today 19 ��Active Lutheran participation in Norway’s ecumenical life 20 ��Europe’s Lutherans pledge increased efforts to welcome refugees 21 ��Getting ready for an intergenerational dialogue on climate justice 22 ��Czech Church advocates for a society that is more open to refugees 23 ��Lutheran-Orthodox Commission to Celebrate Reformation Anniversary 24 ��Increasing Mutual Understanding between U.S. Lutherans and Catholics 25 ��Salvadoran Catholic Archbishop Romero: a friend and a great ecumenist

Features & Themes 27 ��Violence in DRC Causes Immense Displacement 27 ��Uganda: Boreholes for Education

News in Brief 2 ��Dr. Prabin Manandhar Joins Disaster Committee in Nepal

Dr. Prabin Manandhar Joins Disaster Committee in Nepal Dr. Prabin Manandhar has been appointed to the “Disaster Dr. Manandhar currently serves as the Lutheran World Management Coordination Committee” in Nepal. The first of its Federation (LWF) Country Director in Nepal and is already on kind, the Nepalese government formed the high level national the ground in Nepal, working together with members of the committee on May 3. The purpose is to respond to the recent ACT Alliance Forum and LWF. The team has already distributed earthquakes in Nepal. Comprised of key ministries, social relief materials to almost 13,000 families. Dr. Manandhar will welfare councils, international non-governmental organizations, be one of four people representing the committee on behalf of and the United Nations, the committee will focus on relief and international NGOs in Nepal. reconstruction activities.

The Lutheran World Federation Head of Communications Lutheran World Information (LWI) – A Communion of Churches Heidi P. Martinussen is the information service 150, route de Ferney [email protected] of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). P.O. Box 2100 CH-1211 Geneva 2, Layout Unless specifically noted, material presented does Switzerland Stéphane Gallay not represent positions or opinions of the LWF or of [email protected] its various units. Telephone +41/22-791 61 11 Fax +41/22-791 66 30 Circulation/subscription Where the dateline of an article contains the nota- E-mail: [email protected] Colette Muanda tion (LWI), the material may be freely reproduced www.lutheranworld.org [email protected] with acknowledgment.

2 Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 Continued from p. 1 ident for the Africa region will officiate for the Reformation anniversary and at the 20 May opening ceremony. the LWF Twelfth Assembly to be held At the Marangu founding confer- “It all began in Marangu. Inspired by in May 2017 in Windhoek, Namibia. ence, only the Malagasy Lutheran the Lutheran communion spirit of our LWF President Bishop Dr Munib A. Church was a full LWF member church. forefathers and foremothers, we come Younan will preach at the eucharistic Other delegates at the time came back to this very place with thanksgiv- service on Pentecost Sunday, at which from so-called “non-LWF member ing to God for giving us the strength to 1,500 worshippers are expected. churches” in Northern Tanganyika, nurture the seed of African solidarity “Celebrating the Marangu jubilee South Africa and Ethiopia, and from and unity that they planted,” Malasusa especially with our brothers and sisters mission societies. told Lutheran World Information (LWI). from the global Lutheran communion Today, the Lutheran communion The participants in Marangu will is an opportunity to also affirm the in Africa includes 31 LWF member include heads of churches, women relevance of the LWF for its member churches in 23 countries, representing and youth leaders, academicians from churches,” Malasusa emphasized. more than 21 million Christians, with theological institutions, representatives “Belonging to the global communion several emerging Lutheran bodies from churches in other LWF regions of Lutheran churches strengthens across the region. and related agencies, as well as officials our vision for holistic mission, mu- This year’s jubilee will be hosted from the Tanzanian government. tual accompaniment in joyful and by the ELCT and the Lutheran Com- LWF General Secretary Rev. Martin difficult times, and spirituality which munion in Central and Eastern Africa Junge will deliver the keynote address is reflected in worship and theological (LUCCEA). Malasusa, LWF Vice-Pres- on 20 May. He will provide orientation formation,” he added. Climbing to Kilimanjaro’s mountain top as stewards of God’s creation An opportunity to raise awareness about environmental destruction

MOSHI, Tanzania/GENEVA (LWI) – Expe- ELCT district pastor Rev. Winford destruction that has contributed to the rienced mountain climbers begin a Mosha presided at the service for the reduction of Mt Kilimanjaro’s ice cap. four-day trek to the highest peak of Mt Marangu-Kilimanjaro climb by ELCT Representing the African Lutheran Kilimanjaro today as part of 60th an- members Minja and 32-year-old Daw- church as witnesses of the gospel, the niversary celebrations of the Lutheran son Chonjo. They will climb under the two climbers will carry the “stewards of communion in Africa. theme, “We are called to be stewards God’s creation” banner to Uhuru peak, “We’ll make sure we get to the top of of God’s creation,” highlighting the need the highest point of Mt Kilimanjaro at the mountain to represent the Lutheran for urgent attention to environmental 5,892.8 meters. church in Africa,” said 26-year-old Har- old Minja at a send-off blessing service on 19 May at the Marangu Teachers’ Training College in Moshi. The college grounds was the venue of the first All- Africa Lutheran Conference in 1955. The climb starts as over 200 delegates from The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches in Africa and global Lutheran leaders gather, 20-24 May, in Moshi to celebrate 60 years since the first Marangu gathering. Hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), participants will also prepare for the 500th Reformation anniversary and the LWF Twelfth Assembly under the Members of the Marangu Conference pose for a group photo after the blessing for the two climbers with the theme “Liberated by God’s Grace.” LWF banner. Photo: David Adgea/ELCT

Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 3 The climbers’ theme resonates with will articulate that creation, salvation leaders in the context of the Pentecost the Marangu jubilee and Reformation and human beings are “not for sale.” Sunday celebratory eucharistic service discussions. Focus on the 2017 Refor- Minja and Mosha will be received at the Marangu college grounds. mation and LWF Assembly sub-themes back on 24 May by Lutheran church Malasusa: Challenges in Africa need special attention from Lutherans Hundreds attend Marangu anniversary opening worship

MOSHI, Tanzania/GENEVA (LWI) – Tanza- nia’s Presiding Bishop Dr Alex G. Mala- susa inaugurated African Lutheran anniversary celebrations with a call for greater unity among the churches. Malasusa urged The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches on the continent to revitalize the Reformation spirit in anticipation of the 500th Reformation anniversary in 2017 and beyond. “As Lutheran churches in Africa, we need to reach people rather than people reaching us. We need to have a strong base of diaconal activities at the grassroots level,” said Malasusa, who is LWF Vice- From left: ELCT Bishop Dr. Fredrick Shoo (Northern Diocese), Bishop Em Dr. Martin F. Shao, and Presiding President for the African region. Bishop Dr. Alex G. Malasusa lead worshippers into the Moshi Town Cathedral for the Marangu anniversary Over 200 delegates from the 31 opening worship on 20 May 2015. Photo: LWF/Allison Westerhoff African LWF member churches are meeting 20-24 May, in Moshi, to mark happiness that the most known Refor- as a growing church. The themes that the first gathering of African Lutherans mation anniversary will be taking place will be discussed in the conference: in Marangu, in 1955. The Evangelical on the soil of Africa,” he added. ‘creation is not for sale’, ‘human beings Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) The LWF vice-president said there are not for sale’ and ‘salvation is not for is hosting the event which is also are signs that Africa is changing, and sale’ need special attention. attended by global LWF leaders and encouraged churches to honor and He asked the conference par- representatives of mission partners. acknowledge such progress. He cited ticipants to discuss one of the major The ELCT presiding bishop de- pioneer Africans like NKwame Nku- concerns for the church in Africa— livered the keynote address at the rumah (Ghana) who ignited the vision commercialization of religious services. conference opening worship at the of uniting Africa. “They are no longer a free gift, and not Moshi Lutheran Cathedral. Malasusa South Africa’s anti-apartheid icon as God’s providence by grace.” called on African Lutheran churches to Nelson Mandela was an outstanding The LWF vice-president asked the engage people in civic rights “so that role model, who lived Jesus’ teaching of church in Africa to make itself available, our Christians can actively participate “loving our enemies and praying for our not only by preaching the Word of God in bringing about transformative lead- prosecutors,” the ELCT bishop added. but also by “offering itself as the voice ership and good governance in church There are many other reasons to for the most vulnerable of our society, and society.” celebrate, he continued. “We congratu- especially women and children.” He expressed the joy of African late President Jonathan Goodluck, the Bishop Dr Fredrick Shoo of the ELCT churches in hosting the LWF 12th outgoing President of the Republic of Ni- Northern Diocese presided at the open- Assembly and the 500th Reformation geria, for showing maturity in politics and ing worship, which was attended by anniversary in 2017 in Windhoek, conceding defeat when it happened.’’ around 400 people. Retired ELCT North- Namibia. The current Marangu an- Still, Malasusa said, there are major ern Diocese Bishop Dr Martin F. Shao de- niversary meeting symbolizes “African challenges facing Lutherans in Africa livered the sermon, reminding Christians

4 Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 that they are called to be servants and Isaac Amani Massawe, who emphasized (ELCT communicator Nengida Lai- not masters.Invited guests included the Christian unity as “we all claim one Jesus rumbe contributed this report for LWI) Catholic Bishop of Kilimanjaro region, Dr Christ and one Holy Spirit.”

