Lutheran World Federation Assembly 2010

N e w s l e t t e r o f The Lutheran Church in TheForum Great Britain

Summer/Pentecost 2010 ISSUE 5

History of Polish Lutheran Parish p2

David Lin p3

Interfaith Relations Open House p4

LCiGB Women’s Day Meeting p5

LWF Assembly News p6-9

Lutheran World Federation Assembly 2010 For a whole week the eyes of Lutheran churches also enabled us simply to talk to one another, around the world were turned to Stuttgart in strengthening existing friendships and making Germany, as nearly 400 delegates from churches, new ones. as well as visitors, observers, press and ecumenical guests gathered for the 11th Assembly The Assembly is the voice of LWF and its member of the Lutheran World Federation. In total there churches. So it was important that several were almost 1000 people present. interesting and quite radical resolutions were accepted, notably on food and trade justice, There were three of us from the UK – Bishop illegitimate debt, gender justice, human traf cking Emeritus Walter Jagucki as a member of the and climate change. At this time when the world is outgoing Council of LWF, Dean Tom Bruch groaning under the weight of these grave issues, representing the Lutheran Council of Great Britain, it was important for LWF to speak up prophetically. and myself as delegate from the Lutheran Church In addition, the reconciliation process with in Great Britain. Mennonites, spiritual heirs of the Anabaptist movement which suffered terrible persecution As I write, the impressions are still whirling around during the reformation, largely fuelled by Lutheran in my head – the varied and colourful nature of the condemnations, showed us that repentance worship, the sheer size of the event; the profundity and forgiveness in Christ is a reality. This is a of the act of reconciliation with the Mennonites. message the world needs to hear.

