Assembly Update No. 4 Lutheran World Includes InformationLWI Call for a Spiritual at Highlights Joint Declaration’s Tenth Anniversary

African Lutheran Church Leaders Explore Climate Change Impact on Food Security...... 3 Climate change, food security and poverty in Africa were the focus topics of a consultation of the Lutheran World Federation held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 5-10 October...

Lead the Drive for Justice and Peace, Asian Faith Communities Urged...... 6 Use your institutions to develop Church representatives follow the festive ecumenical service in the Augsburg Cathedral marking the tenth anniversary of the signing opportunities for common action, of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch a Lutheran World Federation consultation has urged religious communities in Asia... LWF General Secretary Noko Says Walls of Separation Are Broken Down LWF Congratulates Newly Elected Leader of German AUGSBURG, /GENEVA (LWI) – A few years—all that is sheer ingratitude,” he Protestant Church Body...... 13 festive ecumenical service concluded cel- asserted. “We need a spiritual ecumenism, The Lutheran World Federation extended warm congratulations ebrations marking the tenth anniversary and it has grown, thank goodness, in the to Dr Margot Kässmann of the signing of the Joint Declaration on last few years.” Kasper’s closing words were: upon her election on 28 October, as the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ) in “Ultimately, ecumenism is not an end in chairperson of the Council of the Augsburg, Germany. Methodists, Luther- itself: it aims to go beyond itself toward Evangelical Church in Germany. ans and Roman Catholics underlined how reconciliation, unity and world peace. Let much had been achieved in ecumenical us thus be the vanguard and precursors of FEATURE: Don’t Cry Tears dialogue over the past ten years. this unity and this peace.” Lest They Ask for Water ...... 15 In his sermon in the Augsburg Cathe- The second preacher at the festive Safiel Kulei’s simple statement goes to the heart of the plight of many dral, the President of the Pontifical Council ecumenical service, Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko, of his neighbors hit by consecutive for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU) general secretary of the Lutheran World years of drought in Kenya... Walter Cardinal Kasper Federation (LWF), evoked stated that the JDDJ was “our sharing in [God’s] mis- a sign of the workings of sion through the power the Holy Spirit. “We can- of the Holy Spirit.” This not be thankful enough for enables Christians “to over- that and for many, many come the ever-present forces other steps that have been of division in church and in possible since. The god- society. It helps us to seek less complaining about responsible ways of reduc- the supposed standstill in ing the enemy images that the ecumenical movement isolate and separate us from and the miserable moaning the gift of communion with about what has not yet been achieved, forgetting all that PCPCU president Walter Cardinal Kasper Continues on page 9 has been given us in the last © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch 200910 Contents Communio

LWF Consultation on Climate Change, Food Security and Poverty in Africa 3 �������� African Lutheran Church Leaders Explore Climate Change Impact on Food Security 4 �������� Churches Called to Hold Governments Accountable 5 �������� Lutheran Church Leaders Seek Just Agreements at Copenhagen Conference

6 �������� Lead the Drive for Justice and Peace, Asian Faith Communities Urged

Ten Years of the JDDJ 8 �������� Dialogue between Lutherans and Roman Catholics Has Paid Off 9 �������� Call for a Spiritual Ecumenism at Joint Declaration’s Tenth Anniversary 10 ������ LWF General Secretary Noko: New Quality in Lutheran-Catholic Relationship 11 ������ First Ecumenical and International Monument to the Reformation

LWF Secretariat 13 ������ LWF Welcomes Nobel Peace Prize Award to US President Barack Obama 13 ������ LWF Congratulates Newly Elected Leader of German Protestant Church Body

Features & Themes 15 ������ FEATURE: Don’t Cry Tears Lest They Ask for Water

News in Brief 7 �������� African Interfaith Body Receives Global Interreligious Award 14 ������ Ecumenism Seeks Stronger Links in Brazil 14 ������ US Lutherans, Catholics, Methodists Mark Tenth Anniversary of Joint Declaration Assembly Update No. 4 ...... I-IV

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2 No. 10/2009 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran LWF Consultation on climate change, food security and poverty in Africa Nairobi, Kenya, 5-10 October 2009 African Lutheran Church Leaders Explore Climate Change Impact on Food Security Nairobi Meeting Deliberates Theological Perspectives on “Daily Bread” NAIROBI, Kenya/Geneva (LWI) – Cli- mate change, food security and pov- erty in Africa were the focus topics of a consultation of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 5-10 October. Over 50 participants from LWF member churches in Africa, country programs of the Department for World Service (DWS) and related partners deliberated the three topics under the theme “Vision, Realities and the Witness of the Church amid Crises of Climate Change, Food and Poverty.” The Africa area desk at the LWF Department for Mission and De- Newly arrived internally displaced persons put up a shelter in a camp in Eastern Chad, where LWF/DWS is velopment (DMD) organized the working. In parts of Africa, recurring drought and conflict over land increasingly lead to internal displacement of event, hosted by the Evangelical people. © ACT International/Paul Jeffrey Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK) and Kenya Evangelical Lutheran the member churches to deepen their ued this focus, calling for greater sen- Church (KELC). theological and ethical understanding sitivity to the vulnerability of people The consultation comes at a sig- on the human contribution to climate seeking their rights amid the crisis. nificant moment in view of prepara- change and the global food crisis. The The Mbabane, Swaziland, meeting tions for the July 2010 LWF Eleventh governing body emphasized the ur- attended by representatives and part- Assembly in Stuttgart, Germany, said gency and unprecedented magnitude ners of DWS country and associate Rev. Dr Musa P. Filibus, DMD area of these challenges and their threat programs in Southern Africa, stated secretary for Africa. “It relates closely to humanity and the rest of creation. that equity in land tenure systems was to the Assembly theme, ‘Give Us Today The Council called on the churches to key to achieving national food security. Our Daily Bread.’ To speak about the move beyond lamentation to urgent Participants underlined the need to impact of climate change, food security and effective action. promote community-based solutions, and poverty is to articulate concern Following up on the Council’s and called on churches to deepen their about the cry of the poor for daily bread action, the July 2009 meeting of the moral and ethical understanding of and justice,” he explained. LWF Africa Region Task Force on food security. The gathering would enable church Poverty in Johannesburg, South Africa, Still, more research and better leaders, theologians, development work- explored further the contextual threat networking are needed to influence ers and partners to share experiences of climate change including increasing governments to act on behalf of the and deepen theological understanding floods and droughts, resulting in inter- poor and vulnerable hit hard by the of the critical issues related to climate nal displacement of people and conflict lack of food security in the region, change and food security, and the link over land. The committee underlined noted the DWS consultation. with systemic poverty, said Filibus. that climate change was resulting in It urged better use of climate Other perspectives would include trade, unpredictable seasons, failure of har- change resources, a scaling up of gender justice and the role of women as vests and a water crisis. It proposed the disaster relief and the promotion of agents of transformation, he explained. Nairobi follow-up consultation. drought-resistant crops among other At its 2008 meeting in Arusha, A September 2009 DWS regional approaches. Tanzania, the LWF Council urged consultation on food security contin- 9 October 2009