Assurance of solidarity in the LWF communion of churches LWF’s President Younan encourages African member churches in their Lutheran journey

MOSHI, Tanzania/GENEVA (LWI) – African ture, and encouraged us to draw closer May conference attended by over 200 church representatives meeting in to one another and to God,” she said. participants including heads of the Moshi, Tanzania, expressed apprecia- In his message, the president thanked 31 LWF member churches in Africa, tion for the critical role of The Lutheran the African member churches for their women and youth leaders, and repre- World Federation (LWF) in nurturing contribution to the LWF, a communion sentatives of theological networks and unity and strengthening solidarity in which all churches are interdependent. institutions. Global Lutheran leaders among the communion’s members. He encouraged them to “together reaf- and mission partners also took part. “We have hope. We are ready to go firm our confidence in our global commu- forward,” said Malagasy theologian Dr nion, seeing it as a vital means for us to Mariette Razivello. She was respond- participate fully in God’s holistic mission.” Indigenous Lutheran church ing to the message of LWF President Younan noted that the series of Younan, bishop of the Evangelical Lu- Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan to par- church leadership conferences that theran Church in Jordan and the Holy ticipants in the conference to mark grew out of the first Marangu gathering Land (ELCJHL) paid tribute to prophetic the 60th anniversary of the Lutheran have strengthened the global commit- Lutheran church leaders such as former communion in Africa. ment of unity in the LWF expressed LWF president Bishop Josiah Kibira of Razivello recalled that she was just since 1984 in pulpit and altar fellowship. Bukoba, who advocated an indigenous six years old when delegates from the “We learned from Marangu that without African Lutheran church, relevant to the Malagasy Lutheran Church travelled to communion, we can have a tendency contexts in which people live. Marangu in then Tanganyika to attend to be become individualistic. With the Comparing the challenges in pre- the first gathering of all-Africa Luther- communion, we each grow in faith, independence Africa to today’s, the ans in November 1955, envisioning a independence, and inter-dependence.” ELCJHL bishop reminded churches Lutheran communion on the continent. The Evangelical Lutheran Church that God’s grace has liberated them “You have rekindled our hope for the fu- in Tanzania (ELCT) hosted the 20-24 from the bondage of colonization and domination to work together with other Christian churches to realize an abundant life for all people. Churches’ prophetic diakonia must seek to “transform hatred into love, violations of human rights into respect for all rights, poverty into equal opportunity, and injustice for women into gender justice,” he said. In his response to Younan’s message, Bishop Dr Jensen Seyenkulo recounted how the Lutheran Church in Liberia experienced the global Lutheran communion solidarity during the Ebola crisis last year. “Many times we wondered why us, had God abandoned us for something we did? And then we learned that in this com- LWF Council member Ms. Titi Malik and LWF President Bishop Munib A. Younan plant a commemorative tree for the 60th anniversary of the first Lutheran conference in Marangu. Photo: LWF/Tsion Alemayehu munion we are not alone,” he said.

Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 5 He recalled a message from the Lu- gratitude for the LWF president’s the notion of Ubuntu (humanness) theran Church of Senegal, saying “they reminder that an abundant life for all to underline the need for solidarity in were praying for us and had raised some is possible. She stressed that working tackling issues that “are central to the funds. They demonstrated to us that we together as churches and engaging survival of our communities.” were not abandoned.” Seyenkulo thanked with other stakeholders was essential She encouraged churches to re- the many other churches that made con- in dealing with challenges such as HIV main prayerful and trust in the power tributions, “giving us the energy to fight and AIDS, poverty and other economic of the Holy Spirit. Ebola,” and Younan for “reminding us that injustices, trafficking of persons and (Allison Westerhoff, a member of we cannot care for ourselves alone.” armed conflict. the Africa Lutheran Information and “A lot more can be achieved through Communication Network (ALCINET) cooperation, dialogue, mutual assis- contributed to this article. Westerhoff Ubuntu tance and encouragement,” said Sha- is the communications officer for the Ms Blessing Shava, Evangelical Luther- va, a member of the LWF Global Young Lutheran Communion in Southern an Church in Zimbabwe, expressed Reformers Network. She referred to Africa (LUCSA). Lutheran Church unity in Africa strengthens advocacy for justice and peace General Secretary Junge encourages churches to build on Marangu uniqueness

MOSHI, Tanzania/GENEVA (LWI) – The stronger” was the impulse for the some 200 delegates from the 31 LWF Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Gen- historic gathering in 1955, in Marangu. member churches in Africa and global eral Secretary Rev. Martin Junge has He expressed his growing respect Lutheran leaders, representatives of called on African Lutheran churches for the pioneer Lutheran church leaders mission partners and invited ecumeni- to use their sense of “togetherness who defied the strain and burdens of pre- cal guests. and strength” to advocate for justice, independence Africa to make Marangu Junge’s address included reflections peace and reconciliation in the con- the birth place of “a unique togetherness” on the 500th anniversary of the Reforma- tinent. of Lutheran churches on the continent. tion and the LWF 12th Assembly in 2017 Speaking on 20 May at a gathering The Evangelical Lutheran Church in under the theme “Liberated by God’s to celebrate the first meeting of all- Tanzania (ELCT) is hosting the 20-24 Grace.” The ALCLC plenary and group Africa Lutherans in Marangu, Tanzania, May Marangu anniversary meeting, deliberations focus on “Being a reform- 60 years ago, Junge said the convic- taking place in the context of the Africa ing church in a changing African context.” tion that “being together means being Lutheran Church Leadership Confer- Participants will discuss the significance ence (ALCLC). Participants include of the assembly sub-themes—“creation, salvation and human beings are not for sale” for the mission of the Lutheran church in Africa today. In his address, the general secretary reminded the church delegates of the fundamental understanding of Lutheran identity – justification by faith alone —“not because of who we are and what we do but because of who God is and what God does.” He urged the African churches to remain grounded in “Christ, scripture and faith alone” and the common values of compassion, inclusion, dignity, commitment, respect, participation and diversity as they contribute to the global Lutheran communion. On salvation, Junge said there is a LWF General Secretary Rev. Martin Junge delivers his presentation during the Marangu anniversary conference on 20 May 2015. Photo: LUCSA general opinion that there is something

6 Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 wrong with the notion of “prosper- it comes to the question of violence ism to claim the space to define what ity gospel.” He encouraged Lutheran against women?” he asked. faith and religion is all about.” churches to make a distinction be- On creation, Junge said African Connecting the Marangu meeting tween the concept of “prosperity” and Lutherans are called to be a prophetic today to the 1955 founding, Junge “life in abundance” as explained in the church in a context in which com- paid tribute to former LWF President Gospel of John. The latter emphasizes munal land ownership is threatened Bishop Dr Josiah M. Kibira for his vision, solidarity and the dignity of every hu- by land grabbing, extractive mining affirming the unique contribution and man being including those who are industry and the impact of climate interdependence of every LWF member poor, sick and marginalized. change. church. He encouraged churches to He elaborated on “human beings He commended the African Lu- avoid situations of competition and ex- are not sale” by drawing attention to therans for their collaboration with clusion and instead relate to each other the increasing violence against women other churches and faith communities in a spirit of mutual support. not only in Africa but in other parts of on the continent. However, he called Discussions in plenary and group the world. “There is always a woman for more attention to interreligious sessions in the coming days will focus crying in Africa—sexual violence, rape, tension in the face of new dimensions on stewardship of creation, faith and customary land and property disinheri- of violence that is perpetuated in the public responsibility, and preparations tance. Nothing justifies such suffering,” name of religion. “We should not for the 2017 LWF 12th Assembly to be Junge said. “What is the culture that be derailed in our interfaith efforts,” hosted by the Lutheran churches in the gospel wants us to promote when Junge said. “Let us not allow extrem- Namibia. The ALCLC concludes with Support from church leaders critical for gender justice integration Women’s recommendation to African Lutherans

MOSHI, Tanzania/GENEVA (LWI) – Members of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) women’s network in Africa have called on the leadership of the continent’s churches to facilitate the integration of gender justice in all ministries of the church. Presenting their recommendations to church leaders at the 60th anniversary of the Lutheran communion in Africa, the Women in Church and Society (WICAS) coordinators also asked for greater support towards women’s participation in the 2017 Reformation anniversary and the LWF Twelfth Assembly. They spoke on behalf of women representatives at the conference in Moshi. Lutheran women take to the airwaves in Moshi, Tanzania, with a message that women’s rights must be upheld. The WICAS coordinators requested Photo: LWF/Tsion Alemayehu the Lutheran Council in Africa (LUCA) to appoint African women theologians who nators urged all church leaders and sary and Africa Church Leadership are biblical scholars to prepare and pres- pastors to support the “Her-Stories” Conference included calls for support ent exegetical papers on the assembly initiative documenting the contribu- for a strategic meeting for women in theme, “Liberated by God’s Grace.” tion of women to the global Lutheran the region in 2016. The aim the forum Visibility and recognition of wom- church. “Every story is special. This is is to enhance structures for women do- en’s contribution to the church is a unique opportunity for cross-cultural ing theology, provide mentorship, offer critical, especially in preparations for exchange.” continuous opportunities for capacity the 500th Reformation anniversary in The recommendations to the heads building and empowerment, and a 2017 and the assembly. The coordi- of churches at the Marangu anniver- platform to dialogue with the men.

Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 7 Elaborating the women’s recom- Women’s rights Accompanying women mendations, Rev. Jeannette Ada Maina Mwaringa, from Kenya Evangelical Lu- theologians (Cameroon) said it was significant that an theran Church and regional coordinator Ya-Shalongo is a member of the women increasing number of churches in Africa for the Lutheran Communion in Central theologians working group that sup- are ordaining women. “However, recog- and Eastern Africa (LUCCEA), noted ports the Lutheran Communion in nition of the priesthood of all believers that women’s involvement in the African Southern Africa (LUCSA) regional coor- in leadership is not yet a reality for the church goes back several decades but it dination work. She elaborated the LWF majority of women theologians in Africa. is not often recognized. They have made “Women on the move: from Wittenberg Ordination is not automatic for women, important contributions to advocacy for to Windhoek, global initiative, aimed despite attaining the same academic the rights of women and girls, education at encouraging women’s participation degrees as their male colleagues.” and health issues, she explained. in the Reformation anniversary and Rev. Dr Magdalena Ya-Shalongo Wa Nkulu, who studied theology assembly, which will be hosted by the (Namibia), Deaconess Alice Mwaringa at the Makumira University in Tan- three Lutheran churches in Namibia. (Kenya), Rev. Solange Yumba Wa Nkulu zania, expressed appreciation for the Ya-Shalongo noted the network is (Democratic Republic of Congo), Colleen accompaniment from other churches an important platform to uplift and Cunnigham (South Africa) and Maina in Africa and the global Lutheran develop women’s theological reflec- were among participants in a women communion. “The DRC church grew tions in the region. church leaders’ workshop prior to the 20- out of partnership and support from “We look forward to welcoming the 24 May anniversary celebrations in Moshi. the Evangelical Lutheran Church in global Lutheran communion to Wind- Maina, who was among the first Tanzania (ELCT),” added the women’s hoek in May 2017. We will mobilize and women to be ordained in the Evangeli- coordinator for the encourage the women to be actively cal Lutheran Church in Cameroon in Solidarity, skills and advocacy are involved in this historic events taking 2012, is the WICAS coordinator for the particularly important in the case of place in our country,” she added. Lutheran Communion in Central and DRC, where women experience high Cunningham, a member of the LWF Western Africa (LUCCWA). levels of sexual and other forms of Council and Meeting of Officers, em- “In a region where illiteracy is one conflict-related violence. “Thanks to phasized the need to institutionalize a of the major challenges, specific ef- the opportunities available through mentorship process in the region to ac- forts are needed to encourage women WICAS, we can empower our women company women who are nominated to take up leadership roles,” added to speak out about rape and other to the LWF Council and as delegates Maina, who serves on the LWF Council. forms of abuse,” Wa Nkulu added. to the assembly. Africa’s spiritual gifts enrich the global church Over 2,000 attend Lutheran anniversary celebrations in Tanzania