There seemed to be three strands that were It was also important to interact with the local important: church, learning about the church in Baden- Württemberg and enabling them to see the LWF Gathering Lutherans together from all parts of at work. For this reason, many of us visited local the world – from Sweden to South Africa, from churches during the Assembly, and many of us Hong Kong to Serbia, from Bangladesh to Papua preached in local services. I was lucky enough to New Guinea – enabled us to see the breadth be able to visit the Friedenskirche, a city centre and depth our communion. As we worshipped church that is also host to a Korean congregation. and prayed together, we grew to recognise The people there were very welcoming and kind, increasingly that what unites us is deeper than and gave us an insight into the joys and sorrows the doctrinal and ethical differences that divide of ministry in Stuttgart. us. That doesn’t mean that the differences have gone away: but the renewed fellowship in Christ The next Assembly will take place in 2017, the that we found should make it easier to deal with 500th Anniversary of the start of the Reformation. the dif cult questions. In particular, the complex of Preparations are already underway for this questions around marriage, family and sexuality signi cant date. was not discussed at all, as we await a  nal report from the commission dealing with it, and have put a period of re ection in place until 2012. It continued on page 10 ! 1 Focus On... Marlina whoreturned toPolandafter30 years in NorthernEngland. The otherwasRev’dJan still leadsworshipintheLCiGB congregations Dean andBishopofLCiGB (1998–2009)andwho was PastorWalter Jagucki, wholaterbecamethe delegated toworkamongus in1964,oneofthem visit wasthattwopastorsfrom Polandwere situation forPolishLutherans. The resultofthis situation inLondonordertounderstandthe they acquaintedthemselveswiththeexisting Superintendent OskarMichejda.Duringtheirvisit, from Poland,BishopKarolKotulaandRev’d In theyear1959achurchdelegationarrived 1985 BishopFierladied). of thePolishLutheranChurchinExile(inOctober Rev’d FierlawasappointedtothestatusofBishop In theyear1953atameetingofchurchSynod enabling a normal parish life to exist. a ladies circle and parish magazine began thus England). Activities such as Sunday school, a choir, (a church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Luther Tynedale Church, Kentish Town in London Senior Wladyslaw Fierla. Services took place in the and the London Parish was entrusted to Rev’d grow. Pastor Wantula returned to Poland in 1948 opportunity for the new London Polish Parish to Lutherans came to live in London, giving an to Poland was impossible. A large group of Polish they were demobilized. For many, returning back army arrived back to Great Britain from where parish. At the end of the war in Europe, the Polish Wantula conducted regular services for this new London should be established. Pastor Dr Andrzej Holborn, it was decided that a Lutheran Parish in in the church hall of Holy Trinity Church in Kingsway, On 18 March 1945, at a meeting of Polish Lutherans many clergytocomeGreatBritain. headquarters. This providedtheopportunityfor to beappointedthechiefchaplainatLondon short timePastorJanOlszararrivedfromCanada which weshallalwaysbeverygrateful. After a Rev’d Walnera. This wasagreathelptousfor the Anglican Churchwhoprovidedthechaplain, there was a lack of clergymen, but help came from Association ofPolishProtestants.Unfortunately, They formedanorganisationcalledthe the PolishGovernmentinLondon. them werethosefromtheciviladministrationand support theminthosedif in whichtheywerebroughtupandwould need fortheirchurchandcontactwiththereligion Polish UnitswereLutheranswhofeltthe continue the time, wereevacuatedtoGreatBritaininorder in exile,bothofwhichwereFranceatthe II, thePolisharmyandGovernment Following the invasion of France during World War History ofthePolishLutheranParish,London 2  ght withtheinvaders.Within  cult times. Amongst Grinberga. HerwisdomandhelpforourPolish all welcomeournewelectedBishopJanaJeruma- LCiGB parishesinthenorthofEngland. And we of BishopEmeritus.Heremainsworkingamong Walter Jaguckiretiredandwasgiventhenewtitle At theSynodmeetingon4October2008Bishop the SynodintoLutheranChurchinGreatBritain. King, London, Polish congregations were acceptedOn 23 Aprilby 2005 St John’s Cambridge and Christ the and JanuszJagucki. from PolandnowretiredBishopsJanSzarek parishes was able to continue. We also had visits of PolishLutherans,theworkLondon Bishop W Jagucki, Rev’d Bieta and the Association services inthepolishlanguage.Withhelpof The majorityofparishionersstillwantedtohave Chudecki, Rev’d Alfred Bietaandmanyothers. R Dorda,Rev’dHauptman,Groachal, Other pastorsalsoarrived,Rev’dSDorda, Congregation inCambridge. in GreatBritainpresidingatStJohn’s Polish Vera Erdmann-Sudol coming years,itisde help andblessingforthefuture. Forthenext Poland. Butwestillhopefully goaheadwithGod’s come toworkforashortperiod andthenreturnto they are not yet few newcomersformPoland,butunfortunately magazines andalsoatnewsagents.We havea We advertise ourservicesinPolishpapers, members wholivefaraway. and alsotransportationdif parishioners movingtonursinghomes,badhealth parish membersaredwindling,duetodeath, hymnbooks fromPoland. At themomentour classes andrecentlyintroducednewprayer 2.30pm). ChristtheKingalsohascon a Eucharistserviceeverymonth(4thSundayat Parish church,London.PastorWojtowicz holds place on31May2009inourChristtheKing Wojtowicz toourParishandhisinstallationtook In April 2009wewelcomedPastorRobert son wasbornon22 April 2009. Rev’d MuellerleftustoliveinGermanywhereher Mueller, atourchurchinKnightsbridge,London. Jagucki. On7October2006shemarriedDirk Lutheran Church,LondonbyBishopWalter was ordainedon11 January2003atSt Anne’s and lookedafterusforthenexttenyears.She arrived, toourPolishparishinKnightsbridge In August 1999Rev’dMagdalenaKluz(Mueller) community verymuchappreciated. Christ theKing LutheranChurch,London  nancially established or have just  nitely achallenge.  culties fortheolder  rmation New Faces 3 ll ! ng and ! es in the UK. Gloria, 27, works for for works 27, Gloria, UK. the in es ! 16) in which Phoebe teaches teaches 16) in which Phoebe – me we enjoy growing vegetables and vegetables growing enjoy me we ! onal Gallery in Trafalgar Square as Research Research as Square Trafalgar in Gallery onal ! and school students in Pushan, South Korea. Korea. South Pushan, in students school and s home now though we The UK is our permanent and Taiwan, living in Hong Kong parents aged have by visi up with them catch to manage and we Skype-phoning. closely as all more with you working to I look forward His people. and of our Lord the servant of the World Council of Churches News Service News in Council of Churches of the World Switzerland. and I have Phoebe Church Lutheran In the Chinese both adults and for groups bible study been leading years a few for adults in Mandarin and English young our Sunday These are preachers. also lay are and we engagements. have now we years four for Saturday On every (for in Islington a Chinese School at volunteered 5 aged children and I serve as adults/parents Mandarin to Oral Headteacher. In our spare Facebooking with Wii sport games, herbs, exercising our dog (Shihzhu) for and caring and Yahoo-blogging, along with our cat 16 years who has been with us for 12 years. Mimi who has been with us for both and children, grown two have I and Phoebe universi from graduated athletes Olympic to the Na English teaches 25, Eric, and Manager, e " vely ! on for ! on in the UK for ! enham Court Road, l 2006 when the # ! rm in Chancery Lane,  end the Chinese Lutheran # on (based in London, UK) as ! hosted the LCiGB Synod in April 2010. Photo Courtesy of Ulrike Ellis. hosted the LCiGB Synod in Attendees enjoying the lunch provided by the Eritrean Congregation who Attendees enjoying the lunch provided by the Eritrean Congregation who of June 2010, the Council ng on 19 ! rst Chair, as required under the new under the new as required Chair, rst  in Geneva, their headquarters on (at ! early 1994 un from " being ac Council, as well as ngs of the ! and convene David Lin will onal provisions. !

