In the Midst of Commemorating 500 Years of the Reformation General Secretary’S Letter to the LWF Member Churches

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Lutheran World Information 1508-09 In this issue

Faith is based on communication and understanding, say German leaders..... 4

Tanzanian and Swedish church leadership give thanks for gift of communion...... 11

European member churches respond to refugee crisis...... 24

Praise for LWF staff on World Humanitarian Day...... 33 In the midst of commemorating 500 years of the Reformation General Secretary’s letter to the LWF member churches

The Lutheran World Federation has which topics are able to move the people selected the period from 2015 through and societies of today, as part of an on- 2017 to focus on the 500th anniversary going Reformation; and we will seek to of the Lutheran Reformation, and there celebrate the Reformation anniversary is already much to announce this year. in a spirit of ecumenical openness, and We are in the midst of the Reformation deliberately take into account the results anniversary celebrations! of ecumenical dialogue in the process of By way of reminder: All of our events preparing the anniversary events. and processes are carried out in accor- A number of exceptional events of dance with the three basic principles importance have already taken place being followed during the LWF’s an- within this context. Please allow me to niversary celebrations. As we mark the mention a few of them in brief: 500th anniversary of the Reformation, we wish to emphasize the polycentric “From Marangu to Wittenberg”: In May character of the Reformation and the 2015, 200 delegates from African LWF various contextual realities that gave rise member churches celebrated the 60th to the Reformation movement. We also wish to pay close attention and find out Continues on page 3 Contents Communio 1 ��In the midst of commemorating 500 years of the Reformation

Workshop Wittenberg 4 ��Faith is based on communication and understanding, say German leaders 5 ��Nurturing young Lutherans for service to the communion 6 ��Youth should adopt Luther’s “radical thinking, daring energy, rebellious inclination” 6 ��Youth must be strongly rooted in the church like life-giving trees 7 ��Ongoing Lutheran reformation needs young people’s creativity 8 ��Young reformers present innovative projects at global gathering 9 ��Heading back home inspired to act for a just climate

11 ��Tanzanian and Swedish church leadership give thanks for gift of communion 12 ��“What have you done or failed to do for one of these?” 13 ��“The Middle East needs justice, not more arms” 14 ��Bishop Emeritus Niels Henrik Arendt (1950-2015) 15 ��Dialogue among faith groups in Myanmar critical for nation building 16 ��Growing towards inclusive community in Finnish church 16 ��Harnessing local resources for a sustainable church in Africa 17 ��Solidarity for Ukrainian church diaconal work amid conflict 18 ��French churches appeal for decisive action in Paris 19 ��LWF welcomes new impulse towards sustainable development 20 ��Call for theology that engages with Asia’s realities 21 ��Reading the Bible with love and respect for different contexts 22 ��Piazza Martin Lutero in Rome, a reminder to care for the poor

Features & Themes

European Refugee Crisis 24 ��European member churches respond to refugee crisis 25 ��“Duty to protect refugees is not only a moral obligation” 26 ��A more just world includes care for refugees, migrants and asylum seekers 27 ��Seeking a common Lutheran approach to Europe’s refugee crisis 28 ��“It is right to provide shelter”

30 ��LWF Nepal reaches out to Dalit earthquake survivors 31 ��Myanmar: Relief goods for people affected by devastating flood 32 ��Myanmar: Support to people affected by monsoon floods 33 ��Praise for LWF staff on World Humanitarian Day 34 ��“Are we seen as neutral?” 35 ��International organizations condemn surge in Israeli demolitions of Palestinian homes

News in Brief 20 ��Lutheran theologians study Paul’s letters for the contemporary church 29 ��“We cannot afford to be divided as Christians” 29 ��Strengthening the vision and practice of transformative church leadership 29 ��Solidarity with Thai people and church following deadly bombing 36 ��Explore the new Reformation 500 booklets