No. 10/2009 3 Churches Called to Hold Governments Accountable

Setting the tone for the consultation on church has a role to play,” said Fynn. climate change, food security and pov- “If we sensitize our people this will go erty on the continent, the LWF Vice a long way in solving the problem of President for the region said, “it cannot climate change,” he said. be business as usual,” as recurring crises Concern was also raised about continue to hurt the continent. the church’s responsibility in hold- “We cannot continue to medi- ing governments accountable over ate on this, we must take action,” the issue of land privatization to Bishop Dr Zephania Kameeta of the multinational corporations for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the cultivation of products that benefit Republic of Namibia (ELCRN), told the global market economy. a press conference at the opening of “The small land that we live on is the 5-10 October consultation. slowly being taken away, and we keep Kameeta underlined the LWF’s “call asking ourselves, ‘Are people going for more research and better networking to eat the flowers or the industries?’” to influence governments to act on behalf remarked Rev. Dr Elieshi Mungure, of the poor and vulnerable people, hit LWF Vice President Bishop Dr Zephania Kameeta a lecturer at the Makumira Univer- delivered the keynote address at the consultation on hard by food insecurity in Africa. climate change and food security in Africa. sity College of Tumaini University, “We cannot emphasize enough © LWF/Fredrick Nzwili Tanzania, referring to the country’s that food security is not a privilege, especially with local people forced to export-oriented flower industry. but a right,” said the ELCRN bishop. move, due to difficulties in securing “At the end of the day, people are In Namibia, he leads a Basic Income their own food and for their animals,” coming to the churches crying, and Grant (BIG) coalition of civil society said Rev. Dr Musa P. Filibus, area sec- the churches are forced to go out and organizations advocating an initiative retary for Africa at the LWF Depart- start gathering food, as they should. to alleviate poverty and improve eco- ment for Mission and Development, That’s why we are saying we need to nomic development in the country. which organized the consultation. speak for the people. These govern- ment members are also our [church] members, but [we] don’t tell them the Land Competition Raise Awareness truth,” stressed Mungure, a of Concern for Africa’s future is height- Still, Bishop Dr Paul Kofi Fynn, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in ened by climate change, with rivers Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania. drying up, failing or erratic rains and Ghana, noted it was mainly politicians The consultation’s aim is to help prolonged droughts, resulting in poor and governments, who were often church leaders deepen their theologi- harvests, the consultation heard. This heard talking about climate change. cal understanding of climate change, leads to displacement and conflicts, due “We don’t hear the churches, and that’s food crisis and economic globaliza- to competition for productive land. why in the Lutheran church, we want tion, and to identify strategies for “The issue of food crisis is something to begin by telling the people the responding to these challenges. we are experiencing again and again in Kenya,” said Bishop Walter Obare Omwanza of the Evangelical Lutheran Lutheran World Information Church in Kenya (ELCK), which is co-hosting the event with the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church. Obare explained the church’s inter- vention. “As early as 1983, the ELCK saw the looming food crisis, and embarked on a tree-planting exercise,” mainly with the help of church-sponsored schools. The project that went on until 2000 was re-launched recently to also involve con- gregation members actively, he added. “We chose to convene in Kenya be-

cause we felt it is a very important place ELCK Bishop Walter Obare Omwanza (left) follows the presentation by Rev. Dr Elieshi Mungure, Evangelical for learning and sharing experiences Lutheran Church in Tanzania. © LWF/Fredrick Nzwili

4 No. 10/2009 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran Lutheran Church Leaders Seek Just Agreements at Copenhagen Conference The consultation on climate change, the next step should be steps toward “Theological and Ethical Questions food security and poverty ended in the good actions to make the people cope,” and Public Role of the Church.” Kenyan capital, Nairobi, with a call on he said in an interview with Lutheran He challenged Lutheran churches the LWF member churches to chal- World Information (LWI). to “move away from ambulance ap- lenge their governments to demand fair, However, the biggest challenge, proaches to addressing structural equitable and legally binding climate according to the LUCCEA leader issues head on. Let us be bold, pro- change agreements at the United Na- was changing mind-sets so that phetic examples of doing justice, not tions Climate Change Conference in people can address the situation. charity.” Copenhagen, Denmark, in December. Representatives of LWF member churches in Africa, diaconal institu- Climate Change Continent’s tions of churches in the region and Challenges Vulnerability mission partners also urged the LWF Presiding Bishop Naison Shava of Africa is least equipped to cope with and ecumenical delegations attending the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the impact of climate change, par- the Copenhagen conference to demand Zimbabwe (ELCZ) said churches in ticipants noted in the consultation’s adequate compensation for rehabilitat- Africa needed to build up confidence final statement. The region’s vulner- ing the environment in Africa. in actively addressing the challenges ability is further heightened as its “Climate change is a justice issue of climate change. food production mainly depends on because those who have played an insignificant role in causing it are suf- fering the most,” delegates stressed in the final statement of the 5-10 October, consultation. “We… listened to testimonies from people directly affected by climate change. As ascertained from them, rains do not fall or are very erratic, rivers and lands are drying up; resulting in poor harvests,” the participants said in the statement that addressed a range of issues related to the continent’s vulnerability to the impact of climate change. LWF member churches were urged to engage their governments to (Left) Rev. Emelda Ombese from the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church and Presiding Bishop Naison Shava address food insecurity and poverty, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe follow the consultation’s plenary proceedings. as well as add their voices in demand- © LWF/Fredrick Nzwili ing justice for those made vulnerable or marginalized by climate change. “The tendency in the church has rainfall-fed agriculture. Indeed, the been to be very highly empowered in UN Intergovernmental Panel of Cli- production of documents and taking mate Change warns that in 20 years, Mindset positions on paper, but we have been Africa could lose up to 60 percent of “I see this [consultation] as a starting weak in terms of actions,” said Shava. its agricultural productivity. point in trying to make the people “We have had this trend for quite some- (Nairobi (Kenya)-based correspon- aware of the problem, ramifications time. That’s why I am saying; we need dent Fredrick Nzwili reported on the and consequences. I think something to look into ourselves introspectively regional consultation for LWI.) more needs to be done after this,” said and move toward action,” he added. Rev. Dr Modeste Rakoto, president of “We must hate evil, love good: es- The consultation’s final statement the Malagasy Lutheran Church and tablish justice in the gate,” remarked is available on the LWF Web site at: current chairperson of the Lutheran Namibian Bishop Dr Zephania www.lutheranworld.org/ Communion in Central and Eastern Kameeta, LWF vice president for LWF_Documents/ Africa (LUCCEA). “We have general the African region earlier while pre- LWF-2009_Nairobi_Regional_ principles and general deadlines… but senting the key note address titled, Consultation-EN.pdf