an Communica tu

c since 1978. I joined the World Associa c since 1978. I joined the World

!  ty relocated to Toronto, Canada. I was then called then called Canada. I was Toronto, to ty relocated !

rst recommended to us by our close family friend the us by our close family to recommended rst David Lin, New Chair of LCiGB Council LCiGB of Chair New Lin, David Hong Kong to London. Tom was formerly the editor the editor formerly was London. Tom to Hong Kong  from moved when we Dorris of ELCA Dean Tom late Church near Goodge Street at To at Street near Goodge Church

My wife Phoebe and I a My wife London. two years. I now work for a law a law for I now work years. two Chinese church and a charity organisa and Chinese church to work as administrator for the Chinese Church in the Chinese Church for as administrator work to ethnic the largest London (based in Hammersmith),

en a senior sta

Chris Switzerland) and its related ministries in Asia and the ministries and its related Switzerland) Paci

to London in 1994, I have worked for the Lutheran the Lutheran for worked in 1994, I have London to Federa World in Hong Kong and the United States. Before coming coming Before States. and the United in Hong Kong I come from Hong Kong originally and have studied studied originally and have Kong Hong from I come This is how David introduces himself: This is how David introduces Robert Wojtowicz, members). members). Wojtowicz, Robert Bruch, Treasurer; Stanley Goh, Secretary; Very Rev’d Rev’d Very Secretary; Goh, Stanley Bruch, Treasurer; and Rev’d Kallaghe Tumaini Bruch, Dean; Rev’d Tom other Trustees; that is, members of the Council (Linda that is, members of the Council other Trustees; Higgins from St Luke’s in Leeds, and, of course, all the and, of course, in Leeds, Higgins from St Luke’s

He will be ably assisted by our new Vice Chair, Anne Chair, Vice by our new He will be ably assisted involved in the day to day management of the church. day management day to in the involved

chair mee LCiGB elected its elected LCiGB

cons At its regular mee its At Interfaith Relations Open House ‘Open Doors, Stories, and Journeys’ was an Open being vulnerable with honest explorations of our House weekend in June for the public to learn differences rather than pretend we are something more about Islam and the programmes of the that we are not. London Central Mosque (Regent’s Park, London). The opening event was a tour, discussion and I am a father. dinner, bringing leaders of the Islamic community I brought one of my daughters, Grace with me. into dialogue with teachers and leaders from other Grace is almost eight years old. Her classmates faith traditions. I was invited to brie y speak about are Muslim, Hindu and Christian as well as many interfaith relations. who practice no faith. Our neighbours are Jews.