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

2 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 Continued from p. 1 vide an opportunity to grapple with the be recorded and provided on the LWF central concerns of the Reformation in Reformation website so that anyone anniversary of the historical conference a framework relevant to our own times. interested can follow the discussions as held in Marangu, northern Tanzania in The booklets, which appeared in June well. (2017.lutheranworld.org). 1955. Leading representatives of Africa’s (2017.lutheranworld.org/resources), Lutheran churches met back then for will be made available early next year Project fund for the Reformation an- the first time, an occasion that continues in the LWF’s official languages. Several niversary: The LWF has set up a spe- to be viewed as the birth of the spirit of translations into other languages are cial fund to support member churches unity among African Lutheran churches. already on their way as well. The articles, in the implementation of small projects Participants in this year’s conference, written by authors from all parts of the with a thematic connection to the titled “Marangu to Wittenberg: Being a global church communion, take on top- Reformation anniversary. Please pay Reforming Church in a Changing African ics such as migration, climate change, attention to the correspondence you Context”, raised awareness on the his- land grabbing, prosperity gospel, and receive from the Communion Office, torical event and reflected on their unity issues involving sustainable forms of which will provide further details on and the African contribution to the 500th human coexistence. The booklets are this important measure of support. anniversary of the Reformation. also to serve as preparatory materials for the 2017 LWF Assembly. I would The 2017 LWF Assembly: As you International conference of Young again like to invite the LWF member could read in various letters to the Reformers: From 22 August through churches to make use of the booklets member churches, preparations are 4 September, 140 “young reformers” as impetus for discussion, and would in full swing for the Assembly, which from around the globe convened for a be particularly happy if the booklets promises to be a joyous, transforma- workshop in Wittenberg. Young people were to be used in a dialogue among tional, and forward-looking event. The from the world over met in the histori- bilateral international partners. Could perspective is deliberately meant to cal Reformation center, representing a you imagine your church using them be externally focused in order to be strong symbol of the impact that the in that way? able to capture the significance of the Reformation continues to have on Reformation message for today’s world. our world today. The theme of the Women on the Move – From Wittenberg The Reformation Sunday will be one workshop was “Freed by God’s love to to Windhoek: An international LWF particular highlight, with representa- change the world”. It featured a pro- working group launched a process in tives of the 145 member churches gram that provided an opportunity to February to focus on the underlying coming together in a worship service exchange ideas and to come together contributions of women to church and to mark the Reformation anniversary. to learn about and discuss topics, in- society. At their first meeting, women cluding Lutheran identity, discipleship, theologians and church leaders from As the representatives of our mem- youth participation, climate justice, the all seven regions of the LWF worked on ber churches, we encourage you future sustainability of the churches, a framework for this process to unfold. to get involved! Come together with and mission renewal. The thoughts An important part of this involves the other churches and partners in thinking and ideas collected in Wittenberg will compilation of the stories of women who, about what it means to be liberated by continue to leave their mark on the long through their activities, have left a lasting God’s grace, and to join one another road to the Reformation anniversary mark on their particular churches. in following the call of Jesus Christ in through the development of “Living establishing signs of his service and his Reformation” projects along the way. And exceptional events and projects love in the world. Take part in the variety are still to come: of networks and get involved in projects Publication of topical booklets on at the local, regional, and global levels. the occasion of the Reformation an- Global theological conference: Around Allow us to come together to mark the niversary: Four booklets have been Reformation Day 2015, 80 partici- 500th anniversary of the Reformation published that I would especially like to pants will come together from around in a joyous spirit and in a spirit that recommend to you. The booklets focus the world to reflect on the interplay encourages us to move forward so that on the main theme and sub-themes between theology, politics, and the the radiant force of the anniversary may connected with the Reformation an- economy. The conference will take into continue to shine on, well beyond 2017. niversary (Liberated by God’s Grace account the effects of the 16th-century with the sub-themes Salvation – Not Reformation, which also had a funda- LWF General Secretary for Sale, Human Beings – Not for Sale, mental influence on people’s lives dur- Rev. Dr Martin Junge and Creation – Not For Sale), and pro- ing its era. The main presentations will Geneva, 14 October 2015

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 3 Workshop Wittenberg 23 August to 4 September 2015 Faith is based on communication and understanding, say German leaders Workshop Wittenberg began with street parade, city tour, official greetings and worship