MOSHI, Tanzania/GENEVA (LWI) – The 60th in several local languages, which has tians in a number of African and Middle anniversary celebrations of the Luther- contributed to fast church growth in the East countries as a “dangerous situation an communion in Africa concluded with region. “These gifts of the African church which breeds the fear of the other.” As an affirmation of the continent’s strong are exactly the Reformation the rest of the Christians, he stressed “we are called to contribution to the global Reformation. world needs. The global church needs see the image of God in the other” and “There is a spiritual richness and you in as much as you need us.” therefore “denounce such expression of freshness of the Gospel alive in this Paying tribute to African Christians violence, exclusivity and denial of the other.” place,” The Lutheran World Federation and their missionary companions who He commended the Lutheran (LWF) President Bishop Dr Munib A. met in Marangu 60 years ago, the LWF churches in Africa for their powerful Younan told over 2,000 worshippers president underlined the challenge then witness of engaging with people of other at the closing Eucharist service com- as now—to “empower African Christians faiths not only through verbal dialogue memorating the 1955 gathering of Af- to more fully contextualize the gospel.” but also by action and living side by side. rican Lutherans in Marangu, Tanzania. In his Pentecost Sunday sermon (based on Romans 12:1-5), Younan com- Religious extremism Commemorative celebration mended the African Lutheran churches The growth of religious extremism is a Several choirs and brass bands of the for working tirelessly to preach the reality in many parts of the world, Younan Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanza- gospel and making the Bible accessible said. He named the persecution of Chris- nia (ELCT) accompanied the Eucharist

8 Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 to the Lutheran Communion in South- ern Africa (LUSCA) delegates.

Marangu message ELCT Presiding Bishop and LWF-Vice President for the Africa region Dr Alex G. Malasusa officially closed the Marangu 60th anniversary celebrations by read- ing out the final message of the ALCLC. The message affirmed the African member churches’ commitment to strengthen theological education and pastoral formation in order to address the continent’s contextual realities. The delegates stressed the need to empow- Bishop Younan (fourth from right) stands among Lutheran leaders welcoming a group of young Lutherans who climbed Mt Kilimanjaro. He told worshippers at the close of the Marangu conference that the challenge for er congregational and national church Lutherans was to empower African Christians to more fully contextualize the gospel. Photo: LWF/Tsion Alemayehu sectors to actively engage in mission worship ceremony, which began with As the three Lutheran churches in and diaconal activities. They pledged processions and tree-planting, symbol- Namibia will host the Twelfth Assem- to work for service-oriented leadership izing the commitment to climate justice. bly of the LWF in 2017 and the 500th that is accountable, transparent, with This was followed by the unveiling of Reformation anniversary, the service active gender and intergenerational a commemorative cross at the included the handing over of a cloth participation. Resource mobilization Marangu Teachers’ College grounds as imprinted with African Leadership locally and beyond was identified as a reminder of Lutherans’ connection to Conference of the Lutheran Commu- important for ensuring a church that the public educational institution. nion (ALCLC) participants’ signatures can sustain itself into the future. At the age of 102, Marangu 1955 delegate reminds African Lutherans of unity of purpose Emmanuel Abraham reflects on the 1955 all-Africa Lutheran conference

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia/GENEVA (LWI) – Dr The evangelistic work performed free of colonialism. It wasn’t so much Emmanuel Abraham, former President by the followers of Luther in Africa was that there was excitement about this, of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church discussed in detail at the conference. but more that the people wanted to Mekane Yesus (EECMY), was one of However it was evident that African be one. They wanted to get together five chairpersons of the first confer- Lutherans in some countries faced for the future unity of Africa. Even ence of all-Africa Lutherans in Novem- many challenges and obstacles of race before the Organization of African ber 1955 in Marangu, Tanzania. and color in their lives and work. Unity (predecessor of African Union) Lutheran World Information (LWI ) The Africans from Lutheran was formed, African Lutherans got interviewed Abraham, now aged 102, churches who gathered at Marangu together—freedom was the word. prior to the 20-24 May gathering of Af- had a single purpose—they wanted rican Lutheran church leaders in Moshi, to be together, to get to know one an- Why do you think Marangu is impor- Tanzania, under the theme: “Being a other and to express their expectation tant today? reforming Lutheran church in a chang- of freedom for the Africa of the future. The very purpose of the meeting— ing African context.” He shared some of getting together—would indicate impressions from that first meeting What was the feeling when the Afri- that African Lutherans got together 60 years ago, and his thoughts on the can Lutheran church leaders gath- and acted together for the future of African Lutheran church of the future. ered for the first time in Marangu? Africa. The importance of Marangu is The feeling was that Africa would that its aim has been achieved: to get What was Lutheranism in the context get together in the near future as one together and to know one another, and then? continent and most of Africa would be to become a free continent.

Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 9 Finally as a word of encouragement, if I may, I would like to quote from my keynote address in Marangu delivered on 14 November 1955, as I believe it is still pertinent today: “…Fellow Christians from whichever part of Africa you may be coming, be of good cheer for your salvation in the fullest sense draweth nigh….Whatever the odds, it is incumbent on each and every one of us as followers of Christ to tackle the task before us in the spirit of Christ. If we do so, it is my firm belief that we shall get through triumphantly to the glory of Him Who loved us and gave Himself for us and to the good Emmanuel Abraham, when he was one of the five co-chairs of the Marangu 1955 conference. Photo: LWF Archives of our fellow humans everywhere…” God bless you all! Many of those who were present at My advice to them is to strengthen Marangu are no longer alive. But their their independence and act like people (Ms Tsion Alemayehu, a member of the vision of unity of purpose is still there. who say they are independent, and Africa Lutheran Communication and There are many today who do not have to continue to strengthen their faith. Information Network (ALCINET), and Africa’s best interest at heart. There are many pitfalls and people who EECMY public relations officer, con- want to destroy our unity of purpose, ducted this interview in Addis Ababa. When you met in Marangu, most of and take Africa back. The key issue Our gratitude to Ruth Emmanuel Abra- the African countries were under is oneness and unity of spirit and ac- ham for facilitating the conversation in colonialism. What is your advice for tion. Africans have power if they use view her father’s advanced age.) this generation of African Lutherans? it properly. Tribute to Dr Tawfiq Nasser “Long and faithful service” to the Augusta Victoria Hospital

JERUSALEM/GENEVA (LWI) – With great “He cherished and loved its patients. “Tawfiq worked at AVH on sadness The Lutheran World Federa- AVH” the Mount of Olives for 18 years,” Bishop tion (LWF) has learned of the death Dr Nasser, who was born in the AVH Munib A Younan, Chairperson of the of Dr Tawfiq A. Nasser, the Chief in 1964 when the hospital still had a board of the AVH and President of the Executive Officer of the Augusta Vic- maternity ward, had been the hospi- LWF, said. “He cherished and loved AVH. toria Hospital in Jerusalem. Dr Nasser tal’s administrative director since 1997. Tawfiq did not want it to be just a hospital. passed away on the morning of 16 May He took over as Chief Executive Officer He wanted it to be a community of heal- 2015. He had been the hospital’s Chief in 2001, at the age of 36. Dr Nasser ing on the Mount of Olives.” Executive Officer since 2001 and was shaped the hospital into the leading LWF General Secretary Junge said instrumental in shaping its medical center for nephrology and oncology of Dr Nasser,“As a medical doctor, he orientation. in the Palestinian territories. learned the healing arts and applied “Dr Nasser was a man of compas- He graduated in biomedicine and hos- them to relieve human suffering. As a sion and service who cared deeply pital administration at the Old Dominion gifted administrator, he organized the about others,” LWF General Secretary University in Virginia, USA. Before taking staff, the resources and the supporters Rev. Martin Junge wrote in a condo- a position at the AVH, Dr Nasser worked to bring the Augusta Victoria Hospital lence letter to Dr Nasser’s family. “In at Sentara Health System, USA, as well as to even higher levels of service. As a the LWF, we are particularly grateful at Bir Zeit University and with Arab Care Palestinian, through his words and for the long and faithful service Dr Medical Services, both in Ramallah. actions as a consummate professional, Nasser gave in the development of the Colleagues and friends praised Dr he was a powerful witness for justice, Augusta Victoria Hospital.” Nasser’s commitment to the AVH and peace and an end to the occupation.”

10 Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 Continue delivering teams into Gaza to treat the wounded your prayers. Wholly in keeping with services during the conflict of August 2014. Tawfiq’s commitment to AVH, the Dr Nasser continued working until “We stand by his wife and his family requested that friends wishing early May. He had been gradually family,” Rev. Mark Brown, Country to honor Tawfiq send contributions to handing over his responsibilities to Representative of the LWF program in Augusta Victoria Hospital in support his deputy, Walid Nammour, who will Jerusalem, said. “Please keep them in of its cancer work, in lieu of flowers.” continue to ensure professional deliv- ery of services. Located on the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem, the AVH serves thousands of patients annually. It provides specialized medical services that are either unavailable elsewhere or not readily accessible to Palestinians, including facilities for dialysis, cancer and surgery, as well as special clinics, laboratories and medical equipment. One of Dr Nasser’s achievements was to have the hospital awarded the prestigious Joint Commission Inter- national accreditation for health care quality, patient care and organizational management in 2013. He also took the Dr Tawfiq Nasser, 2014. decision to send volunteers medical Photo: LWF Jerusalem Rural Communities in Nepal Receive Aid LWF Development Work Has Helped People Cope with the Disaster