News She lives in a multi-faith world and I desire for her I brought Grace, my seven-year-old daughter with and her little sister Mercy to live in a world where me to the event. The following are the words I people of all faiths are respected and appreciated. shared: I am a Lutheran pastor. Let me begin by expressing my thanks and I serve St Anne’s Lutheran Church, which is near appreciation for being with you tonight. Please St Paul’s Cathedral. The people of St Anne’s know that I am deeply honoured to be able come from North and South America, Africa, to share a few words about the importance of Europe and Asia interfaith relations. We are committed to being a house of prayer for The importance of interfaith relations begins with all nations, where all people are welcomed, as who I am. we have been welcomed by God. As a Lutheran, I believe in God’s active presence in the world I am a child of God. today. I am a Christian. I am a father. I live London. I am a Lutheran Pastor. London is home to people of all nations, I live in London. languages and faiths. Every day each and every I am an American. one of us encounters Christians, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists, and people who claim I share this description of who I am as the core no faith. reasons why I am convinced of the importance of interfaith relations. Please allow me to explain. The best way for us to live together is to be in relationship with each other, seeking I am a child of God. understanding and appreciation of the variety of I understand Jews, Muslims, and Christians gifts that each of us brings to this amazing city. as people of the book. We may have many differences in belief, custom, and practice, but we I am American. are people of the book and children of God. As you could tell from the moment I opened my mouth and began to speak, I am an American. I We believe in the Almighty and Merciful God of was born and raised in the state of Oklahoma and the Universe, I would like to live up to the reputation of one of the One who spoke all creation into being, Oklahoma’s most famous citizens, a man named the One who has been revealed to us, Will Rogers who said, ‘I never yet met a man I the One who has spoken through prophets, didn’t like.’ the One who desires to be in relationship with us. That quote comes from an interview with Will I am a Christian. Rogers when he was asked about Leon Trotsky I believe in God’s revelation in Jesus of and said: Nazareth, who is Jesus Christ my Lord. It is important for me to be clear about who I am as a ‘I bet you if I had met him and had a chat with Christian in order for me to be honest and open him, I would have found him very interesting and in interfaith conversation. Whether Christian, human fellow, for I have never yet met a man I Muslim, Jew, Hindu, Buddhist or Sikh we meet didn’t like’. each other as the believers that we are. We should never be ashamed of faith and belief. We Unfortunately many in America, including many should not be willing to minimise our beliefs and leaders in America, and many who claim to be traditions. Christian in America no longer take the time to sit down and have a conversation with other If we are to have meaningful conversations and people of the world, especially people who are relations across faith traditions than we must risk different. 4 It is my prayer that the people and leaders of the Events United States of America be committed to open and honest dialogue and true partnership with all the citizens of this world.

As a child of God, as Christian, as a father, and as a Lutheran pastor, I am committed to interfaith relations. I am committed to conversation, not conversion, for only God can convert the heart. I am committed to relationships, not restrictions, for I desire freedom for all people to live and practice their faith with respect and appreciation. I am committed to not judge, lest I be judged by my neighbour or by God. I am committed to loving my neighbour as I am commanded to do so by my Lord Jesus Christ. The Pastor’s daughter, Grace, enjoying the spicy food! My neighbours truly are people of all nations, Photo Courtesy of Rev’d Timothy A. Burkett languages, colours and religions here in the city of Dearhamer. London. I pray for the grace and strength to love as God has loved me.

Thank you.