WITTENBERG /GENEVA (LWI) – “An important social aspect on our way towards the great Reformation commemoration in 2017,” is how Prime Minister of Saxony-Anhalt Dr Reiner Haseloff described the coming together of Lutherans from all over the world in Wittenberg for two weeks. Welcoming the first global gathering of Lutheran youth to Wittenberg, the city of the Reformation, Haseloff said faith had to be continuously re- developed. In principle, faith is “always young, always up-to-date,” he said in his speech at the Wittenberg Townhall. The Global Young Reformers Net- work (GYRN) workshop, held 23 During opening worship in the Castle Church, young reformers were invited to bring to the altar symbolic gifts from their respective regions. Photo: LWF/Marko Schoeneberg August to 4 September brought together 140 young adults from more than 80 LWF member churches in nant response in our society. There springs from God’s love,” the bishop 60 countries. is “nothing worse, at least in Western emphasized. One challenge is how to “put faith societies, as to be dependent on oth- She expressed her hope that “the in relation to the modern communi- ers,” Junkermann added. projects you create here breathe this cation facilities and the reality of the spirit of freedom and love” and that globalized world,” the premier said. God’s spirit would lighten our hearts He noted that this task could be best Unlimited Freedom to receive its creative power.” entrusted in a special way to the young She described the notion of “unlimited The GYRN is a program of the participants of the Wittenberg work- freedom” as in fact an “illusion of free- LWF Youth desk at the Department shop. “That’s why I bid you welcome dom.” She reminded the congregation for Mission and Development. As the with great joy to Saxony-Anhalt and my that Luther’s great achievement was Lutheran communion prepares for home town of Wittenberg,” he added. the discovery that there is freedom the 500th Reformation anniversary, Earlier, Bishop Ilse Junkermann of only in the bond with God through the initiative will facilitate the greater the Evangelical Church in Central Ger- Jesus Christ for those who turn freely involvement of young people in all many (EKM) preached at the opening to him. aspects of church life. service in the Castle Church on the The EKM bishop recommended Under its theme, the Wittenberg theme of the workshop, “Freed by this understanding of freedom as a workshop offers mutual exchange God’s love to change the world”. motif for the joint work of the Witten- and global learning. Participants will She said that freedom today is most berg workshop, which focuses on the develop Reformation projects they often interpreted in an individual’s abil- development of Reformation projects want to implement by 2017 in their ity to manage oneself without having by the young reformers. “Yes, he [Je- home churches. to depend on others. For people who sus Christ] needs us, also you young are facing difficulties, that is the domi- reformers, to pass on this freedom that

4 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 Nurturing young Lutherans for service to the communion The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) The LWF leaders were among would not have had so much support gathering of young adults in Witten- speakers at the gathering, supporting for the critical attitude” that led to berg, Germany, provides opportunity the 140 young reformers from 80 LWF democratic change, he emphasized. to learn how working together in the member churches in envisioning how Fabiny, who was a 25-year-old communion of churches nurtures to strengthen existing youth ministries youth delegate at the 1984 LWF As- individual life for service and transfor- and create new ones across the com- sembly, reminded the young reformers mation in the local and global church, munion. LWF Youth at the Department of the support and opportunities the as well as wider society. for Mission and Development orga- LWF offers for critical response to “Being the youngest LWF Vice-Presi- nized the workshop. today’s social political issues, such as dent is a great blessing and at the same Fabiny, bishop of the Northern the plight of refugees and migrants. He time a huge challenge for me. But I am Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran encouraged them to be more active in motivated by the ongoing witness of Church in Hungary, explained how their churches and wider society and Lutheran churches in our region,” said participation in the LWF from his youth expressed his hope that in the next 30 LWF Council member Eun-hae Kwon. days has shaped his leadership role years “you will be able to show some Kwon, 28, a member of the Lu- and how global Lutheran communion images from the Wittenberg workshop,” theran Church in Korea, shared at solidarity can influence political change. to young people in LWF churches. an inter-generational talk show at the Junge, an ordained pastor of the ongoing LWF Global Young Reformers Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile Network (GYRN) workshop with Bish- Critical attitude explained his first contact with the LWF op Dr Tamas Fabiny, vice president for Referring to a video recording of was as a youth delegate to the 1990 Central Eastern Europe and General LWF assemblies from the founding pre-assembly for the Latin America Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge. assembly in Lund, Sweden in 1947 and Caribbean region in Buenos Aires, Christian churches are in a minority until 1984 in Budapest, Hungary, Fa- Argentina. “I got to see people from all situation in Asia, a region marked by biny highlighted youth and Lutheran over the world I hadn’t seen before and obstacles such as religious persecution churches’ contribution to evolving never met. The LWF became a space and exodus of young people to other global contexts. The LWF provided of connecting to the world, to the countries, she noted. “When I visit the opportunity for contact with other churches; and to get an understand- LWF member churches, see the gifts Christians and churches during the ing which since then, has fascinated that men, women and youth bring to Cold War era, which was marked by me,” he said. the churches, and see how their wit- suppression of democracy and move- ness has survived, this gives me the ment and the lack of both freedom of motivation to serve and to continue religion and press, he said. “If we had Nurturing unity more faithfully in my role,” she added. not had organizations like the LWF, we In later years, the distinct contribution of the LWF was something Junge experienced as churches in his home country struggled with the reality of dictatorship, which resulted in a divi- sion in the Lutheran church. LWF’s intervention provided a space for reconciliation. His message to the young reformers about one of the critical lessons he has learned: “It takes days, months, sometimes a few years for a church to loose unity, but it takes decades to come together.” He encouraged the young LWF member church representatives to “never forget that, and watch the step towards unity all the time.” In earlier sessions, the general LWF Council member Eun-hae Kwon, right, with Sumita Chin, from Malaysia. Kwon says she is motivated to serve and to continue more faithfully in her role. Photo: LWF/M. Renaux secretary responded to questions from