KATHMANDU, Nepal/GENEVA (LWI) – The surround Kathmandu valley. The only are torn.” Maili now stays with her Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has way of coming and transporting goods brother’s family in a shelter made of been reaching out to rural communi- to her home is by using the narrow dirt plastic sheets from a greenhouse. . ties in Lalitpur district with distributions roads on the steep mountain side. On Having known the community for of blankets, tarpaulins and food. LWF clear days, you can get a clear view years, the LWF was one of the first to has been working with those commu- of Dhusel village as you travel the dirt provide life-saving aid to those affected. nities for 8 years and is now standing road up the mountain. Currently it’s a Together with ACT Alliance partners with them as they are among those view of utter devastation. Piles of red the LWF has distributed 400 blankets most affected by the earthquake that bricks and wooden structures are all to the people here, who have lost their hit Nepal on 25 April, 2015. that are left of the dainty blue houses homes. Now the LWF is discussing with “It was noon, I was in the kitchen,” that formerly constituted the village. the community how to best provide Maili Pakhrin recalls the event. “Sud- Not a single house is undamaged. 300 medium-term shelter. “Instead of just denly the kitchen started sinking. I out of the 338 houses have collapsed tarpaulins, we thought of giving people was petrified. I didn’t know what it was. entirely. Four people have died in the tin sheets,” LWF Regional Project Coor- Then I started running. When I came earthquake, and many animals – the dinator Nibha Shresta says. “When the down the stairs, I saw the houses wealth and livelihood of people. monsoon starts in a few weeks, tarpau- shaking from side to side. I heard the Toy cars, picture frames and lins are not enough. With tin sheets they kitchen collapse, and saw how every household items are sticking up from can build provisional houses until their house in this street broke down.” the debris, from which villagers are housing is re-built.” digging to salvage their belongings. The community however is divided “Everything I had was in this house,” on the question, some want to focus Utter Devastation Maili says. “Even most of my food is on re-building, hoping they will have Maili’s village, Dhusel, is located on buried here. Neighbors helped me proper housing before the monsoon a precipice in the mountains which dig out some of my clothes, but they again. Re-building a village reduced

Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 11 to bricks within weeks seems unlikely, though. “Everything is destroyed,” LWF staff Shresta says with a tone of desperation in her voice. “How will the people find the money to rebuild an entire village?”

Rush of Solidarity “The government should pass a law that all houses have to be earthquake- proof,” Rardlika Sanggel Mahat states. She is the treasurer in the local women’s cooperative, a credit union set up by the LWF through the local partner organization “Solve Nepal.” A small LWF staff offer blankets to earthquake survivors in Lalitpur district. loan gave her the opportunity to buy a Photo: LWF/C. Kästner buffalo and create income from selling its milk. The buffalo was buried under We could use the plastic sheets for perched on a skeleton of wooden the collapsing house in the earthquake. shelter,” Shresta says. “Also, the com- frames. “This trauma has not only “We only saw a hoof and a piece of munity already has access to the local happened to me. We are all suffering.” rope,” Rardlika says. “So we started authorities. They know their rights and The earthquake has caused a rush digging and pulling, and managed to how to access help mechanisms.” of solidarity among the Nepali people. get it out alive. It was bucking with fear, The people of Dhusel have already As offices and universities are closed, and we had a really hard time tying it started to organize themselves. Neigh- volunteers have organized help. In up. All of my family helped.” bors help each other trying to rescue Dhusel it is young men and women of It is small blessings like these that personal belongings from the ruins; the “Everest Motor Bike Club” Kath- keep people going. That and the proj- men are patrolling at night to prevent mandu who are assisting the villagers ect work the LWF has been carrying children stealing items from the debris. in building toilets. “We felt the need to out in Dhusel. Since 2011 inhabitants Across the village, hammering is heard do something, so we built a group on have been trained in “tunnel farming,” as people are constructing shelter of Facebook and just came here,” club in which you use greenhouses to debris wood. “I have shelter, so I am member Rakish Rai says. “When so speed up the harvest. “People told me: helping my brother build some for much disaster happens, you just have it’s good we had built the greenhouses. his family,” Manbahadur says, sitting to help.” Distributions Starting in Most Affected Districts Outside Kathmandu Valley Relief Goods for People in Gorkha, Dahding, Kavrepalanchok and Sindhupalchowk

KATHMANDU, Nepal/GENEVA (LWI) – The the Richter scale, Sindhupalchowk has the affected areas by national and Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is been in the headlines in Nepal. The foreign army helicopters. extending its emergency aid to earth- district suffered the highest number In Gorkha, the LWF will respond in quake survivors outside Kathmandu of casualties, surpassing even the the area around Barpak, close to the valley. After delivering aid to urban badly affected districts in Kathmandu epicenter of the earthquake. Rapid as- and remote rural areas of Kathmandu, valley. Gorkha, where the epicenter is sessment in Jhingate and Chanapani Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, distributions located, is said to be even more dam- communities carried out last week pro- will now start in Sindhupalchowk, aged. Many communities are difficult vided an impression of the response Gorkha, Lamjung and Dahding districts. to access because of landslides and needed. Although located further from Since disaster struck with an poor or damaged roads. Relief goods the epicenter, more than 80 percent earthquake the magnitude of 7.9 on had to be airlifted and dropped over of the houses in these villages have

12 Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 been damaged and many houses have the yard and performs his prayer. It is basis. After the disastrous earthquake collapsed entirely. Ahlad Bakos, the owner of the house, nobody is hiring them anymore, as and husband to the woman who per- even well-to-do people have no money ished. He has tears in his eyes. Ahlad to spare. Nobody in the village has More than 80 percent Bakos did not only lose his wife, but relatives employed abroad. Basic sani- damage also a cow and six goats – everything tation is a challenge: The only toilet is a An assessment team travelled to the the family had. His house is the first ten minutes’ walk away. Three to four affected areas last week to understand in a row of buildings which have col- families huddle under one tarpaulin what kind of support was needed. lapsed into mounts of bricks and wood. sheet, the national army provides It takes more than half a day to travel people with two glasses of beaten rice from Kathmandu to Jhingate, often on a day – less than a kilogram. narrow dirt roads. On the way there, the Vulnerable Communities “We were so lucky to be outside LWF team passes two trucks with relief The most vulnerable have also been when it happened,” Songam Roka items which are stuck in the mud. Many most affected by the earthquake. says. “It was lunchtime, so the children communities are not even accessible Often it is houses made of cheap were with us. We were able to protect by road. People walk hours to the few mud mortar and located on mountain them.” The fact that the earthquake distribution points for a tarpaulin or a slopes, which have suffered the worst happened on a Saturday afternoon mattress, which they then carry back damage. Two hours’ drive from Saida’s proved to be a lifesaver. Many people to their homeless families. “Nobody has and Ahlad Bakos’ village Jhingate, the were working in the field when their been here yet to help,” a woman says. community of Chanapani provides a houses collapsed. “We were lucky “We were working in the field and similar picture: The houses further it wasn’t a school day,” Babu Ram had left the small children with their up the hill are standing but damaged, Pande, a local school teacher, says grandmother,” Saida, a young mother, those further down have been reduced pointing at the badly damaged Shree says. “My mother-in-law was cooking to dust. “We had very little, and now Saraswati Higher Secondary School lunch when the earthquake started. what little we had is gone as well,” a in Chanapani. “There wouldn’t have The children did not know what it was, village elder says. been a way to get the children out of but they were scared and ran outside.” Chanapani is a Dalit community. the building fast enough.” The elderly woman was not able to get The people who live here belong to out fast enough. The house collapsed the lowest Hindu caste. Although most on top of her. “When we found her districts in Nepal have officially abol- Comprehensive Support body, she was still holding the cooking ished the caste system and its inherent LWF will provide integrated support, spatula,” Saida adds. discriminations, it unofficially persists meaning it will provide all the relief a While she speaks, an elderly especially in remote areas, causing village needs. In Gorkha, this will most man climbs the rubble of his house, poverty and vulnerability. Many people likely cover a wider range. With the spreads a scarf in what used to be in Chanapani used to work on a daily monsoon rains about to start, shelter is the most urgent priority, followed by reconstruction. Since some people’s livelihoods are gone, food assistance will be needed in a few weeks’ time as well. Where toilets and water pipes have been damaged, LWF will provide water, sanitation and hygiene. Psycho- social support will help people deal with the trauma of the earthquake and make sure that vulnerable people are not overlooked. A first assessment also showed remarkable resilience and coping mechanisms among the rural people. “They are not just waiting for aid to come, they are organizing themselves”, Bed Prakash Bhatta Lulani, member of Sapana Roka Sarki, nursing her youngest child in front of her house. She has three children, since their livelihood is gone her husband is looking for work abroad. Photo: LWF/ C. Kästner the LWF assessment team to Gorkha,

Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 13 says. “Neighbors help each other; Volunteers help people who are too Roka says. “When the children see relatives support those who have lost afraid salvage their belongings from the wind rustling the leaves, they are their homes.” In Chanapani, the com- damaged houses. afraid because they think it’s another munity is exploring shared labor as “Everybody is still in shock, no- earthquake.” a way of reconstructing the village. body has much to spare,” Songam Nepalese government asks LWF to help coordinate relief efforts Team in Nepal continue emergency response

KATHMANDU, Nepal/GENEVA (LWI) – The up emergency operations on day one,” Dr Manandhar said it was the first Nepalese government has asked the Dr Manandhar said. Having worked time the government had set up an Lutheran World Federation to take a in Nepal for over three decades, “we emergency taskforce and it would be seat on its emergency coordination were already on the radar of the gov- an influential body to be part of. group, a note of appreciation for the ernment.” “This is definitely a privilege. It was LWF’s rapid response to the earthquake. The LWF is present in all United because of the fact that we acted very The newly-formed Kathmandu Val- Nations clusters (groups of humanitar- quickly and our long experience in the ley Relief Taskforce is expected to co- ian organizations working in the main country. This will be a very high-level ordinate the relief work of international sectors of relief work) and is the lead forum in which we might be able to NGOs and civil society organisations. implementing agency for ACT Alliance. influence policy,” Dr Manandhar said. A place on the taskforce was clear recognition of LWF’s response to the disaster, Dr Prabin Manandhar, LWF country director said. Within hours of the 8.9 earthquake just before midday on April 25, LWF staff had issued an alert through ACT Alliance, a network of church-based humanitarian organizations, and begun distributing food and other relief goods in three of the camps in Kath- mandu that emerged in the wake of the disaster. Teams have been delivering ready-made meals, shelter materials, and hygiene kits in Kathmandu and rural areas in the days since. “We were among the very few inter- LWF staff member Yadu lal Shresta (centre), of the LWF Asia emergency hub team, talks to survivors about their national NGOs on the ground. We set living conditions in a camp in Bhaktapur, the worst-affected district of Kathmandu valley. Photo: LWF/C. Kästner LWF Scales Up Support in Nepal’s Moment of Devastation The Communion Stands with the Church and People in Their Pain and Loss