Rev’d Timothy A. Burkett Dearhamer St Anne’s Lutheran Church, London

LCiGB Women’s Day Meeting Lutheran ladies gathered at the home of Marlies but in the household men often get the best food, Adam in early July for the annual summer the children next, and women last. Is that right? If meeting. While lingering in the garden, we not, how might it be corrected? renewed acquaintances and met new friends. Maggie Pickford provided an impromptu history Next, we discussed the meaning of “given” in the of the Lutheran Women’s Group. Despite the creation story (Genesis 1-2) and applications for loss of their physical home at Hothorpe Hall, today. Is God’s creation sacred? Do we have a the spirit of fellowship continues in its current sacred duty to the land and animals, and to look form: an annual summer meeting and an autumn after ourselves in our various roles as women? residential retreat. We pondered ‘lost’ activities What speci c action might the LCiGB take to such as family days and summer Bible school help correct food injustice? Just as we were for children, and discussed ideas about future grappling with this question, Marlies decorated our gatherings. table with 3 sumptuous cakes—more fuel for our thoughts! During lunch there was a collective clamour for Marlies’ recipe for gazpacho soup and we We are so grateful to Marlies for welcoming us in marvelled at the variety of homemade bread. her home and providing a splendid meal, and to Admixed with our chat, we listened to the Maggie for helping to organize the day. Bishop children’s shrieks of excitement as they jumped Jana led us in thought provoking and challenging through the water sprinkler. discussions,  rmly grounded in The Word. What a wonderful opportunity for Lutheran fellowship. After lunch, we discussed the Lutheran World Federation’s theme for the 2010 summit, “Give us today our daily bread.” We all participated in a Sarah Owens lively Question and Answer session led by Bishop St Anne’s Lutheran Church, London Jana which included: What is daily bread? Why is there food inequality and injustice? In poorer More information on the up coming Women’s countries women are usually the food producers, Retreat is included in this issue of The Forum. 5 LWF Assembly Concludes in Joyful Worship ‘We Recognize the Obligation of Feeding the In her sermon based on John 6:48-51, Rev. World Physically and Spiritually’ Shu-Chen (Selma) Chen, The Lutheran Church of Taiwan (Republic of China), focused on “the STUTTGART, Germany, 27 July 2010 (LWI) – manna which our forebears ate.” Participants in the Eleventh Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) celebrated the She described how, for her, the manna describes end of the meeting in a closing eucharistic service the simple relationship between God, creation today in Stuttgart’s Stiftskirche. During the 20- and humans. “God gave the manna, and people 27 July meeting of the highest decision-making were able to sustain themselves without exploiting body of the LWF, delegates discussed issues of others or depriving them of their basic food.” concern in church and society under the theme, “Give Us Today Our Daily Bread.” “Jesus says, ‘I am the bread of life,’” said Chen. The highlights are contained in the Assembly “He is our abundant God. He wants us to share Message, in which delegates summarized the abundance we have with those who are need. the actions they intend to take as a result of He wants us to trust him in his faithfulness.” their deliberations during the meeting. “The sacramental sharing of bread and wine obliges us “With our faithful, abundant God we can make to care for the daily bread of our societies,” states this world a different one,” she continued. “A world the message. “As a communion of small and large with more justice, more life.” churches, we recognize that we ful l the obligation of feeding the world physically and spiritually in Departing from the Assembly, participants were various ways.” encouraged to take this message back into their own contexts and challenges. The table needs to The Assembly Message notes that in an be set for everyone, said Chen. “Let us be good increasingly multicultural world, the need for stewards, sharing the table with everyone around dialogue and working together grows more urgent us.” daily. “Being well grounded in our faith tradition enables us to be open, receptive and hospitable In keeping with the Assembly theme, worshippers to others.” held bowls of grain high as the LWF leaders asked God’s help in leading the LWF in the years to In what has been called the most signi cant come. legacy of the Assembly, delegates took the historic step of asking the Mennonites for forgiveness Music during the service included hymns in for past persecutions. Delegates unanimously different languages from around the world, some approved a statement calling Lutherans accompanied by drums and the jubilant ululation to express their regret and sorrow for past often heard in African churches. The Lord’s wrongdoings towards Anabaptists and asking for Prayer, like during other worship services at the forgiveness. Assembly, was prayed in as many languages as LWF Assembly 2010 LWF are spoken by the participants here. The Assembly elected a new LWF President, Rt Rev. Dr Munib A. Younan, who is the  rst person This article has been taken from Lutheran World from the Asia region to hold the highest position Information. at the LWF Secretariat. Younan, who is bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHC), succeeds Bishop Mark S. Hanson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

During the closing worship service, Younan and the 48 other newly-elected Council drawn from the seven LWF regions were installed. The new Council members included 10 representatives each from Africa and Asia; 8 from Central Western Europe; 6 from the Nordic Countries; 5 each from Central Eastern Europe and North America and 4 from the Latin American and Caribbean region.

“With our faithful, abundant God, we can make Final worship service of LWF Assembly. this world a different one” Photo Courtesy of Rudite Losane.

6 LUTHERAN WOMEN’S RETREAT 2010 Events 19-21 November Bawtry Hall, South Yorkshire This year, the LCiGB Women’s Group will be holding their annual retreat around the theme of GRACE Discussion text: The Hammer of God by Bo Giertz

Our programme will include discussion of The Hammer of God. as well as an exploration and sharing of personal responses and understandings of grace.

Over the weekend there will be fellowship, discussion, prayer and worship.

The weekend provides an opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and make new friends while nourishing faith and trust in God.

There will be time to relax and explore the local history along with quiet times and song with prayer and re ection.

Cost of weekend: £90 (including £25 deposit)

To book a place on the retreat, please contact Tracy Maroske (of St Anne’s Lutheran Church, London):

Phone: 020 8686 0697 | Text: 0771 01 04 589 | Email: [email protected]

There are limited spaces available to please get in touch soon!

LCIGB PILGRIMAGE IN LEEDS to Celebrate St Luke’s Anniversary 3-5 September

St Luke’s will be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the church in Headingley in September this year. The celebrations will open over the weekend of 3-5 September with an invitation to members from all congregations to make a pilgrimage to the Leeds to visit St Luke’s.

There will be a welcome supper on Friday evening, visits to the German Evangelical Church and St Matthew’s in Bradford and to Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds, and a Parish Dinner on Saturday, and an anniversary service followed by a barbecue on Sunday before guests make their way home.

We hope that many of you will be able to join us and would be grateful if you would complete the online form (http://stlukeslutheranchurch.org.uk/lutherans-up-north-event) as soon as possible so that we have an idea of how many people to expect as we hope to accommodate everyone with members of the congregation.