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 5 the young reformers about LWF’s work, Some of the thematic discussions church and creating community, em- membership, funding, advocacy and in group discussions includes Lutheran powering youth, networking, church youth participation among others. identity, renewal of mission, rethinking sustainability and climate justice.

Youth should adopt Luther’s “radical thinking, daring energy, rebellious inclination” Rev. Dr Fidon Mwombeki, general sec- 500 years ago. “Do not neglect the Tenets of Lutheranism retary of the United Evangelical Mission, responsibility to reform the church on Mwombeki elaborated on the four main Germany, called on young Lutherans to a permanent basis, since reformation tenets (solas) of Lutheranism—grace, courageously and urgently take up the never ends,” emphasized Mwombeki, faith, Christ and scripture—according mission of the church today in the con- who is also incoming director of the to which the gospel should be pro- fidence that “God has already accom- LWF Department for Mission and claimed. Through the crucified Christ, plished everything for our liberation.” Development. “we as human beings are offered forgive- In his keynote address to delegates Citing examples from across the ness of sin and justification. We have no of the LWF Global Young Reformers world, Mwombeki noted that procla- other message,” he emphasized. workshop, Mwombeki reminded the mation of the Christian gospel today Mwombeki encouraged the young youth of Martin Luther’s “radical think- is increasingly inundated by false reformers to understand this un- ing, daring energy and rebellious incli- witnesses who spread fear and the changeable core of Lutheran identity, nation” in his late 20s, which led to the message of damnation. Lutheran- irrespective of the popularity of other 16th century reformation of the church. ism, he emphasized, is based on the theological interpretations. “We must He encouraged them to have a understanding of justification by faith stand firm and not allow anyone to sense of urgent mission and vocation, alone: that God’s righteousness is not deviate our convictions.” and assume the task of pushing the earned through what one does or fails In group discussions after his elders to discover new challenges and to do. Rather, “it is like an open hand presentation on 26 August, workshop opportunities for the church as Luther with which one receives what has been participants shared insights on the and other young reformers did some accomplished.” impact of rising religious fundamental- ism, the relevance of God in the lives of young adults, and Christian witness- ing against a background of many competing claims of religious equality. They also discussed why people are attracted to the prosperity gospel and what Lutheran churches could do to accommodate young people’s needs. Under the day’s thematic focus “To be Lutheran means to be theological,” the young reformers participated in workshops on how to prepare liturgy and worship in a Lutheran church, which included preparation for the workshop’s closing worship service and composing a young reformers’ song. They also presented exhibitions on youth work in United Evangelical Mission General Secretary Rev. Dr Fidon Mwombeki told the young reformers to have a sense of urgent mission and vocation. Photo: LWF/Johanan C. Valeriano their respective churches.

Youth must be strongly rooted in the church like life-giving trees Youth delegates from LWF member Benison Kachhap from the Gos- LWF in collaboration with the City of churches across the world witnessed sner Evangelical Lutheran Church Wittenberg as a living monument of the first young adult to plant an LWF in Chotanagpur and Assam (GELC), the Reformation. Fellow youth from 80 member-church tree at the Luther India, planted the 263rd tree in the LWF member churches, in the city for Garden in Wittenberg, Germany. garden established in 2008 by the a two-week Global Young Reformers