GENEVA (LWI) – The Lutheran World As the LWF Department for World “On behalf of the LWF communion, I Federation (LWF) is scaling up its sup- Service (DWS) program in Nepal in- want to assure you of our solidarity with port for survivors of the catastrophic 25 creases its emergency assistance, Gen- the church and the people of Nepal April earthquake in Nepal, which killed eral Secretary Rev. Martin Junge has at this moment of pain and loss of in- around 7,000 people, destroyed homes expressed the Lutheran communion’s nocent and precious lives. I share your and reduced historical sites to rubble. solidarity with the people in Nepal. fear and anxiety in the aftermath of the

14 Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 worst earthquake in 80 years,” Junge said in a 27 April letter to the president of Nepal Evangelical Lutheran Church (NELC) Rev. Joseph Soren. The 7.8-magnitude tremor that hit Nepal has left more than 14,000 people injured with thousands of villages devastated. As many as 90 percent of clinics and schools in some districts are unusable. At NELC’s congregation in Bhaktupar, 14 kilometers east of the capital Kath- mandu, the pastor, some congregation members and their families are sleeping in the streets and are in need of food. When the earthquake struck, they were LWF staff discuss the needs of survivors. holding a prayer meeting in the church Photo: LWF/C. Kastner building, which suffered cracks. The pastor’s house and homes of congrega- “to provide our best support for the af- “We will continue to uphold the na- tion members were also damaged. fected people and their families.” He tion, those who are affected and the In his letter to the NELC leader, encouraged the church to continue to rescue efforts in our prayers,” the LWF Junge affirmed LWF’s commitment offer pastoral care to those affected. general secretary added. LWF reaches rural areas of earthquake-hit Nepal Over 800 households receive life-saving essentials

KATHMANDU, Nepal/GENEVA (LWI) – The and Bhaktapur districts, the worst af- Gorkha. With more than 3000 people Lutheran World Federation has man- fected in the Kathmandu valley. The still missing, Sindhupalchowk district aged to distribute essential relief items LWF team has formed intervention has had the highest death toll for the to over 800 households hard-hit by the units for each of the three districts. past week, followed by Gorkha district. devastating April 25 earthquake. Teams have been sent out to as- The official national death toll has Ready-to-eat-food, tarpaulins and sess damage and the need for relief reached 6,200. An estimated 70,000 blankets have been distributed to 820 work in the remote villages of Sind- houses have collapsed and more than households in Kathmandu, Lalitpur hupalchowk, Dahding, Kavra and 600,000 have been damaged, many to an extent they are no longer fit to live in. Some remote districts are still only accessible by helicopter. The LWF delivered life-saving aid in close coordination with government and district disaster management bodies, LWF emergency team coordinator Gopal Dahal said. “We have started by working in government-managed camps but as we saw a great need for assistance in self-managed camps, we have also started to cover these camps and the affected population.” Self-managed camps are run by residents themselves, rather than the government. Six days after the earthquake, an LWF assessment team talking to people affected by the earthquake in Gorkha district. Photo: LWF/C. Kästner estimated 900,000 people are still

Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 15 sleeping outside because another, “They have come from everywhere,” far exceeds the number given out. even more devastating earthquake, Dahal said. “There are university “You have up to five families sheltered is rumored to be coming. More than students because classes have been under one of those sheets,” Dahal half a million people have fled the city. suspended and private business said. “They are thin and definitely not Many shops and businesses remain people, whose business is closed. We a permanent solution. With monsoon closed, including factories producing even have government officials who starting soon, we have an urgent need relief goods, such as tarpaulins. are supporting us.” to provide a medium-term solution.” “There is a shortage of relief items The volunteers are helping in Lalitpur With partners in ACT Alliance, the in Nepal, which has affected the and Bhaktapur camps, as well as in LWF has issued a preliminary ACT humanitarian response,” Dahal adds. the Kathmandu head office compound, appeal calling for donations to sup- “We have now established a communi- where a workshop has been set up to port the Nepal earthquake response. cation with our LWF associate program pack relief goods for distribution. Each Emergency needs besides shelter in India and the ACT Alliance India package contains 2kg of rice, six packs include water, sanitation and hygiene Forum to ensure supplies.” of ready-to-eat noodles, two packs of facilities, psychosocial support, food The LWF Nepal team has expanded biscuits, a tarpaulin and a blanket. The and other relief items, as well as edu- its humanitarian capacity. Some 100 biscuits have been added for the elderly cation support as many schools have local volunteers have been mobilized and children, who cannot eat instant food. been destroyed. to join the 40 LWF Nepal staff in Kath- Lack of shelter remains the biggest mandu in their relief work. challenge. The need for tarpaulins by

Heavy Aftershock Rattles East of Nepal LWF Nepal Earthquake Relief to 44,000 People

KATHMANDU, Nepal/GENEVA (LWI) – An 7.9 earthquake on 25 April, which faced challenges getting back to the of- earthquake of the magnitude of 7.4 killed more than 8,000 people and fice, as the road was blocked by a land on the Richter scale has caused destroyed more than 70,000 houses. slide. “Our relief operations continue,” destruction in Eastern and Central All of the LWF staff, including two LWF Humanitarian Coordinator Roland Nepal on 12 May. The epicenter was teams who had been doing assessment Schlott says. “Despite the fear this most located close to Mount Everest on the work in rural areas of Sindhupalchowk recent quake has caused among the Chinese border in the already affected and Rasuwa, are well and accounted Nepali population, all our staff are in Sindhupalchowk and Dolkha districs. for. A team which was out on an as- the office and working.” The earthquake is shaking a country sessment mission in Sindhupalchowk still in shock from the magnitude district east of Kathmandu, however, Relief goods for almost 9,000 households LWF Nepal is the leading partner within the ACT Alliance Nepal response. “We have the largest reach and capacity and will take on the additional work necessary to address the needs of the people affected by yesterday’s earthquake,” Schlott adds. “We are there, we will do it.” To date LWF has distributed relief items to 8,957 households, covering a total of 43,703 individuals in Bhakta- pur, Lalitpur, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchowk and Kathmandu districts. Assessment teams have been sent to Kavre and Gorkha districts. “We have distributed A street in Dhusel village, Lalitpur, which has been entirely destroyed by the April Earthquake. Most people had just started to pick up the pieces when the second tremor hit. Photo: LWF/ C. Kästner about 25 Euro worth of relief goods per

16 Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 family”, LWF Nepal Emergency Re- coordination group. “When the 25 Schlott says. “The second earthquake sponse Manager Gopal Dahal explains. April earthquake happened, we were has collapsed many houses which “In the distributions we handed out 96 among the very few international NGOs were already damaged. People are tons of rice, 24 tons of lentils, 6,100 on the ground. We set up emergency frightened and weary, since 25 April tarpaulin sheets, 7,000 blankets and operations on day one,” Dr Prabin there have been more than 50 after- 1,200 bars of soap, and many other Manandhar, LWF country director said. shocks and tremors of a magnitude of items such as solar lamps, hygiene Having worked in Nepal for over three 4.5 and above.“ packs and food for children and the decades, “we have longstanding rela- In the urban centers including elderly.” 36 Nepali volunteers many tionships and are a recognized partner the capital Kathmandu many people of them young people, have been re- of the government in disaster response, started camping outside again al- cruited to assemble relief parcels and refugee assistance and rights based though they have houses to go back help with distributions in Kathmandu empowerment work.” to. “Until the aftershocks decline in and Bhaktapur. While considered an “aftershock”, intensity and frequency, many will the new quake on 12 May caused prefer to brave the elements rather damage in areas less severely affected than risk being trapped in a building,” Shelter most urgent by the previous earthquake. “With LWF Humanitarian Coordinator Schlott The Nepalese government has asked the monsoon starting in a few weeks, adds. “The reality, however, is that no- The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) shelter is the most urgent need now,” one can predict earthquakes”. to take a seat on its emergency LWF Humanitarian Coordinator Roland Norway’s Lutherans Co-Host LWF Church Leadership Gathering “Liberated by God’s Grace” for Witness in Europe

TRONDHEIM, Norway/GENEVA (LWI) – What does “liberated by God’s grace” mean for Lutheran churches and societies in Europe? How do the region’s experiences and challenges provide new perspectives for church engagement in community life and in the care for creation? These are some of the questions that The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches in Europe will discuss at this year’s Church Leader- ship Consultation, 11-14 May, in Trond- heim, Norway. Church of Norway and the Evangelical Lutheran Free Church of Norway will jointly host the conference, focusing on the 2017 LWF Assembly theme, “Liberated by God’s Grace.” Participants at the 2014 LWF European church leadership gathering in Rome, hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Italy. Photo: Gerhard Frey-Reininghaus “The theme of the Twelfth LWF assembly provides a solid framework to theological educators, and women and Plenary and group discussions at reflect on specific and relevant topics youth coordinators from the 40 LWF the conference will include advocacy related to society and challenges for member churches in Europe. for boat people on the Mediterranean Christian witness in the region today,” “The regional LWF gathering helps Sea, accompanying the afflicted in said Rev. Dr Eva Sibylle Vogel-Mfato, the wider church leadership to gain the Ukraine crisis and other conflict LWF area secretary for Europe. understanding about LWF’s present areas, solidarity with people affected The 80 participants in this year’s work and deepen motivation to take by calamities such as the earthquake meeting include heads of churches up opportunities for participating more in Nepal, and support to refugees and synods, ecumenical officers, broadly,” Vogel-Mfato added. across the world.

Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 17 LWF General Secretary Rev. Martin Church of Norway Presiding Bishop The four-day gathering will also Junge will deliver greetings. His presen- Helga Haugland Byfuglien, who is LWF feature an intergenerational dialogue tation will provide orientation for the Vice-President for the Nordic region on climate justice, and a presentation 500th Reformation anniversary in 2017 will preach at the opening eucharistic on the contextual concerns of the and the Twelfth Assembly to be held service at the Nidaros Cathedral in Evangelical Lutheran Free Church of the same year in Namibia, Windhoek. Trondheim. Norway. Perspectives on church witness in European society today Panelists at LWF European church gathering describe varying contexts

TRONDHEIM, Norway/GENEVA (LWI) – “From what have we been liberated, and how do we use that freedom?” That was the question discussed on 12 May at The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) regional church gathering in Trond- heim, Norway. German, Norwegian and Pol- ish panelists shared stories of how they have seen liberation expressed through various experiences of indi- vidual and communal salvation. They are among 80 representatives of LWF member churches attending the Euro- pean Church Leadership Consultation (ECLC), 11-14 May. Rev. Siv Limstrand of the Open Rev. Siv Limstrand, Open Church of Trondheim City Mission, speaks at the LWF Europe panel during the church leadership gathering in Trondheim, Norway. Photo: LWF/Ryan Rodrick Beiler Church of Trondheim City Mission described Easter celebrations that include reforms that are changing church-state the Augsburg Confession in Poland, her community’s most marginalized relationships in the country. recounted the dramatic changes in members—refugees, people with “We have different relations but we church life before and after the fall mental illness, and injecting drug users. are still financed by the state,” said of communism. Liberation brought “There was a procession of Good Fri- Lindø. great wealth to some, but many suf- day experiences through our streets— Constitutional amendments in fer from poverty and unemployment. human beings who have experienced 2012 affirmed Church of Norway’s Younger generations have done much betrayal, humiliation, torture,” said unique role while enshrining equal sup- to broaden the horizons of those who Limstrand. “We were following the port for all religions and beliefs. Greater grew up behind the Iron Curtain, but same cross. We were the cross. We church administrative independence they face pressures to focus on mate- could feel the solidarity coming from it.” from the state is set for 2017—as rial success. Noting the human tendency to re- the church celebrates 500 years of “Of course we had problems under main in Good Friday’s darkness, Lim- Reformation. communism,” said Samiec. “Now we strand declared, “The light of Easter “Could we call it a new Reformation have freedom, and we have to try and is stronger. Resistance and hope and in Norway?” asked Lindø. reach the people and see how they courage grow again and again.” need our church.”

New social and economic Church-state relationships pressures Reconciled diversity Shifting from the personal to the political, In his presentation and response Bishop Jan Janssen, Evangelical Svein Arne Lindø, Moderator of Church to an audience question, Bishop Lutheran Church in Oldenburg, con- of Norway National Council, detailed the Jerzy Samiec, Evangelical Church of cluded with an outward-looking ecu-

18 Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 menical perspective on liberation. De- ent flowers than those [from] our own Discussions at the LWF regional scribing relationships among different traditions,” said Janssen. “A diversity gathering are guided by the Reforma- traditions in Germany that extend to of species in creation and many dif- tion and Twelfth Assembly theme, partners in Ghana and Togo, he said, ferent languages of faith are gifts from “Liberated by God’s Grace.” This year’s “We thank God for this liberation from the creative spirit of God who liberates meeting is hosted jointly by Church of our own house and home to the open us to come together in reconciled Norway and the Evangelical Lutheran horizons of our distant neighbors.” diversity.” Free Church of Norway. “The seed of the gospel has grown A second panel led by the Norwe- (A contribution by freelance journal- although sometimes it has seen differ- gian Free Church will take place today. ist Ryan Rodrick Beiler) Active Lutheran participation in Norway’s ecumenical life Ecumenical, advocacy and interfaith perspectives at LWF Europe gathering

TRONDHEIM, Norway/GENEVA (LWI) – A sec- relations were difficult, in a context churches, the Free Church president, ond panel discussion at The Lutheran with a state church [Church of Nor- Rev. Jarle Skullerud said, “I would like World Federation (LWF) regional way], while also remaining distinct from to see a higher awareness of Lutheran consultation in Trondheim, Norway, other new denominations. doctrine within our denomination.” offered ecumenical, advocacy and “However, times have changed,” said One symptom of this challenge, ac- interfaith perspectives on church wit- Solberg. “And now we are taking an active cording to Skullerud, is the “steep fall ness in European society today. part in the ecumenical work in Norway.” in Bible knowledge and faith practice Mr Terje Solberg, chairperson of Local Bishop Bjørn Roger Stien, even in Christian homes. The church the LWF National Committee in Nor- discussed the current challenges and has to help parents to be church in the way, told the history of the Evangelical successes of the church in northern family, to teach their children and be Lutheran Free Church of Norway. He Norway. “It’s about reaching the peo- good examples to follow.” described how, during meetings in ple’s hearts, reaching the people’s lives Skullerud also affirmed the need 1876 that led to the founding of the where they are,” he said. He talked for an outward-looking missional Free Church, the question was asked about theology expressed through orientation: “In Norway, we still need if it was possible to reform the Church relevant preaching and contemporary more congregations reaching out to of Norway as a state church, but in a worship for the growth seen in the the neighborhood and especially to proper way. “Their answer was no.” congregations of the Free Church. the margins of society.” He said for many decades that fol- While expressing appreciation for the The Free Church and Church of lowed, the Free Church’s ecumenical ecumenical orientation of Norwegian Norway hosted LWF’s Europe member churches for the 11-14 May leadership consultation. The panel and other discussions were held under the Twelfth Assem- bly and 2017 Reformation anniversary theme, “Liberated by God’s Grace.”

Advocacy for the environment in Romania Rev. Dr. Elfriede Dörr, of the Evangeli- cal Church of the Augsburg Confes- sion in Romania, presented a visual tour of her church’s context in a talk titled, “Liberated to ecological commitment in education, health and social development.” In one example, she showed im- Patricia Sophie Böckmann, during the Trondheim Church Leadership Consultation, Norway. Photo: LWF/Ryan Rodrick Beiler ages of protests that erupted after a

Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 19 Canadian mining company proposed France, closed the session with reflec- Through interfaith initiatives that a project that would have turned the tions both as a member of the Union bring together Christians, Sephardic area into a crater, forcing residents to of Protestant Churches of Alsace and and Ashkenazi Jews, Muslims, athe- be resettled elsewhere. Lorraine as well as a Global Young ists, and agnostics, Böckmann has “The waste would be very destruc- Reformer, a network connecting young reached two conclusions: “One is to tive to the environment and people adults from all over the world. be open to what the other has to tell would no longer have the proper basis She talked of Strasbourg’s cosmo- you.” The other: “You also have to be for their lives,” said Dörr. “So there politan context where many different true to yourself and to appreciate your were very major protests all over the cultures, religions and beliefs meet. own unique beliefs,” she added. place and the women came from the “Living together makes it necessary to (A contribution by freelance journal- Bible group to protest.” interact with each other and to help ist Ryan Rodrick Beiler) Patricia Sophie Böckmann, a Ger- each other to define our own identity in man living and studying in Strasbourg, and through this interaction,” she said.

Europe’s Lutherans pledge increased efforts to welcome refugees Governments urged to create safe passage corridors

TRONDHEIM, Norway/GENEVA (LWI) – The The Lutheran church leaders also “It is for us as churches crucial and Lutheran World Federation (LWF) mem- called for the creation of “safe passage natural from our theology and from our ber churches in Europe have declared corridors for refugees especially from understanding of church that migrants their commitment to increase efforts to countries like Syria and Iraq.” A system and refugees are our brothers and welcome refugees “in our midst.” for a more just distribution of refugees sisters and that we have to support In a resolution at the end of the LWF within Europe should also be devel- them in all possible ways,” the ECLC European Church Leadership Consulta- oped, they said. They called upon other resolution stated. tion (ECLC) in Trondheim, Norway, repre- churches in the region to support “these They noted that the number of sentatives of the 40 LWF churches in the urgent requests to their governments.” refugees and internally displaced region urged the European governments They recalled LWF’s connection persons across the world was “now and European Union to establish a pro- with displaced people since the orga- at the highest level since World War gram like the Mare Nostrum initiative “to nization’s very founding in 1947. Many II, with more than 50 million people search and rescue the refugees in the of the churches in Europe integrated forcibly displaced.” whole Mediterranean Sea.” refugees from the Second World War. Some of those fleeing are risking their lives as they try to reach Europe, the church leaders said. This year alone, more than 36,000 migrants and refugees crossed the Mediterranean Sea by boat into Southern Europe according to the United Nations refugee agency. However 1,600 lost their lives while making this journey. Discussions preceding the resolution included a presentation by LWF General Secretary Rev. Martin Junge on the 500th Reformation anniversary and LWF’s Twelfth Assembly in 2017. Elaborating on the issue of refugees and migrants coming to Europe, he said the “churches’ moral voice was more important than ever in helping Delegates of the Trondheim Church Leadership Consultation at Nidaros Cathedral. Photo: LWF/Ryan Rodrick Beiler European societies to face the region’s

20 Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 biggest refugee and migration chal- jointly hosted this year’s gathering, 11- women and youth coordinators—dis- lenge since world War II.” 14 May. The 80 participants—heads cussed LWF churches’ witness in Church of Norway and the Evangel- of churches and synods, ecumenical Europe under the theme “Liberated ical Lutheran Free Church of Norway officers, theological educators, and by God’s Grace.”

Getting ready for an intergenerational dialogue on climate justice LWF European ‘Young Reformers’ explore questions on Lutheran identity

TRONDHEIM, Norway/GENEVA (LWI) – Partici- pants in the first meeting of young reformers from The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches in Europe have begun exploring how they can strengthen and shape Lutheran identity globally. “The church changes with the people. The people who are part of the Church are the reformation,” said Triin Salmu, Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church, at the regional Global Young Reformers Network (GYRN) meeting in Trondheim, Norway. Salmu and 14 other GYRN members are preparing their contribution to an intergenerational dialogue on how LWF member churches can address Europe’s Young Reformers at their first meeting in Trondheim, Norway. Photo: LWF/C. Richter the injustices of climate change. The panel in the context of the 11-14 May At the 13 May panel session, the lives on in the generations that see European Church Leadership Consul- GYRN members will engage the Eu- things differently from the past genera- tation (ECLC), will focus on “Creation: ropean church leaders in intergenera- tion. This is how all new generations not for sale,” a sub-theme of the tional conversations about theological and the previous ones have explored 500th Reformation anniversary and insights on climate justice, and about and changed their churches,” noted the LWF’s Twelfth Assembly theme, action that churches could take to initi- 25-year-old Andreas Alexander Fosby, “Liberated by God’s Grace.” ate or strengthen policies to become Church of Norway. For the 27-year-old Salmu, the carbon neutral by 2050. They also Fosby expressed appreciation for GYRN provides an opportunity for want to learn about practical measures the GYRN, saying it “crosses the bor- people to come together and reform that could be adopted including re- ders between the different churches together. “The network can imple- learning good practices from the older and makes the idea of a communion ment change on a global level that one generations. of churches possible.” Young people church can’t do alone,” she added. today already live in a world with less The LWF Department for Mission borders and more openness, and are and Development (DMD) and its Youth Always seeking to be in contact with people from all over desk established the GYRN in 2013. reformed the world. “With that aspect, we can Inspired by the Reformation anniver- The understanding of ecclesia semper change and relate to each other at so sary theme, the network coined the reformanda (a church always seeking many levels,” he added. catch phrase, “Freed by God’s love to to be reformed) generated a variety of change the world,” to encourage young responses in the preparatory meeting. people (18-30 years) to contribute “I understand the ongoing reformation Game changer actively to the 2017 Reformation an- in the churches as a vibrant and liv- For Tim Sonnemeyer, 22, Evangelical niversary and LWF assembly. ing development. The spirit of reform Lutheran Church in Bavaria (Germany),

Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 21 ecclesia semper reformanda involves on- Sonnemeyer. “By using modern shrinking churches, the place of the going rethinking about Lutheran identity, communication methods we have church in a secular society, political with a perspective on the diverse global the possibility to get to know young engagement as Lutherans and other contexts. “Each generation is challenged Christians and their background easily. perspectives that shape our Lutheran by different cultural, political, social, and We engage in a dialogue that reaches identity today,” explained Caroline as Christians, theological questions. Be- out to what is probably the largest Richter, LWF Youth secretary. ing Lutheran is different today than it was group of young Lutheran adults ever Richter organizes the regional meet- 500, 100 or even 50 years ago. However addressed. That is impressive and ings of the network in Africa, Asia, Eu- we are all united in Christ, no matter means: We can shape the Lutheran rope, Latin America and the Caribbean which year we live in or what continent identity of tomorrow.” and North America. The series of train- we live on,” he said. At the meeting in Trondheim, the ing workshops will culminate in a global The GYRN changes the game young reformers also “discussed new GYRN workshop, 22 August – 4 Sep- of rethinking Lutheran identity, said ideas for discipleship and mission in tember 2015, in Wittenberg, Germany. Czech Church advocates for a society that is more open to refugees Ruml Welcomes ‘First Step’ for Syrians, Expects More Intervention

PRAGUE, Czech Republic (LWI) – A group of 70 Syrian refugees were granted asylum in the Czech Republic earlier this year following a public outcry over the government’s initial refusal on the basis that the sick children and their families posed a security risk. The protest included an open letter from the Synod of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (ECCB), a member church of The Lu- theran World Federation (LWF). In this interview, the ECCB Moderator Rev. Joel Ruml explains the church’s rationale for reaching out to migrants and refugees, and its advocacy for a society that is more open to people in need. ECCB Moderator Rev. Joel Ruml. Photo: ECCB What prompted your church to write the open letter to the Czech Republic many countries (mostly from Western help. It is going slowly. Therefore we Prime Minister and the Minister of Europe) helped our citizens to leave continue to keep an eye on this issue the Interior last December? the former Czechoslovakia, although and where we can, we try to encour- In our open letter to the govern- they were not suffering like the people age people to get a new experience ment, the Synod Council of the ECCB in the Near East now. by meeting with people of different was reacting to the situation in the cultures and religions. This is needed, Czech Republic at the time. The What was your reaction to the grant- not only for migrants and refugees but government of our country was very ing of asylum to the 70 Syrians; was for us as well. distant to the situation of people who this sufficient? were [are] suffering under a brutal We said: well, finally! We think it Is the ECCB directly supporting migrants/ regime. We were, and still are, of the was the first step and we are expect- refugees in its local diaconal work? opinion that our society had and still ing other steps in continually finding Compared to other European has to intensively help these people, ways to help more children and their countries, the Czech Republic does because we had experienced a similar families. Now the government has not have a lot of migrants and refugees. position. During the communist time, begun preparing a structure for such But many of the migrants, who stayed

22 Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 here with a wish to become integrated our citizens received help and more methods in other countries. Therefore, in Czech society, were [or still are] sup- than half a million Czech people could our help should be more effective now. ported by churches and their diaconal be integrated in democratic countries services. Local communities of ECCB around the world. We should now The ECCB Diaconia office has sup- are helping people who came from give back what we received. The ported LWF’s humanitarian response Belarus, Myanmar, Pakistan, Ukraine people now are suffering more than for Syrian refugees in Jordan, with and other countries. the Czechs did 30 or so years ago. financial assistance from the Czech Thirdly, our society needs to become Foreign Ministry. In a 2013 letter ac- What is the ECCB’s rationale for reach- more open to people in need. That knowledging the church’s partnership, ing out to refugees/displaced people? isn’t possible only theoretically. There the LWF described this support as “‘a It is easy to answer: firstly, it is a are opportunities to be more open in beautiful expression of the international command not only from Gospel, but practical experiences and in engaging solidarity that has characterized the from the Old Testament as well. Sec- at a personal level. Fourthly, we can work of LWF World Service since its ondly, we have a historic experience; learn from the many experiences and very beginnings.’” Lutheran-Orthodox Commission to Celebrate Reformation Anniversary Preparations towards Final Statement on Ordained Ministry/Priesthood

RHODES, Greece /GENEVA (LWI) – The in- Assistant General Secretary for Ecu- the final statement on “Ordained Min- ternational dialogue between Lutheran menical Relations. istry/Priesthood,” which both dialogue and the Orthodox churches in 2017 She noted that theological inputs of partners have been discussing since will include a celebration to mark 500 the Reformation have also influenced 2012 under a wider study on the “The years of the Reformation. eastern Christianity and reshaped so- Mystery of the Church.” Members of the Lutheran-Ortho- cieties both in the east and west. “It is The Rhodes meeting was originally dox Joint Commission made this deci- good that we are able to acknowledge planned to conclude the present study sion at the 16th Plenary session, held these influences and to celebrate the process. However the commission 28 April-5 May, in Rhodes, Greece. “It Reformation anniversary together,” members noted it was necessary to is an important ecumenical signal that said Hintikka, who serves as the com- continue the ongoing discussion until the Lutherans and Orthodox will be mission co-secretary. the next Plenary session, in order to celebrating the Reformation together,” The commission said its 17th Ple- guarantee sufficient attention to the said Rev. Dr Kaisamari Hintikka, LWF nary session in 2017 will also publish challenging topic of ‘Ministry’. “The topic of ordained ministry or priesthood as the Orthodox frame it is a challenging one,” said the LWF assistant general secretary. Despite a three-year preparatory process for a final statement, “we still decided that further studies and discussions are needed to clarify some crucial issues for this topic.” Hintikka noted that the commission meetings have over the years become an important place to share and reflect together “as members of the one body of Jesus Christ, in spite of our diversity” in theological and historical perspectives. “The local Orthodox church was enormously hospitable and the atmo- sphere among the participants was Lutheran-Orthodox Joint Commission co-chairperson Bishop em. Dr Christoph Klein (left) and Rev. Dr very good,” Hintikka said. Conversa- Kaisamari Hintikka, LWF Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Relations, at the Rhodes meeting. Photo: Koufos Images tions also outside the plenary discus-

Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 23 sions resulted in “some potentially con- mission members discussed three (Romania) and H. E. Metropolitan Dr crete ideas on practical cooperation Lutheran and Orthodox presentations, Gennadios of Sassima. between local Orthodox and Lutheran responding to draft statements of the The international bilateral dialogue churches,” she added. 2012-2014 preparatory meetings. between the LWF and Eastern Or- This year’s plenary was hosted by The current Lutheran-Orthodox thodox churches began in 1981, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate and H. E. Joint Commission is co-chaired by several reports have been produced Metropolitan Kyrillos of Rhodes. Com- Bishop emeritus Dr Christoph Klein from its commission meetings. Increasing Mutual Understanding between U.S. Lutherans and Catholics Study Guide to From Conflict to Communion Helps Movement toward Unity

PITTSBURGH, USA/GENEVA (LWI) – Lu- “The Study Guide is designed to in- the ELCA. “One of the ways we are therans and Catholics in the United crease mutual understanding between determined to tell that story is to begin States are discussing how to mark the Catholics, Lutherans and other friends. with the point of unity.” common commemoration of the Ref- It may also be a catalyst for healing Rev. John Crossin, director of the ormation in 2017 using a new Study and reconciliation communally and U.S. Catholic bishops’ office for rela- Guide on the historic document From individually,” the Introduction states. tions with other churches and faiths, Conflict to Communion. “The goal of our mutual commemo- noted that such unity would have The report of the Lutheran-Roman ration must include remembering our shocked past generations. Growing up Catholic Study Commission on Unity, history and continuing our movement in Philadelphia, he said, “We played released in 2013, is the first attempt toward the unity that Christ wills for basketball together but never visited by Lutherans and Catholics to jointly His followers.” each other’s churches.” describe the history of the Reformation. In the first meeting using the new Bishop Emeritus Donald McCoid, The 48-page Study Guide on the report, Study Guide for From Conflict to Com- head of the ELCA’s national office on published in March, is the work of Penn- munion on 29 April, more than 100 ecumenical and inter-religious rela- sylvania-area Lutherans and Catholics. Lutherans and Catholics met at St. tions, said the new guide, which is It was written by representatives of Paul Seminary in Pittsburgh to discuss being distributed by the United States the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod how to commemorate the 500th an- Conference of Catholic Bishops, is of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in niversary of the Reformation in 2017. intended for national distribution. America (ELCA), the Diocese of Pitts- “Although we cannot change his- “The Lutheran-Roman Catholic burgh, the Diocese of Greensburg and tory, we can determine how we tell dialogue has yielded excellent fruits The Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy the story,” said Bishop Kurt Kusserow, over many years, including the historic of Pittsburgh. head of the Southwestern Synod of report, From Conflict to Communion,” said Rev. Dr Kaisamari Hintikka, assistant general secretary for ecumenical relations for The Lutheran World Federation (LWF). “We are thrilled to see that this is helpful for ongoing dialogue among the LWF member churches and their partners. It offers yet another excellent resource to help us continue the dialogue,” Hintikka added. The Study Guide for From Conflict to Communion includes seven sessions rooted in prayer and silent reflection as well as discussion on the theology of Martin Luther, the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, the Second Bishop Emeritus Donald McCoid. Photo: ELCA Vatican Council, and Baptism and Unity.