Please return your form to: Annette Higgins, 32 Fourlands Drive, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD10 9SJ

For more information you can contact Annette at:[email protected] or by telephone on: 01274 615 365

7 “True humanity” is found in giving and receiving “Give Us Today Our Daily Bread”: words to God Several resolutions on those issues had been are now also words from Lutherans to each other approved earlier by delegates to the Assembly. and to the world. “Daily” concern for the environment, sustainable STUTTGART, Germany, 27 July 2010 (LWI) – development, “illegitimate debts incurred by When Christians pray “Give Us Today Our Daily unscrupulous lenders and borrowers” and Bread,” the words are addressed to God. But greed should impel Christians to work for ethical Lutherans attending the Eleventh Assembly economic policies and ecologically responsible of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) here activities, the message said. It called upon the turned those words also towards each other in a LWF and its member churches to advocate message to the 145 churches in 79 countries that for the cancellation of “illegitimate debts” that are members of the global Lutheran communion. are burdening some countries, to promote development that is “sustainable” and to raise “True humanity” is found in receiving and giving, awareness of environmental issues. The message said the message. While the whole of creation is said, “We anticipate a time when we no longer a gift from God, neighbors depend upon the gifts need to speak about such issues each day.” they give each other. The message reminded Christians that they should give thanks to God, The “bread” sought in the petition of the Lord’s give the Gospel message to others, give their Prayer is “everything that has to do with the knowledge and material goods to those in need, support and needs of the body,” the message and care for the environment so that future said, quoting from the Small Catechism of Martin generations “may enjoy the fruits of creation and Luther. This includes such things as shoes, lead wholesome lives.” health, devout children, good government, a good reputation and good friends, Luther’s catechism Lutherans are part of a worldwide community declares. Lutherans provide “bread” for the world, with other Christians and people of other faiths therefore, by preaching the gospel, providing or people who have no faith, said the section of education and social development and advocating the message focusing on the word, “us.” Because for the needs of others, the message continued. religious and social differences can fracture the community, the message urged Lutherans to seek In today’s complex world, this means working the “reconciliation that is possible in Christ,” citing together across the entire human community. as an example the Assembly’s repentance for The message encouraged Lutherans to steep past injustices committed by Lutherans against themselves in their own faith. “Being well- Mennonites. The statement urged continuing grounded in our faith tradition enables us to be dialogue with Mennonites, Protestants who were open, receptive and hospitable to others.” once denounced by Lutherans. This article has been taken from Lutheran World The message said that acknowledging the Information. worldwide community means seeking “gender LWF Assembly 2010 LWF justice” for men and women, opposing commercialization of the human body and traf cking in human beings, and acknowledging the needs and rights of children and those with disabilities. Editor’s Note We would like to apologise for the late publication Churches should give more visibility to women of this issue of The Forum. We hope that the pastors and women in lay leadership, and commit wait was worthwhile as we are now able to bring themselves to seeking equal rights for women you news from the LWF Assembly in Stuttgart in society. Welfare of children should also be which met at the end of July. As this Assembly a “priority for future theology and action,” the only occurs once every seven years we thought it message said. “When we put the rights, needs appropriate to ‘hold press’ until its completion. and welfare of children at the centre … we have a future much brighter than we can imagine.” This delay will have no impact on future issues of The Forum and it is expected the next issue to be The issues of “today” – the next word in the released as scheduled in October. petition from the Lord’s Payer – include concern for the world’s food supply, global climate change, We would also like to say ‘thank you’ to all of our the plight of indigenous people, and the effects readers and contributors as The Forum celebrates of HIV/AIDS, the LWF message said. Lutherans its  rst anniversary with this issue. should also welcome into their countries migrants who left their countries for “political, economic or We hope that you have enjoyed this issue of The climate reasons.” Forum. 8 A World in ‘Pain’ But Lutherans Gather in ‘Confident Hope’ LWF2010 Assembly LWF President Calls Churches Attention to One was “leadership”. Hanson said, “We have Celebrating Their Common Heritage made progress in our commitment to encourage member churches to support the ordination of STUTTGART, Germany/21 July 2010 (LWI) – women. Yet we have much work to do in holding Lutherans gather in Stuttgart, Germany, for their one another accountable for that commitment.” international assembly at a time when “the world is in pain,” said Bishop Mark S. Hanson, President The second issue cited by the LWF president was of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) when “decision-making,” and Hanson said there would he presented his address to the once-every-six be a “healthy tension” among some LWF member years gathering, taking place in this southern city churches because of the way decisions made in of Germany. one church impact churches in other parts of the world. “Wars rage, the creation groans under the weight of our consumption, refugees wander in search The third issue cited by the LWF president was of shelter, illness and death come to those who “sustainability,” that is, furthering trust in and lack access to clean water and health care,” said support for the Lutheran communion as developed Hanson, who is also Presiding Bishop of the in the LWF. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, In his report, touching on his seven years as LWF “You bring to this assembly the cries of the people president Hanson reiterated the identity Lutheran in your communities,” the LWF president said to churches as: the more than 400 delegates and hundreds of other participants attending the meeting hosted by ! “Evangelical,” stressing the good news that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Württemberg. Jesus Christ frees people from bondage to sin. The assembly theme is “Give Us Today Our Daily Bread.” ! “Sacramental,” focusing on the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. On the theme of the meeting, Hanson said that although many in the world lack their daily bread, ! “Contextual,” adapting their mission and service “we gather for this assembly in con dent hope, to speci c social situations. for God has neither abandoned God’s people nor forsaken God’s creation.” ! “Communal,” living in communion with one another and with concern for the entire human Lutherans from around the world are creating community. a “communion” of churches, he said, where Lutheran churches working together celebrate ! “Diaconal,” giving service to others in God’s their common heritage, but do not become name, “preoccupied with our own identity and survival.” Rather,” the LWF President said, “I believe our ! “Ecumenical,” seeking unity among the world’s self-understanding is for the sake of being turned Christians. outward toward the world God so loves.” This article has been taken from Lutheran World The LWF president said he saw three issues that Information. the LWF should address.