6 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 workshop, applauded as the 27-year- old watered the tree dedicated by GELC Bishop Johan Dang. “This is a life-changing moment. That I, a young Lutheran from India, am here today representing the Ref- ormation that Luther started in Wit- tenberg in the 16th century,” Kachhap said, following the 27 August event. He likened care for trees in a garden to nurturing youth in the church. “When we are strongly rooted, then we can grow and serve our churches. Like plants that need good ground and soil to grow, young people too need the church to be a place where we can grow in order for Benison Kachhap contemplates the significance of being the first young Lutheran to plant a tree in the the church to be sustainable,” he said. renowned Luther Garden, in Wittenberg. Rev. Hans Kasch, director of the LWF Center in Wittenberg, looks on. Kachhap expressed gratitude to Photo: GNC/LWF, F. Hübner the GELC leadership for entrusting one the project with the city, presided at a advocacy area in which youth have of its youth members with the respon- prayer service for the tree dedication. played an important role representing sibility of planting the church’s tree in He emphasized the global and ecu- the LWF at a number of high level the Luther Garden. “As a symbol of life, menical profile of the garden, which meetings and initiating the global Fast a tree is not planted for its own sake. targets the planting of 500 trees by for the Climate campaign. It provides shade to those who need it, 31 October 2017. Some 80 countries Kasch called on the young reform- fruit and shelter. But it needs care to from around the world are thus far ers to encourage churches that have grow so that it can serve others. In a represented in the trees planted since not yet participated in the project to do similar way, youth should be nurtured January 2009. so. Each church that plants a tree in to serve the church for the sake of the The dedication provided opportunity the Luther Garden is required to plant church itself,” he added. for the young reformers to tour the a matching one in their respective garden where leaders of Lutheran and home country. other churches, representatives of the A member church of the LWF since Aiming for 500 trees by LWF and other Christian World Commu- 1947, GELC is one of the 11 Lutheran 2017 nions have planted Reformation trees. churches in India. Rev. Hans Kasch, director of the LWF The Wittenberg workshop includes Center in Wittenberg, which manages discussion on climate justice, an LWF

Ongoing Lutheran reformation needs young people’s creativity The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) youth of their critical contribution to “They could have chosen to remain General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin the LWF over the years, saying he con- in the fragmentation then. But because Junge encouraged young adults from sidered the gathering in Wittenberg as of their calling of baptism as Christians, the member churches to be creative in a strong expression and embodiment like us here, they had a particular in- discerning ideas that will support the of the communion of churches. sight into the gospel of Jesus Christ—to LWF as it projects its future. “Since its founding, the LWF holds love and serve the neighbor,” he said. “My pledge is that we will listen fast to the vocation to come together, so He encouraged the youth to be to what you will bring to us because we can meet one another, engage in guided by the fundamental message of when we take the next steps, we want mutual relations of conversations, and justification by faith alone, to support to do that with the young people in the particularly in the present times marked LWF living out God’s call for mission LWF,” Junge told the young reformers by fragmentation and polarization,” Junge and service in the world “not because meeting in the city of the Reformation said. His address drew attention to the of who we are and do but because of for their first international workshop. founding church leaders, who made a who God is and what God does.” In his presentation about the LWF, commitment to establish the LWF in 1947 On how youth representation the general secretary reminded the in the the post-Second World context. enhances their contribution in the

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 7 LWF, the general secretary said the 1984 Assembly decision to ensure a 20 percent youth presence whenever the LWF comes together needs to be complemented in a meaningful way in which youth is also empowered to participate and take decisions. He said he was convinced the GYRN process, which is built up on such repeated efforts, will help bring young people’s ideas to the LWF for the next 500 years. The general secretary reiterated LWF’s continued commitment to support youth as already affirmed in their role as leaders of the LWF climate

LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge tells young reformers at Wittenberg to live out God’s call for justice campaign, on the LWF Council mission and service in the world. Photo: LWF/Marko Schoeneberg and other processes.