24 Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 Salvadoran Catholic Archbishop Romero: a friend and a great ecumenist Lutheran Bishop Gómez reflects on Romero’s influence on the global church

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador/GENEVA (LWI) – Salvadoran Lutheran Bishop Medardo E. Gómez was among church leaders who witnessed the beatification of Roman Catholic Archbishop Oscar Romero at a ceremony attended by tens of thousands in the capital San Salvador on 23 May 2015. In an interview with Lutheran World Information, Gómez explained the significance of the global Catholic Church recognition of Romero. The bishop who was assassinated in March 1980 is considered a martyr of the Christian faith for his open advocacy for the poor and marginalized during El Salvador’s civil war, which lasted from 1979 to 1992. Bishop Medardo Gómez, right, watches theologian Pablo Richard greet Rev. Vilma Rodríguez from the Salvadoran Lutheran Church, who took part in the beatification of assassinated Catholic Archbishop Oscar Romero. Photo: R. Menjivar What was your reaction to the invitation to attend the beatification ceremony of For my part, I have given declara- representing other churches and ex- Archbishop Oscar Romero on 23 May? tions expressing respect and admiration pressing fellowship with other faiths. I was worried when I heard the first for Monsignor Romero. His beatification Since the beatification was announced, reports from the Auxiliary Bishop that is a source of pride for Salvadorans. As a I participated in many events preced- the ceremony would not have special Christian church, it is important because ing the ceremony on 23 May. guests because it would be a mass of Romero was very ecumenical. I have the people. I thought it would not give made known our Lutheran understand- How does the Salvadoran Lutheran an ecumenical testimony. However, ing that we all are saints by receiving the Church and you as it leader identify my idea was to have an opportunity for Holy Spirit and by receiving God’s for- with the cause that he stood for and ecumenical testimony, and I requested giveness during baptism. So Romero’s for which he was killed? that together with me, 20 persons greatness is not for his actions, it is only This moment excites me because from other Lutheran churches and God’s action in him that made Romero Romero was my pastor too when I ecumenical partners in Latin America a prophet. This is a call of God to which was a child being prepared in the cat- could participate. It was accepted. Romero said: “here I am Lord.” echism for confirmation, as he served It was a great event with the par- as a pastor at the Cathedral of San ticipation of many priests, bishops What was the significance of the Miguel. I remember well, not knowing and national and ecumenical delega- presence of Lutheran church repre- at the time of his greatness—a man tions. I am very happy because it was sentatives from Latin America in the with joy and very communicative. Chil- worthy to be held in that way. The beatification ceremony? dren were invited to memorize a Bible Roman Catholic Church has a great Ecumenism is one of the subjects verse; he was a friend. Then, when I opportunity to strengthen relation- that has to be practiced. To give that was at school, Romero was a chaplain ships. On the other hand, this event testimony by participating in actions and there is an experience that helps showed that sectors that were contrary such as the beatification of Romero me to talk about his conversion. When to Monsignor Romero have changed. is important for me. It demonstrates the evangelical churches were growing, The Mayor of Santa Tecla announced to the world and sister churches the evangelical students in Romero’s class that the city will erect a bust of Romero. promotion and strengthening of the questioned the Bible class. He did not This is a sign of change and recognition fact that we are brothers and sisters. like it and attributed the resignation to of Romero’s ministry. I considered it a duty to participate, the presence of evangelicals.

Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 25 Romero was conservative while In life I have learned that it is easier that is linked to the 500th anniversary still being charismatic, and in his own to build processes than rebuilding of the Reformation. The purpose of way drawing people to the faith. The peace. The new government of El Sal- our church is to make visible the Ref- journey towards his role as bishop, vador is rebuilding peace amidst the ormation not only from the Lutheran along with the people, transformed dominance of the traditional power. Its perspective but also ecumenically. We him to embrace pastoral leadership cost is huge but there is change. Presi- are promoting it through our pastoral in an ecumenical way. dent Funes has a different approach; it work, sharing the historical and social When he was murdered, we were is more democratic in fulfilling people’s elements of the Reformation especially already having ecumenical meetings dreams of respect and peace. He in our family ministry. (for example, in the Baptist Church, for focuses on planning and establishing the prayer of Christian unity) in which fairer systems to help the poor. The Will Lutherans and Catholics com- Romero participated. The churches government has social services like memorate together the 500th Refor- were already walking together. His access to free education up to high mation anniversary in 2017, and how? death shocked us so much, especially school (uniforms, food etc.), services We will have a meeting with Arch- me. The Salvadoran Lutheran Church to the elderly, health, etc. However, bishop José Luis Escobar Alas, and was still small. The war started and we reconstruction has its costs; still, the hopefully with the Conference of had suspended our meetings. With his dream of peace is being met. Bishops, to talk about how to com- death, many of us decided to take up memorate it. The Lutheran-Catholic the burden of Romero—the Episcopal How does the 2017 Reformation an- document From Conflict to Com- Church, the Emanuel Baptist Church niversary theme “Liberated by God’s munion will be of great importance and others. At that time, I was about Grace” speak to the Salvadoran Lu- for this proposal of a joint study. The 33 years old. theran Church from the social and important aspect is that both churches ecumenical perspectives? can see each other as brothers and In January 2012, on the 20th anniver- The new mayor of San Salvador sisters in dialogue. On the other hand, sary of the 1992 peace agreement, will receive me in June to discuss our pastor Cecilia Alfaro who is the you wrote an open letter to President our church’s request to have a space national coordinator of the Council of Mauricio Funes, calling for a new ac- (an evangelical square) to erect a Churches in Latin America has put the cord to return the country to the path bust of Martin Luther. I am sure that topic on the agenda. The ecumenical of peace and social justice. What other ecumenical churches will also be conversation is the space for dialogues progress has been made? pleased to participate in this initiative with the Catholic Church.

More LWI News at www.lutheranworld.org

26 Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 Violence in DRC Causes Immense Displacement Congolese Refugees Pour into Uganda

RWAMWANJA, Uganda/GENEVA (LWI) – “I had five children. All of them were killed,” Bernadetta Myanura says. The elderly woman has a scar on her arm. Her granddaughter is all the family she has left. The 14-year-old-girl is standing beside her and looking at the floor. The clothes they are wearing are the only things they could save when they fled violence in the Democratic Re- public of the Congo (DRC). That, and their lives. As they tell their story to a team of LWF visitors in late April, they are sheltered in a crowded reception center at Rwamwanja refugee camp, western Uganda. The situation has worsened since Bernadetta Myanura and her granddaughter Feza in the few square meters they have to themselves in the reception center. Photo: M. Renaux then. For weeks, the number of refugees from the DRC has been increas- expecting 1000 more this week. Most of within Rwamwanja camp. The LWF is ing. According to UNHCR Uganda, the people are women and children. The one of the main implementing partners thousands of people are pouring into LWF team in Rwamwanja camp supplies at the new refugee settlement site Uganda each week from the eastern the new arrivals with relief items, such called Mahiga. Covering 7.7km2, it is DRC, fleeing rape and abduction by as blankets, pails and cooking pots, as expected to accommodate 15,000 Mai Mai militia, which claims to fight well as pit latrine excavation kits. When refugees. Each household will be al- for the independence of the DRC’s the refugees are registered, the LWF located a 250m2 plot of land. The LWF, Katanga province and is displacing staff also identify people with special among others, will supply the refugees thousands of families. In less than two needs, such as pregnant women and with shelter, agricultural support, pro- weeks, 3000 Congolese refugees have new mothers, people with disabilities, tection and community services. arrived in Uganda. According to camp survivors of sexual and gender-based Nobody can tell how long they will authorities, they tell stories which sug- violence, unaccompanied minors and have to stay. “People had started to gest a total breakdown of law and order separated children. The LWF team also go back to DRC, now they have to in the eastern DRC. established a counseling desk at the flee again,” a LWF staff member at the The Lutheran World Federation reception center. reception center says. (LWF) has received 1600 Congolese ref- The Ugandan government has ugees at Mahane reception center and is designated a new refugee settlement Uganda: Boreholes for Education Schools Profit from LWF Motorized Water System

ADJUMANI, Uganda/GENEVA (LWI) – Benja- tion (LWF), who are running schools in Adjumani refugee camp, he again met min Makoor, head teacher of Njumanzi Bor as part of their development work. many students from Jonglei, some Primary 1, is not the person who waits “These schools had a good reputation,” even from his hometown. “We have for things to happen. he says. It was however not with a to do something,” he told the parents. In his hometown Bor, Jonglei, he school, but a borehole, that the LWF ”The children need an education.” used to work for the South Sudanese ensured his employment and the There was no Primary school in government. “I was training teachers, education of South Sudanese children. Njumanzi settlement back then, just he said. That was also the first time he When fighting broke out in South trees, grass and bush. “That´s enough heard of The Lutheran World Federa- Sudan, Makoor fled to Uganda. In for now,” Makoor said, “learning starts

Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015 27 Benjamin, head teacher of Nyumanzi 1 primary school, at the borehole built by LWF with BPRM support next to the school. Photo: LWF/M. Renaux when there are students and teachers.” son, however, Makoor still had trouble hands after using the latrines on the The tall man cleared an area with his keeping them at school. compound. “Hygiene and attendance Panga bush knife, and assembled “There was no water,” Makoor says. has increased greatly,” Makoor says. students and teachers under two big The children were needed to fetch The borehole has also made life trees. Flat stones in a semi-circle still water from distant boreholes for their easier for people in the settlement indicate where the students used to families and would wander off after a across the road. Instead of walking sit. On a big branch, he hung a tire lesson or two to quench their thirst. 500 meters, Amer Jok only has to rim with a piece of string. To call his “They had to walk to the distribution carry the water across the road, less students together, he beat it with a center half a kilometer from here,” Ma- than a hundred meters. While hauling spanner. The sound of the improvised koor says. “There were few boreholes water looks very elegant in pictures, school bells can be heard in the moun- in this settlement, and women and the 20-liter-cans are extremely heavy. tains three kilometers away. children are always the most affected.” ”It´s so much better now,” the young Soon after, international agencies In February 2015 however, Nju- woman says. discovered the teacher´s initiative and manzi Primary 1 was connected to Even in the late afternoon, there is built a proper school building with a motorized borehole system set up activity at the school. The borehole is a black boards and desks. Soon the by the LWF. The school received its meeting point for the settlement, so in- school was overcrowded, with up to own tap stand. Students only need to stead of running away early, Makoor´s 160 students per class. In the dry sea- press a button to drink or wash their students linger long hours after school.

Published and distributed by: The Lutheran World Federation 150, route de Ferney P.O. Box 2100 CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland Tel. +41/22-791 61 11 Fax +41/22-791 66 30 E-mail [email protected] www.lutheranworld.org

28 Lutheran World Information No. 05/2015