Plenary Session at LWF Assembly. Photo Courtesy of Rudite Losane.

9 LWF Assembly cont For more detail, as well as the documentation of decisions of the Assembly, videos, sound clips and photos, please see: www.lwf-assembly.org.

This is a quick summary of the Final Message:

‘“Give, give us, give us today our daily bread” – a thousand voices joined in this theme song at the LWF Assembly in Stuttgart. Here is a short summary of our message. Plenary Session at LWF Assembly. Give – we are reminded, and grateful, for what Photo Courtesy of Rudite Losane. we are receiving from God and from each other. This gratitude urges us to share with others our faith, our goods, our knowledge. In receiving and knowledge and creativity to ensure that coming sharing true humanity is found. generations will be able to live their God-given life to the full. Us – we af rm our being part of the much larger body of Christ and part of humanity. We work Bread – Bread is much more than just our food. towards healing of division and inclusion of those Sharing in the bread and wine, body and blood of who are marginalised. Christ, obliges us to care for the daily bread of our societies. We commit to do this amongst others Today – we are challenged by burning issues that through preaching the gospel, education, capacity can and must be dealt with, such as Food Justice, building and diakonia. Climate Change and HIV/Aids. We commit to playing our part in dealing with these. We worship a triune God who empowers us to be part of the answer to our prayer: Give us today Daily – Not only burning issues, but also ongoing our daily bread.’ ones need our attention: we need to use our Bishop Jana Jeruma-Grinberga

One Friday Night

Suddenly it all made stunning sense, that Sabbath when he said to me ‘Stand up, take your mat and walk.’ His faith in me took over me and he had taken my doubt.

Even when they killed him,

Poetry as they did, near here, today, his faith, and my health, stayed.

I bake bread. I’m glad you believe in his innocence too.

Thank you for asking me, centurion, why I’m still here, on the road out of Jerusalem, tonight:

because I agree, he was God’s Son!