Young reformers present innovative projects at global gathering Young people at the Wittenberg gathering of youth from all parts of the world revealed the Reformation projects they will undertake when they head home. Among the projects are the use of creative arts to promote inter-generational dialogue and reconciliation in Guatemala, “football for the climate” youth clubs in Indonesia, and a virtual networking platform linking young reformers in Australia, the United States and Germany. In all, some 76 “Living Reformation” projects are being developed by young Lutherans meeting in the Reformation city of Wittenberg. Three delegates representing the LWF Global Young Reformers’ Network LWF Vice-President for Asia, Eun-hae Kwon (left), with LWF Council member, Anna-Maria Klassen, praised young Lutherans for their efforts to address challenges faced by Christians globally. Photo: Johanan Celine Valeriano unveiled their “Living Reformation” project ideas at a press conference on sub-themes “Salvation not for sale,” from the Indonesian Christian Church 3 September. The initiatives conceived “Creation not for sale” and “Human said he had opted for a popular youth at the workshop will be developed until beings not for sale.” They will comple- sport in his country to engage young the 2017 Reformation anniversary, and ment ongoing work in the respective people to discuss and do something will involve fellow youth in local churches. churches. about the effects of climate change. LWF Vice-President for Asia, Eun- “We are a communion of churches He said the living reformation project hae Kwon, commended the young in ongoing reformation and in our would involve youth from the Lutheran reformers for taking up the initiatives journey young generations are the and other churches, other religious aimed at bringing changes in their integral part of our communion that communities and seek greater engage- churches and communities, and for gives new inspiration and creativity,” ment across communities in activities addressing the current challenges emphasized Kwon, a member of the such as tree planting, collecting litter faced by Christians globally. Lutheran Church in Korea. and recycling waste. The projects are being developed Explaining his initiative, “football Pablo Solórzano Gudiel, Guatemala under the LWF Twelfth Assembly for the climate,” Pimpinan B. Sijabat Lutheran Church said creative arts—

8 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 drawing, music and dance among aspects of church and communion life Martin Junge reassured them of con- others—can help reconcile Guate- ahead of the Reformation anniversary. tinuing support, prayers and engage- malans with the untold dark history of “In this process, we are increasingly ment with the respective churches the 1967-1997 civil war in the Latin learning to receive and embrace the to secure greater youth participation American country. gifts young people bring into dis- including at the 2017 Assembly in Sophie Louise Gerrie, Lutheran cussions, decisions and leadership Namibia. “What I saw among you is Church of Australia, wants to set up a throughout our communion.” a great love for the gospel, for the networking platform using virtual post In her remarks, LWF Council mem- church, for the world, and for creation. cards that will help participants share ber, Anna-Maria Klassen, reflected You need the space to share what you messages on the three Reformation on the current discussion in Germany learned and experienced locally and anniversary sub-themes. She would on refugees in Europe. She empha- globally.” invite friends across the world to join sized LWF’s commitment to support Later in the evening, the young in. The modest fee to be requested refugees in its work across the world. reformers celebrated the closing wor- for each card will go towards an LWF “There is no question: as Christians we ship, for which they had prepared project to be decided. have to welcome the stranger,” she liturgy together during the two-week added, referring to LWF’s endorse- event. The workshop concluded with ment of faith-based organizations’ the young reformers mapping out the Embracing young people’s collaboration with the United Nations next steps for the global network. gifts refugee agency. Kwon emphasized LWF’s commit- Joining the young reformers via ment to empower young people in all skype, LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr

Heading back home inspired to act for a just climate Many of the LWF member church ized, who are the most adversely af- Jacob Rempel, 19, representatives at the young reformers’ fected by climate change. Evangelical Lutheran workshop in Wittenberg will be going “What is most important in fasting Church in Canada back home with greater awareness and is to use this time for some reflection I really felt inspired by the workshop. inspiration for climate justice advocacy. and self-thought; to really think about I know the world is changing through During a 1 September Fast for what you can do differently in your life the climate and we need to take ac- the Climate prayer service in the Wit- for the benefit of others,” said Buhse, tions. tenberg Catholic Church, the young a member of the LWF working group Though fasting may be a small reformers reflected again on climate on climate justice. way when it is one person, we can all change, a major topic of the interna- Here’s what inspired young reform- work together in a larger movement, tional workshop. ers from Canada, Indonesia, Russia and because it is not just the links of the Jeff Buhse thanked those who had South Africa to join the Fast for the Cli- chain that count, it is the entire chain. responded to LWF’s invitation to join mate campaign, as they count down to When I get back home, working to- the once-a-month action of fasting in the December United Nations climate wards more green actions can include solidarity with the poor and marginal- change conference in Paris, France: not having all the lights on during wor-

Jacob R. H. Rempel says he will work towards connecting “the links in the entire Indonesian young reformer Pimpinan B. Sijabat explains his idea of “football for chain” in Canada to show solidarity with victims of the global climate change crisis. climate justice”.