No. 10/2009 5 Lead the Drive for Justice and Peace, Asian Faith Communities Urged LWF Interfaith Consultation Challenges Religious Leaders to Promote Understanding DHAKA, Bangladesh/GENEVA (LWI) nities. The faith communities need to community, said Rev. Dr Packiam – Use your institutions to develop address people’s suffering, challenge Samuel, general secretary of the Inter- opportunities for common action, a structures of injustice and help build faith Coalition for Peace in India. Lutheran World Federation (LWF) a modern, civil society, he said. RDRS executive director, Mr consultation has urged religious com- The LWF vice president noted Kamaluddin Akbar, explained that munities in Asia. that diaparaxis emphasized the prac- despite Bangladesh’s large Muslim Delegates called on the LWF tical dimension and visibility of dia- majority and some scattered in- to establish a platform to exchange logue among the faithful. Religious stances of discrimination, religious positive experiences of interfaith leaders, he said, should utilize their harmony exists in the country. collaboration in the region. faith to speak the truth and promote Still, he said, there was need for The “Consultation on Interfaith justice. They should set an example change before either dialogue or Diapraxis: Building Communities to their followers by their words and common action among faiths could of Solidarity and Mutual Interest,” deeds, and by opposing extremism, succeed. held from 8 to 10 September in said Younan, bishop of the Evangeli- Ms Sally Lim, LWF regional ex- Dhaka, Bangladesh, also called for cal Lutheran Church in Jordan and pression officer for Asia, noted that the religious, community and political the Holy Land. 2005 Asian tsunami brought people leaders to work for tolerance and reconciliation. The 50 delegates attending the consultation represented LWF mem- ber churches, ecumenical partners and religious groups (Christian, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim) from Bangladesh, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Jordan, Korea and Thailand. The Asia desk of the LWF De- partment for Mission and Develop- ment organized the meeting aimed at fostering interfaith relations. It was hosted by the Department for World Service (DWS) associate program Rangpur Dinajpur Rural Service (RDRS) in collaboration with the Bangladesh Lutheran Church and

Lutheran World Information (From left to right) Mr Kamaluddin Akbar, RDRS executive director, addresses the diapraxis consultation. the Bangladesh Northern Evangeli- Other presenters included LWF Vice President for Asia Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan, and LWF Deputy General cal Lutheran Church. Secretary Rev. Chandran Paul Martin. © RDRS The final statement from the gathering affirmed the importance of Opportunity for of various faiths together in solidar- religious freedom; the need for joint Common Action ity and action. This kind of common social action among faiths; and the LWF Deputy General Secretary action should focus on creating soli- urgency to develop leadership com- Rev. Chandran Paul Martin told the darity, added Rev. Dr Martin Sinaga, mitted to interfaith action. consultation that the call to “feed the study secretary for and the Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan, hungry” shared across faiths offers church at the LWF Department for LWF vice president for the Asian opportunity for common affirmation Theology and Studies. region, told the consultation that re- and action among religions. Brother Jalarth D’Souza, who ligious leaders have an important role Interfaith groups in India, for runs the Bangladesh Inter-Reli- to play in promoting understanding example, are creating programs that gious Council for Peace and Justice among people of diverse faith commu- focus on promoting shared life in talked about how Hindus look after

6 No. 10/2009 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran a Muslim shrine at Chittagong in the southeast.

Cultural Patterns However, Rev. Martin Adhikary of the Leprosy Mission Bangladesh warned against limiting religious be- lief to a particular culture or pattern. There is “need to take action to stop propaganda,” and stereotypes about other religions, remarked Dr Syed Samsuzzaman, RDRS director for resources and the environment. Muslim scholar Prof. Shamsher Ali, vice chancellor of Southeast Uni- versity in Dhaka, illustrated the im- RDRS work in Bangladesh includes awareness-raising in rural communities about gender equity and affirmation portance of stressing commonalities of women’s rights in order to counter exclusion, deprivation and discrimination. © RDRS/D. Shibly among faiths groups. Indian Hindu scholar Dr Prab- hakar Bhattacharya called for the land. Too often faiths teach by using The final statement from the di- linking of faith with the current life texts. “But we should link it with the apraxis consultation is available on situations of believers. present day situation of the people,” the LWF web site at: www.luther- Buddhists have long believed in he added. anworld.org/LWF_Documents/ the principle of diapraxis, said Dr (This article is compiled from reports LWF-2009_Dhaka_Consulta- Parichat Suwanbubbha of Mahidol by Ms Sabrina Sharmin of RDRS tion_on_Diapraxis-EN.pdf University in Nakhon Pathom, Thai- Bangladesh.) 15 October 2009 African Interfaith Body Receives Global Interreligious Award

The Inter-Faith Action for Peace in Africa (IFAPA), which “I received the news of the Carus Award to IFAPA with brings together seven faith traditions on the continent, received humility and gratitude,” remarked IFAPA President Rev. Dr the Paul Carus Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Ishmael Noko, who is also general secretary of the Lutheran Interreligious Movement. World Federation. The Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions gives “IFAPA models in a creative way, the peace-making po- the award in memory of Dr Paul Carus, a world-renowned tential of the growing interreligious movement,” said Rev. Dr scholar, writer and publisher in the fields of religion, philosophy William E. Lesher, Chair of the Council’s Board of Trustees. and science. He was a key figure in the introduction of Bud- “The organization is comprehensive, representing the major dhism to the West and a prominent organizer of the first Parlia- religions of Africa and also geographically significant with a ment of the World’s Religions in 1893 in Chicago, USA. continent-wide reach and concern,” he said. Founded in 2002, IFAPA brings together representatives of African Traditional Religions (ATR), Baha’is, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Jews. Noko and four other IFAPA officials—Mr Robert Hounon (ATR), Ms Lucretia Warren (Baha’i), Mr Prabhundas Pattni (Hindu) and Dr Faroug El Bushra Abdel Gadir (Muslim) jointly received the award on 5 December during the 2009 Parliament of the World’s Religions meeting in Melbourne, Australia. “IFAPA`s commitment to the search for peace in Africa is certainly strengthened and upheld by means of this recognition. IFAPA envisions an Africa where the religious beliefs and tra- ditions of every community are fully respected; where children and youth must be formed through positive information about each other’s religion; where current educational textbooks

Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko (third from right) joins a procession of religious leaders at ought to be revised to ensure that they do not contribute to the 2005 IFAPA summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. © LWF/A. Vlachakis religious intolerance and conflict,” Noko stated.