by Pete Mathers, St Anne’s Lutheran Church in London

10 Services in Amharic Nottingham Directory LCiGB London Trinity Lutheran Church, 67 Home eld Road, St Anne’s Lutheran Church Aspley, Nottingham NG8 Services held at St Vedast Church, Foster Lane, Services every  rst and third Sunday of the London EC2 month: 11:00 Services every Sunday: 15:00 Website: www.trinitylutheran.org.uk Website: www.stanneslutheranchurch.org Services in Oromoo Services in Chinese London London Services every Sunday: 14:00 – details to follow London Chinese Lutheran Church Website: www.lutheranchurch.co.uk Services held at The American Church in London, 79A Tottenham Court Road, London W1T Services in Polish Services every Sunday: 14:00 Cambridge Website: www.lclchurch.org.uk St John’s Lutheran Church Services held at St John’s Abbey Church, Services in English Newmarket Road CB5 Birmingham Services every  rst Sunday of the month: 12:00 University Chaplaincy Services held in the Worship Room, St Francis Edinburgh Hall, University of Birmingham Main Campus, St Matthew’s Lutheran Church Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 Services held four times a year Services every  rst and third Sunday of the Contact: Arkadiusz Kilanowski [email protected] month: 11:00 Website: www.chaplaincy.bham.ac.uk High Wycombe St John’s Lutheran Church Bradford Services held at St John’s United Reformed St Matthew’s Lutheran Church Church, London Road HP11 Services held at 70 Little Horton Lane, Bradford. Service second Sunday of the month: 14:30 Services every  rst Sunday of the month: 12:00 Contact: Mrs H Martin (telephone 0113 267 7679) Leeds St Luke’s Church, Alma Road, Headingley, Corby, Northants Leeds LS6 St Paul’s Lutheran Church Services every  rst Sunday of the month: 9:30 Services held at Church of the Epiphany, Website: www.stlukeslutheranchurch.org.uk Elizabeth Street, Corby, Northants NN17 Services every  rst and third Sunday of the month: 11:00 London Christ the King Lutheran Church Harrogate Services held at Christ Church, Montpelier Place, St Luke’s Lutheran Church Knightsbridge SW7 Services held at St Peter’s Church, 19-21 Services every fourth Sunday of the month: 14:00 Cambridge St, Harrogate, HG1 Services every third Sunday of the month: 17:00 Milton Keynes Contact: Mrs Joan White (telephone 0113 278 5075) Please contact Pastor Robert Wojtowicz by email at [email protected] Leeds St Luke’s Lutheran Church, 9 Alma Road, Manchester Headingley, Leeds LS6 St Martin’s Lutheran Church Services every Sunday: 10:30 Services held at Martin Luther Church, 9 Park Rd, Website: www.stlukeslutheranchurch.org.uk Stretford, Manchester M32 Services every  rst Sunday of the month: 15:00 London Contact: 0161 865 1335 St Anne’s Lutheran Church, Gresham Street, London EC2V Reading Services every Sunday: 11:00 and 18:30 St John’s Lutheran Church Website: www.stanneslutheranchurch.org Services held at St John’s West Methodist Church, 448 Oxford Road, RG30 Manchester Services every third Sunday of the month: 12:30 St Martin’s Lutheran Church Services held at Martin Luther Church, 9 Park Rd, Stretford, Manchester M32 Services every  rst Sunday of the month: 15:00 Contact: 0161 865 1335 continued on next page! 11 Quotes … Upcoming Events

So long as we feed ! Lutheran Women’s Retreat (19-21 November 2010) the hungry, clothe the naked, house the The retreat will be held at Bawtry Hall, Doncaster. The cost of the weekend is homeless and provide £90. If you are interested in attending, please contact Tracy Maroske, St tents for refugees, we Anne’s Church, London:020 8686 0697 or [email protected] will be instruments of God’s answer to the ! LCiGB Pilgrimage and 25th Anniversary of St Luke’s prayer of others, ‘Give (3-5 September 2010) Us Today Our Daily Bread.’ Hosted this year by St Luke’s Lutheran church in Leeds. If you are interested in attending, please contact Annette Higgins, St Luke’s, Leeds: 01274 615 365 or Bishop Mark S. Hanson [email protected] Retiring LWF President

LCiGB Directory Cont

Services in Swahili Services in Tigrinya London London St Anne’s Lutheran Church, Gresham Street, London Eritrean Wengelawit Lutheran Church EC2V Services held at St Andrews, Frognall Lane, Finchley Services every  rst and third Sunday: 14:00 NW3 Website: www.stanneslutheranchurch.org Services every Sunday: 13:30 Website: www.wlcl.co.uk Reading Imani Lutheran Mission Church Services held at Oddfellows’ Hall, Oxford Road, Reading RG1 Services every fourth Sunday of the month: 14:30pm

LCiGB Contact Information Bishop: Jana Jeruma-Grinberga Address: LCiGB, c/o Churches Together in England, Email: [email protected] 27 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HH Phone: 020 3384 1928 Administrator: Rosanna Mason Website: www.lutheranchurch.co.uk Email: [email protected] The Lutheran Church in Great Britain is a member Editors: Sarah and Robin Farrow church of the Lutheran World Federation Email: [email protected]

The Lutheran Church in Great Britain Limited is a company registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 7034897 | Registered Charity Number: 1137050