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 9 ship and possibly using candles instead, Vera Tkach, 28, workshop has been a great inspiration. or relying more on sunshine for lighting. Evangelical Lutheran I joined in the first-of-the-month fast as I’ll also encourage more outdoor Church in Russia a way of advocacy, awareness raising activities instead of movie nights as a The Wittenberg workshop really in- and solidarity for people affected by way of reducing our carbon footprint. spired me. I learned that as Christians, the global climate crisis. we are responsible for taking care When I get back home, I plan to of our neighbors, our surroundings begin a few projects; starting small Pimpinan Brades Sijabat, and nature. We also need to pray for so that I can get support from other 23, Indonesian Christian and support those who suffer due to people. The first step will be to gather Church climate change. Although they live in a group of young people and educate This workshop has really inspired me; other countries far from us, they are them more about climate change and that’s why I decided to join the “Fast our neighbors: our brothers and sisters climate injustices. for the Climate” campaign. At the Wit- in Christ. I have realized that I use my car tenberg workshop, I learnt a lot from I’m already active in climate advoca- a lot, even when not necessary. With all over the world about the situation cy by signing petitions on environmental support from my friends, I’ll introduce of people affected by climate change. protection in the eastern part of Russia, a car-free day or car-free Sunday, When I go back home, I can do more and I will continue to do that. In my whereby we would use bicycles in- to raise this awareness and show soli- town, Smolensk, I’ll continue in cam- stead of motorcars or motorcycles. I’ll darity with those suffering. paigns for tree planting, cleaning river need to engage the city authorities and How will I do this? In my country, banks and restoring Lutheran historical non-profit organizations to donate the football is very popular. Through youth sites. I hope we can involve youth in bicycles. I’m convinced we will get the football clubs, we can talk about climate planting a Reformation tree in Moscow support we need as some of our con- change and introduce practical projects to match the one the bishop planted at gregants work with these organizations. like tree planting, collecting litter and the Luther Garden in Wittenberg. It’s a small but meaningful contribution recycling waste. The first challenge is to lowering fuel consumption. to get youth together; because if we just say, “Hi there, come for tree planting,’ Cedric Boikanyo Kgwatlhe, All photos: LWF/Johanan C. Valeriano without a fun activity, no youth will join. 32, Evangelical Lutheran I’ll invite not only youth from Indo- Church in Southern Africa nesian Lutheran churches but other I did not know much about climate jus- churches too and faith communities. tice before coming to Wittenberg. This

Vera Tkach, youth director of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Russia South African youth ministry volunteer coordinator Cedric Kgwatlhe hopes to promised greater advocacy and prayers. convince his Pretoria congregation to adopt a bicycle Sunday.

More news on Workshop Wittenberg at www.lutheranworld.org/content/workshop-wittenberg

10 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 Tanzanian and Swedish church leadership give thanks for gift of communion Joint meeting produces statement promoting partnership

RÄTTVIK, Sweden/Geneva (LWI) – Bishops from two of the largest Lutheran churches in the world met, held discussions and worshipped together in order to deepen relations between the two bodies. In a four-day meeting in Rättvik, Sweden, 14 bishops from the Evan- gelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) and all 14 from the Church of Sweden shared the gift of communion, worshiped and explored ways of strengthening relations as leaders in the one Church of Jesus Christ. The meeting was hosted by the Church of Sweden with the aim of en- abling the two churches to strengthen Bishops from Tanazania and Sweden deepen relations between the two churches during a four-day meeting in Sweden. Photo: Magnus Aronson/IKON confidence in one another, and of understanding the contexts and chal- munion as they discerned Scriptures and learning through exchange of groups, lenges that each church faces. God’s will in today’s world,” Junge said. personnel and programs at national, Discussion covered leadership, diocesan and parish levels, to nur- common challenges, how to maintain ture discipleship and ministry of all and promote cooperation, as well as Being a church in dialogue the baptised in accordance with the partnership between the churches. Discussion focused on teaching principles of the Lutheran Reforma- From the meeting came a state- and education, poverty, discipleship, tion, to fight poverty, both material ment signed by ELCT Bishop Dr Alex modern communication and being a and spiritual, and to share and respect Malasusa on behalf of the Tanzanian church in dialogue – both in society theology shaped by our traditions and bishops present and by the Church of and with other religions, the statement the contexts in which we live.” Sweden’s Archbishop Antje Jackelén that came from the discussion said. on behalf of the Swedish bishops. The statement went on to list a se- LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr ries of calls to action by the churches. Highlight our different Martin Junge held up the meeting as Among them were to give thanks to conditions an example of firm relations of member God for the gift of communion and for Before the meeting, Archbishop Antje churches of the Communion. journeys of learning, to persevere with Jackelén said the Church of Sweden “This is what LWF member church- mutual prayer, ministry and diaconia had a long-standing relationship with es stand for and are known for: to the world and to care for creation. the ELCT. “We would now like to mutuality and solidarity when they It also called upon the two churches devote time to getting to know each meet, respect for diversity and mutual to renew their relationship being mind- other better as leaders in the world- accountability as they jointly discern ful of generational inclusiveness, to en- wide church. We will highlight how our their participation in God’s mission, courage interfaith dialogue and friendly different conditions affect our way of and inclusion and participation as they co-existence, to prioritize education being a church,” she said. express communion relationships that and teaching of the Christian faith, and Discussion was guided by text from are a gift before they are a task. to promote women in leadership. the Book of Acts of the Apostles which “I celebrate the ways in which leaders It set out a number of commit- describes the life of the first Christians. from Church of Sweden and the Evan- ments for leaders of the church. In pairs – one from each country – the gelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania have “As leaders of our churches we bishops led discussions, Bible studies, embodied these values of the LWF com- commit ourselves to promote mutual the Eucharist and prayers.