No. 10/2009 7 Ten Years of the JDDJ Augsburg, Germany, 30-31 October 2009 Dialogue between Lutherans and Roman Catholics Has Paid Off Tribute to the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification

“It was one of the most moving days Going beyond theological dialogue, burg Confession (Confessio Augustana), in my life.” With these words, the the VELKD presiding bishop affirmed marked a final attempt to avoid church Presiding Bishop of the United spiritual ecumenism. “All that is already division between Roman Catholics and Evangelical Lutheran possible in the broad Protestants. Unfortunately this attempt Church of Germany field of spirituality, failed. Nevertheless, Augsburg does (VELKD) Bishop Dr and worship not just stand there as a city of divi- Johannes Friedrich must be done together sion but also as a symbol of successful (Munich, Germany) to the praise and glory efforts to bring Christians of different recalled the signing of of God.” Friedrich un- denominations closer to one another the Joint Declaration derlined that “with the again.” on the Doctrine of Joint Declaration we In his greeting at the ceremony, Justification (JDDJ) can say together that Augsburg’s Lord Mayor Dr Kurt between the Luther- it is an indispensable Gribl emphasized that the day on an World Federation criterion seeking to which the JDDJ was signed ten (LWF) and the Ro- focus all the church’s years ago had been a day of hope for man teaching and practice many Christians the world over. This VELKD Presiding Bishop Dr Johannes Friedrich ten years ago in Augs- © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch on Christ.” He added day in 1999 had not represented an burg, Germany. that the festive cer- ecumenism of the lowest common In his greeting at a festive cer- emony was an oppor- denominator, but emony on 30 October in the Golden tunity for “committing the endeavor to per- Hall of Augsburg town hall, Fried- ourselves” to open up ceive and recognize rich said, “Today we are celebrating the message of justifi- other confessions in the fact that the decades of patient cation again and again their full form and dialogue between Lutherans and for the present day. “I uniqueness. Not all Catholics have paid off and we can am grateful for the op- hopes had been ful- now together subscribe to a differ- portunity together to filled since then or entiated consensus in the doctrine on recall the importance “could be fulfilled in justification. There are thus no longer of the Joint Declara- one decade after cen- any church-dividing differences tion and to soak up turies of separation,” regarding what is for Lutherans the new motivation for said Gribl. Yet “many

central core of the biblical message.” ongoing work on the Bishop Dr Walter Mixa of the Diocese of Augsburg doors have opened,” On Reformation Day in 1999 the questions it raises.” © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch he added. LWF and the Vatican affirmed—in a Lutheran World Information festive act of worship in Augsburg—that the Symbol of Happiness and mutual condemnations Unity Blessedness on the crucial question At the ceremony on Prof. em. Eberhard Jüngel (Tübin- of justification, repeat- 30 October, Bishop gen) delivered the keynote lecture ed for centuries, were Dr Walter Mixa of the on “What Does Our Happiness no longer the subject Roman Catholic Dio- Have to Do with Our Blessedness?” of present teaching in cese of Augsburg stat- He emphasized that “for Christian the respective churches. ed in his greeting: “Of theology—seen from its core, i.e. the The World Methodist course, Augsburg also articles on justification—the issue of Council affirmed the stands for an eventful human happiness is unavoidable.” JDDJ at its 2006 as- history with respect to For Martin Luther, the meaning of

sembly in Seoul, South Augsburg’s Lord Mayor Dr Kurt Gribl church unity. The year “God‘s incarnation was to make true Korea. © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch 1530, with the Augs- human beings from unhappy, proud

8 No. 10/2009 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran gods, to people who ness cannot be pinned about something like the meaning of recognize that they down. It is indefinable. life. For the happy ones, there is no are sinners depen- Feeling happy is not point in asking about meaning.” dent on God‘s grace,” just another experi- For Jüngel, “human happiness stated Jüngel. “The ence, it is one we have consists of being able to say an un- gospel of God’s be- along with other ex- qualified yes: to oneself and to all coming human leads periences—thus an that is. Human blessedness, however, the person wanting experience with ex- consists in still being able to say yes to be like God back perience.” even when you have reason to com- to the humanity of “Anyone who has plain: Ach ja—you then sigh. The the homo humanus,” found their home Ach [alas] does not detract from the Jüngel explained. in truth,” Jüngel yes. It does not make it a less absolute He pointed out that Prof. em. Eberhard Jüngel (Tübingen) continued, “will no yes, but gives it depth.” “the content of happi- © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch longer ask questions 1 November 2009 Call for a Spiritual Ecumenism at Joint Declaration’s Tenth Anniversary

Continued from p. 1 person the German of achievement, but ’ Conference, is founded in God’s God and with one another.” Noko paid tribute to the love.” The Method- went on to say that, “As citizens of Joint Declaration. ist World Council Christ’s kingdom rooted in God’s In his paper, affirmed the JDDJ forgiveness we are brought into life in Klaiber underscored in 2006. communion with God in Christ and the timeless signifi- Cardinal Lehm- with one another. Walls of separa- cance of the message ann emphasized the tion, isolation and imprisonment are of justification. “It need to continue the broken down.” Both Noko and Kasper frees people from the ecumenical dialogue were among the JDDJ signatories on destructive compul- on the basis of the 31 October 1999. sion to have to justify JDDJ. “Even if open Karl Cardinal Lehmann their © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch questions still re- o w n main, the Joint Dec- Timeless lives through success, laration is a very important step by Significance performance or pos- the two churches toward removing In his greeting, Augs- sessions, and from the tension from the divisive core burg’s Roman Catho- the fatal despair of area when it comes to the way the lic Bishop Dr Walter thinking that for lack churches understand the message of Mixa, praised what of such self-justifica- justification. The wording ‘consensus had been achieved, tion, their life is a fail- in basic truths of the doctrine of jus- expressing his con- ure and without value tification’ aptly describes the present viction that, “The and meaning,” he said. [state]: it is a genuine agreement in Joint Declaration on Klaiber stressed, “We basic truths of the doctrine of jus- the Doctrine of Justi- must thus spell out— tification, not a consensus covering fication is a milestone LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko with all issues,” affirmed © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch on this path of grow- t h e Lehmann. ing consensus. A milestone is an successful and the important marker but not the goal. unsuccessful, with To be honest, we have to admit that the self-satisfied and New we still have a long way to go until those doubting and Beginning all differences in faith have been despairing of them- There were still a worked through. Let’s get moving. selves - what God’s few areas deserving Today is also an opportunity to pray: Yes to their life means further attention in Ut unum sint.” for them: liberation the future ecumeni- Earlier, Dr Walter Klaiber, for- for a dignified life cal conversations. In mer bishop of the Evangelical Meth- that does not lie in Augsburg, Lehmann odist Church in Germany and Karl the ‘product’ of our Bishop em. Dr Walter Klaiber expressed his regret Cardinal Lehmann, former chair- action or fail for lack © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch that in some respects

No. 10/2009 9 the JDDJ had so far not led any fur- made spiritually fruitful. It must thus in the coming and ongoing ecumenical ther, “because it has not been further become the sign of a new beginning. dialogues, particularly on the urgent deepened, implemented and thus Then it can become even more fruitful topic of the Church and justification.” LWF General Secretary Noko: New Quality in Lutheran-Catholic Relationship

When signing the Joint Declaration “Even when we disagree with one “That is not the old hat nor is it a on the Doctrine of Justification ten another, even when our remaining matter of splitting theological hairs,” years ago, “we committed ourselves to difficulties are irreconcilable, the Kasper went on to say. “That is the a joint ecumenical journey,” said LWF very sharpness of our disappointment Christian response to the questions General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael shows the new quality of our relation- about the ultimate meaning, hap- Noko. He was speaking on 31 October ship,” Noko concluded. piness, and where we come from during the JDDJ’s tenth anniversary and where we are going in life,” he celebrations, held in the Golden Hall emphasized. of Augsburg’s town hall. No Need to Reinvent “Quite a few people have ex- On 31 October 1999 “we did not Ecumenism pressed the criticism that the Joint doubt that we will walk together on For the PCPCU President Walter Declaration has had no consequences new ways. We acted in full awareness Cardinal Kasper, a new beginning for the teaching and practice of the of the remaining difficulties between does not mean starting all over again. church,” commented Kasper. He us,” Noko recalled. “And yet,” he “We do not need to reinvent ecu- cautioned, however, “It is simply not added, “we did not allow the remain- menism,” he declared. “It has been true that nothing has happened and ing theological disagreements to keep successful as consensus ecumenism that there have been no steps forward. us from taking this significant step.” and it shall remain so. It builds on The last joint Lutheran-Catholic document on the apostolicity of the Church, deliberately built on the Joint Declaration and made notable progress in so doing.” This document was adopted at the March 2007 LWF Council meeting in Lund, Sweden, after eight years of deliberations. “Admittedly, we have not experienced a great breakthrough to date,” Kasper conceded. In his view, “we should soberly add that much remains to be done. We will need patience but also impatience on the rest of the way. Both are part of God’s Kingdom. There are many people—not just in Germany—who are waiting with Commemorative celebrations from 30 to 31 October in the Golden Hall of the Augsburg “Rathaus” marked the tenth anniversary of one of the most significant milestones in ecumenical dialogue. © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch longing and impatience for the one Lutheran World Information Church at one Lord’s Table, who pray for it and work hard that all “The mutual condemnations from the consensus that remains between may be one.” the past remain a part of our history; our churches, despite all painful that history cannot be changed,” divisions: the confessing of one Further information on the celebra- Noko stressed. “Ten years ago, in this Lord Jesus Christ as the one Savior tions marking the tenth anniversary city of Augsburg, we said that these and Mediator between God and of the signing of the Joint Declara- memories of separation and hostility us human beings, as testified to in tion on the Doctrine of Justification would not be the memories of our Scripture and our common Apostolic may be found at: children,” he added. Creed. www.lutheranworld.org More LWI News at www.lutheranworld.org/News/Welcome.EN.html

10 No. 10/2009 First Ecumenical and International Information World Lutheran Monument to the Reformation Planting of Luther Garden in Wittenberg WITTENBERG, Germany/GENEVA (LWI) Friedrich remarked that the 2017 understanding as a result of intensive – The Luther Garden in Wittenberg, celebration would be international dialogues.” Germany, began to take shape in early with a living, growing monument, Church representatives participat- November with the first planting of 25 while the national jubilee in Germany ing in the tree planting event on 1 trees by representatives of Christian 100 years before had been celebrated November included Walter Cardinal World Communions and churches with monuments of stone and bronze. Kasper, President of the Pontifical from Germany and Europe. “That is wonderful,” he said. The occa- Council for Promoting Christian Unity; This is the “first ecumenical, sion for the Wittenberg project was to Metropolitan Augoustinos, Ecumenical interactive monument to the Refor- remember the Lutheran Reformation, Patriarchate of Constantinople; and mation,” said Presiding Bishop Dr which originated almost 500 years Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko for the Lu- Johannes Friedrich (Munich) of the ago in Wittenberg and appraise its theran World Federation (LWF). The United Evangelical Lutheran Church effects down the centuries. “That is Anglican Communion was represented of Germany (VELKD). The idea is to why not just Lutheran churches but by Rev. Canon Kenneth Kearon, the plant in a park a total of 500 trees by also other Christian World Com- World Alliance of Reformed Churches 2017, the 500th anniversary of Martin munions are invited to plant a tree (WARC) by Rev. Dr Setri Nyomi, Luther’s Reformation. as a sign of reconciliation and mutual and the by Bishop emeritus Dr Walter Klaiber. During the event Kasper remarked that it was possible today to learn from Luther. The tree planted by the Ro- man Catholic Church “also reminds us of the fact that Martin Luther’s call to reform the church, which was a call to penance, also concerns us today.” “We recognize with gratitude that the ecumenical movement of the 20th century seeks to overcome the spirit of denominationalism and to prepare the path for common witness to the one apostolic heritage,” he said. The signing of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ) ten years ago had been intended as an “expression of the agreement in central, fundamental questions of proclaim- ing the Good News of Christ. We are grateful for that,” added Kasper.

A Further Milestone The LWF general secretary described the Luther Garden as a “further mile- stone” in ecumenical dialogue, which was in harmony with the vision of the JDDJ signed in Augsburg, Germany in 1999. While the ecumenical dia- logue occasionally “had [its] hiccups, we are still moving forward and every step we’ve taken is a step toward ecu- Tree planting in Wittenberg: LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko (second from left) and Rev. Hans- Wilhelm Kasch (second from right), director of the LWF Center in the Reformation city. menism. The joint planting of the trees © GNC/LWF/Udo Hahn today is another step forward and this

No. 10/2009 11 out far beyond the city and was backed by local people. He said he was interested in having a monument “without concrete, steel or bronze, that you can walk through,” to mark the 500th anniversary of the day Martin Luther nailed his theses to the door of the Castle Church. The Luther Garden goes back to plans by landscape architect Dr Andreas Kipar (Milan, Italy and Duisburg, Germany). The LWF initiated the project in cooperation with the GNC and VELKD. The park’s foundation stone was laid on 20 September 2008. The park will be planted along the area of the old city wall in Wit- tenberg. Oval in shape and about 230 meters long, it allows for a total of 500 trees to be planted by 2017. The central element of the Luther Garden is a square in the form of a Luther rose. The garden will form a link between the city center and the Rive Elbe. At the same time, it will create a triangle with the Castle Church and the Luther Church. “I am firmly convinced that one of the most significant Reformation monuments of the 21st century will grow at this place,” were the words From left to right: Bishop em. Dr Walter Klaiber (Methodist), Bishop Dr Johannes Friedrich (VELKD) and Walter used by GNC/LWF chairperson Cardinal Kasper (PCPCU) join children from the Protestant primary school of Wittenberg in the Luther Garden tree planting ceremony. © GNC/LWF/Udo Hahn Bishop Friedrich in his September 2008 invitation to turn the first clod provides energy for the ecumenical Evangelical Church of the Augsburg and lay the foundation stone for the movement,” stated Noko. Confession in Rumania, LWF Vice Luther Garden in Wittenberg. Children from the Protestant President for the Central Eastern Eu- The ceremony was attended by primary school of Wittenberg accom- rope region. Other representatives from LWF President Bishop Mark S. Han- panied the Christian World Commu- Germany included Bishop Ilse Junker- son, Evangelical Lutheran Church in nion leaders during the tree planting mann (Magdeburg), Bishop Jan Jans- America, who emphasized that the ceremony. The children were able to see sen (Oldenburg), Bishop Maria Jepsen worldwide outreach of Martin Luther’s Lutheran World Information “what our ecumenical movement has (Hamburg) and Catholic Vicar General beliefs characterized the LWF mem- done,” remarked Noko. He expressed Raimund Sternal (Magdeburg). ber churches to this day. The Luther his hope that the children “would take Oberkirchenrat Norbert Denecke, Garden would enhance Wittenberg’s our work further when we are no longer executive secretary for the LWF Ger- reputation “as a place of great histori- there, and we thank God for that.” man National Committee (GNC) cal significance.” At the same time it Nyomi stated he was planting said the gathering in Wittenberg was offered the opportunity to shed light WARC’s tree as “an affirmation of “historical,” and praised the “excellent on the importance of the Lutheran our Gospel’s call to do justice within cooperation” with other participating Reformation for the worldwide church the world, including taking better persons and institutions. fellowship, he remarked. care of the earth and its resources.” This too was part of the legacy of the Further information in English Reformation, he added. Far Beyond Wittenberg and German is available at: The ceremony was also attended Wittenberg’s Lord Mayor Eckhard www.luthergarten.de by Bishop Dr Christoph Klein of the Naumann said the project reached 26 November 2009

12 No. 10/2009 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran LWF Welcomes Nobel Peace Prize Award to US President Barack Obama Efforts to Restore Broken Relationships and Build Bridges Across Faiths

GENEVA (LWI) – The Lutheran World In the LWF statement, Noko tober 1989 in peaceful demonstrations Federation (LWF) welcomed the said Obama had begun “to restore after in Leipzig’s churches. award of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize broken relationships, including across Noko said these events demonstrated to United States President Barack faith boundaries.” He noted these are “the power of ordinary people coming Hussein Obama, a person who has significant contributions to progress together to achieve freedom through inspired hope and demonstrated deep toward peace and security, and impor- non-violent means, bearing candles understanding of global leadership tant foundations for dealing with the against guns and the threat of violence, amid unprecedented crises worldwide. global crises—humanitarian, environ- and the importance of the church’s Obama “has helped generate a tidal mental, economic and political. role in that context.” wave of hope around the world. He has Noko cited Obama’s resolve espe- The LWF general secretary ex- acknowledged that the fundamental cially in addressing some of the funda- pressed his prayer that the Nobel prize aspirations of nations and peoples are mental obstacles to the search for peace award to a political leader of “the new shared aspirations, and has affirmed the in the Holy Land. “His leadership in generation will serve to inspire a whole importance of international cooperation this matter deserves the active support new generation of ‘bridge-builders’ for in achieving them,” said LWF General of all people of good will, for the sake of understanding and reconciliation Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko, in a both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples, between people and nations.” statement issued on 9 October. and for the sake of peace with justice The Norwegian Nobel Commit- in the land of Christ’s birth.” The full text of Dr Noko’s statement tee announced Obama as this year’s The announcement of the peace is available on the LWF Web site Nobel laureate, citing recognition prize winner coincided with the 20th at: www.lutheranworld.org/ for his “extraordinary efforts to anniversary of the peaceful revolution LWF_Documents/LWF_State- strengthen international diplomacy in the former German Democratic ment_Obama_NobelPP.pdf and cooperation between peoples.” Republic, which culminated on 9 Oc- 9 October 2009 LWF Congratulates Newly Elected Leader of German Protestant Church Body Bishop Margot Kässmann Elected EKD Council Chairperson

GENEVA (LWI) – The Lutheran World pointing out that the Hanover bishop Federation (LWF) extended warm gave the keynote address at the 2003 congratulations to Bishop Dr Margot LWF Tenth Assembly in Winnipeg, Kässmann upon her election on 28 Oc- Canada. tober, as chairperson of the Evangelical In March this year, she welcomed Church in Germany (EKD) Council. Lutheran theologians from around the LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Ish- world to Augsburg, Germany, where mael Noko also congratulated Präses she reasserted the importance of the Nikolaus Schneider of the Evangelical and prayer for the German Church of the Rhineland who was churches, said Noko, referring to the elected council deputy chairperson. LWF international consultation under Kässmann, 51, currently bishop the theme “Theology in the Life of of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Lutheran Churches: Transformative of Hanover, becomes the first woman Perspectives and Practices Today.” to lead the umbrella body of German Bishop Dr Margot Kässmann The general secretary praised Protestant churches. © LWF/D.-M. Grötzsch Kässmann for being “a provocative In his congratulatory message, Noko public spokesperson for the impor- noted that Kässmann had established an tance of the Christian faith in her admirable record of leadership not only in “We have welcomed her important own society and around the world. her own church but also in many inter- contributions to the work of the LWF We look forward to continuing to national and ecumenical forums. on a number of occasions,” said Noko, hear her voice in her new role.”

No. 10/2009 13 He added, “The election sends a with a clear majority to succeed 67 year- many, focused on the importance of signal to the church worldwide that old Bishop Dr Wolfgang Huber of the voluntary commitment with respect God calls us to leadership without con- Evangelical Church Berlin—Branden- to church and society. sideration of gender, color or descent.” burg—Silesian Oberlausitz, who is re- The EKD brings together 22 Lu- Welcoming Schneider’s election, tiring. She received 132 of the 142 votes theran, Reformed and United churches Noko said he had known him for many cast for EKD’s leadership. Schneider with some 25.4 million members. years, and was “confident that he brings was elected as deputy chairperson with Kässmann has been bishop of a very strong ecumenical commitment a vote of 137 out of a total 142. the Hanover church since 1999. The into the leadership of the EKD.” The theme of the second session church has around 3 million mem- Members of the EKD synod and of the 11th EKD synod, held from 25 bers and joined the LWF in 1947. church conference elected Kässmann to 29 October in Ulm, southern Ger- 28 October 2009 Ecumenism Seeks Stronger Links in Brazil

A consultation of bishops and synodal from the Evan- of baptism and the JDDJ signing. However, other issues, such gelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IECLB) as eucharistic communion and mutual recognition of ministries, and the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) Brazil, marked the have not yet come through,” said IECLB President Rev. Dr Wal- 10th anniversary of the signing of the Joint Declaration on the ter Altmann, moderator of the World Council of Churches. Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ). Participants recognized the need to foster an “ecumenical The Brazilian Bilateral Commission for Dialogue organized theological mentality” to help forge strong links among commu- the meeting during which 34 IECLB and RCC representa- nities. “This meeting manifests a positive ecumenical restlessness tives from all regions in the country discussed topics related to and quest for continuity,” said Bishop Don Remídio José Bohn, ecumenism in Brazil and the JDDJ’s historical significance. the Roman Catholic coordinator of the dialogue commission. The IECLB coordinator for the commission, Rev. Manfredo Sie- “As it was said here, with a lot of conviction, we cannot turn our gle noted that the question ‘What has changed in the past ten years?’ backs on the road that has been opened and prophetically walked was crucial “in order to guide our path from now on.” Siegle, pastor before us. The question is how to move on.” of the Northern Synod of Santa Catarina, said, “What we perceived Suggestions on how to continue included increased fre- during the meeting was that there are many signs of understanding quency of similar meetings, interaction between bodies that and of joint activities among workers of both churches, but they are promote dialogue, and dissemination of existing documents in mostly the product of each person’s individual disposition.” dioceses, church educational centers and in the communities. During the 18-20 August meeting in Porto Alegre, partici- The IECLB is the largest Lutheran church in Brazil, with pants pointed out the difficult questions, yet to be confronted, some 717,000 members in 18 synods throughout the country. and issues that would help increase ecumenical work as a whole. It joined the Lutheran World Federation in 1952. “Real advances in theological dialogue have already led to im- (Susanne Buchweitz, press advisor for the Lutheran Diakonia portant practical consequences, such as the mutual recognition Foundation, wrote this article for LWI.)

US Lutherans, Catholics, Methodists Mark Tenth Anniversary of Joint Declaration

Lutheran, Roman Catholic and Methodist church leaders were als to change ministry policies, including a change to make it among more than 300 people attending a special worship and possible for Lutherans in lifelong, publicly accountable, monoga- prayer service at Old St Patrick’s Church in Chicago, Illinois, mous same-gender relationships to serve as ELCA associates in USA, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the signing of the ministry, clergy, deaconesses and diaconal ministers. Lutheran World Information Joint Declaration on Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ). “The decisions taken at the ELCA [Assembly] even as they have The President of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) yet to unfold in concrete procedures for their implementation within and Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church the church, pose a serious challenge to our relationship, and … a new in America (ELCA) Mark S. Hanson, and Cardinal Francis agenda for our dialogues,” said Gregory. The subject of human sexual- George, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops ity and the church can also be an opportunity “for deeper and more hosted the 1 October event. energetic engagement in the work of reconciliation,” he added. In his homily, the Roman Catholic Archbishop Wilton Addressing the congregation, LWF General Secretary Rev. D. Gregory said scholars must continue the work of “theological Dr Ishmael Noko, said the JDDJ was about the present and reception” of the JDDJ, even as they begin new studies “that seek future, not the past. It was a testimony to how much could be to remove impediments to full eucharistic communion.” He said achieved when Christians work together, he noted. the JDDJ should be shared with new generations of church leaders Noko said the 2006 action of the World Methodist Council “as a standard of faithful preaching of the gospel.” to affirm the JDDJ “was a decision to join in the ecumenical In August the ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted a social journey in search of unity for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus statement on human sexuality. It also adopted a series of propos- Christ.” (ELCA News Service)

14 No. 10/2009 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran FEATURE: Don’t Cry Tears Lest They Ask for Water Lutheran Churches Urged to Protect Communities Threatened by Climate Change

KAJIADO, Kenya/GENEVA (LWI) – Safiel Kulei’s simple statement goes to the heart of the plight of many of his neighbors hit by consecutive years of drought in Kenya. “I had 88 cows. I sold 50. The rest died. I have nothing at the moment. I have since moved to town,” said Kulei, a farmer who is an evangelist with the Kenya Evangeli- cal Lutheran Church (KELC). Kulei is a member of the Maa- sai community inhabiting southern Kenya and neighboring northern Tanzania. The people’s lives and economy are centered on livestock especially cattle, which are accumu- Kenyan farmer Mr Safiel Kulei, says the recurring drought has decimated the Maasai community’s economic lated as a sign of wealth, traded or livelihood. © LWF/Fredrick Nzwili sold to settle debts, and slaughtered selectively. Before the current rains began, nearly three running years of area in the southern district of Kajiado. from 6-10 October in the Kenyan capi- drought decimated the community’s “When children cried, they were told tal, Nairobi. It was attended by leaders economic mainstay and livelihoods. to make sure there were no tears since of LWF member churches in Africa “As opposed to previous years, when people may ask, ‘Where did you get and their mission partners, and church- the clouds formed, no rains fell,” Kulei the water?’” he said, emphasizing the related development programs. said when he welcomed participants in scarcity of water. Mmeme Akpabio of the Lutheran a Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Church of Nigeria told how 50 years ago African region consultation on climate palm oil was cultivated and produced change, food security and poverty. Climate Change extensively in the Akwa Ibom state. Delegates to the LWF conference had Kulei’s story is similar to many others “Increased heating and adverse visited the KELC Olirium mission recounted at the consultation, held atmospheric conditions are leading to less palm oil productivity,” said Ak- pabio. “Adverse climate change has led to problems with food sources due to harsh cultivating environments in northern Nigeria,” she explained. The consultation heard that indis- criminate pumping of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere by developed countries was the biggest cause of climate change. Africa, which contributes only three percent of the gases, faces the greatest risk. The continent is less prepared for drought and floods and is already experiencing heavy rains and prolonged dry spells, leading to unreliable farming seasons, water Participants in the LWF regional consultation visited Kajiado district, southeastern Kenya, where animal carcasses scattered across once-green pastures, confirm the severe impact of recurring drought in the country. scarcity and decreased pasture for © LWF/Fredrick Nzwili pastoralist communities.

No. 10/2009 15 Lutheran World Information The United Nations Food and Agri The and Nations United Food LWF/Fredrick Nzwili © LWF/Fredrick Africa. in security food and change climate on consultation LWF the attending Ms Tigist Teketel, director of the EECMY Development and Social Service Commission addresses delegates delegates addresses Commission Service Social and Development EECMY the of director Teketel, Tigist Ms Food Security are 20 million people in East Africa Africa East in people million 20 are alized farmers, pastoralists and low- and pastoralists farmers, alized an increased dependency on food dependency increased an income people in urban areas. areas. urban in people income increase, among especially margin heavy rains to the region and will likely likely will and region to the rains heavy reduce may and Africa, by imports nomenon, which is currently bringing bringing currently is nomenon, which the UN body, and this number may may number body, this and UN the warns assistance, on food dependent decreasing agricultural incomes.decreasing agricultural of terms in hardest hit to be expected is region, insecure food most the by output continent’s agricultural the that climate change could lead to lead could change climate that (FAO) warns Organization culture by the El Niño meteorological phe Niño El meteorological by the up to an estimated 30 percent. 30 estimated up to an problem was likely to be compounded compounded to be likely problem was are Africa Sub-Saharan in people suffering from chronic hunger. There There hunger. chronic from suffering The agency cautions that this this that cautions agency The FAO says nearly 265 million FAO million 265 nearly says Sub-Saharan Africa, already already Africa, Sub-Saharan

- - - “The church can protect and accom and protect can church “The Akilimali, gender analyst from the the from analyst gender Akilimali, Africa, told the conference. “Dealing “Dealing conference. told the Africa, Tanzania. “By destroying it, [this] destroying “By Tanzania. Evangelical Lutheran Church in Church Lutheran Evangelical Church Intervention Church LWF consultation. consultation. LWF Kipyegon, regional communications communications regional Kipyegon, verse,” she told participants in the the in sheverse,” told participants with climate change requires urgent urgent requires change climate with (NCA), Eastern Aid Church wegian Nor for coordinator advocacy and interrupts the natural equilibrium equilibrium natural the interrupts how men and women in attempts attempts women in how men and homes. and infrastructure livestock, that governs the creation of the uni of the creation the governs that to help. Tigist Teketel, of to help. Tigist director result in flooding, destruction of crops, crops, of destruction flooding, in result concerted efforts,” he said. said. he efforts,” concerted to control the universe, are also de also are universe, to control the pany the most vulnerable,” Isaiah Isaiah vulnerable,” most the pany stroying it,” explained Ms Gemma Gemma Ms it,” explained stroying “These changes are connected to connected are changes “These LWF churches are taking steps steps taking are LWF churches 11 61 +41/22-791 30 66 +41/22-791 [email protected] Published and distributed by: The Federation Lutheran World route de Ferney150, Box 2100 P.O. Geneva Switzerland 2, CH-1211 Tel. Fax E-mail www.lutheranworld.org - - - - Akilimali. long distances travel must Africa The final message from the the from LWF message final The (EECMY) said the church runs 40 40 runs church the said (EECMY) Yesus Mekane Church Evangelical Statement-EN.pdf of them earned four times more than more than times four earned of them vice Commission of the Ethiopian Ethiopian the of Commission vice LWF-Climate_Change_Nairobi_ with NCA support, enables commu enables NCA support, with sanitation. and animal production,” said Teketel. production,”said animal other from to earn used they what ation,” the consultation concluded. consultation the ation,” www.lutheranworld.org/LWF_ in northwestern Ethiopia, developed developed Ethiopia, northwestern in impact on women and the situa the on women and impact nity members to grow apples, a new anew apples, to grow members nity resource management, water supply water management, resource environmental protection and natural natural and protection environmental crop sales. These households have households These sales. crop income. their creases change is an ethical and moral failure failure moral and ethical an is change “Climate heard. are vulnerable the of voices the that ensure and change climate to tackle to work together world the around churches theran said families, for water to their get Mostwomen in worsening. is tion managed to buy enough and invest in in invest and to enough buy managed Ser Social and Development the the LWF Web at: site the regional consultation is available on Documents/ because we continue to destroy cre to destroy continue we because provides food for families and in and for food families provides project The region. to the product security, food with dealing projects produced apples twice a year and ayear twice apples produced sold them at the local market. Each Each market. local at the sold them “Households reported they had they reported “Households The EECMY Armacho project project Armacho EECMY The Water scarcity has its greatest its greatest has Water scarcity The consultation called on Lu called consultation The

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