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 11 “We are doing this because there different languages and cultures, theran World Federation. With 6.5 mil- we find a story about people who tried and we want to be inspired by this,” liin members, the Church of Sweden to interpret their contemporary context Archbishop Jackelén said before the is the largest in the Communion, while and be a church in it. These Bible conference. the ELCT is the third largest with more stories describe how completely new The Church of Sweden and the than 5.8 million members, according relationships were formed between ELCT are both members of the Lu- to LWF 2013 statistics. “What have you done or failed to do for one of these?” Finnish archbishop speaks out against harsh humanitarian cutbacks

HELSINKI, Finland/GENEVA (LWI) – The Finn- ish Archbishop Kari Mäkinen has called for solidarity with refugees and encouraged parishes to raise their mission and diakonia allocations. The call from the Archbishop comes in the wake of the decision in July by the Finnish government to cut state funding to non-governmental organizations by 43 percent. “This is about values,” the archbishop said in his opening remarks at the Church’s Council for International Relations seminar. “One of the world’s most prosperous countries is telling both its own citizens and the international community: ‘What happens in the rest of the world is not so important. The main thing is that we get by’.” The drastic cut in funding will se- domestic charity versus development to the human tragedy on its shores and verely affects humanitarian church orga- aid, and encouraged parishes in 2016 is beginning to react on a scale that is nizations such as the Finnish Evangelical to increase their allocation for mission more appropriate, it is very encouraging.” Mission and Finn Church Aid. and international diakonia. “The church “At the same time it is crucial to “But the millions of people who are can lead by example and give a clear remember that only a very small per- most affected are struggling with living message by its own deeds,” he said. centage of the 60 million refugees in conditions that are difficult for us to “If we are to be faithful to Our Lord, the world even try to come to Europe,” imagine,” Mäkinen said. the church of Christ must fearlessly Immonen added. “The vast majority Uncertainty and a sense of insecurity defend the inalienable and absolute remains in situations which are very lead people to forget the shared humanity value of each person created and difficult, further away from our cam- in God’s creation, he warned. “Christ is redeemed by God. At all times and eras and media presence. We need to the one for whom clean water in Ethiopia everywhere,” Mäkinen stressed. make sure that all refugees, wherever is the question; Christ is the one who The Lutheran World Federation they are, are met with dignity, and their speaks about education in Nepal; Christ (LWF) welcomed the words of the Finn- human rights are respected.” is the one whose life is saved on the ish Archbishop. Through its Department “This crisis is going to be with us for a Mediterranean Sea,” the archbishop said. for World Service, the LWF works with long time and the increasing humanitar- “At the end, when all the books have been over 2 million refugees in the world on ian efforts must be complemented with opened, the Lord of the Church has but a daily basis, in the areas they have fled political efforts to resolve the conflicts one question: What have you done or to, and in the areas they came from. that are producing unbearable situations failed to do for one of these?” “The needs are enormous,” LWF World for civilians, and conflict resolution and The archbishop warned churches Service Director Maria Immonen said. “It peace building efforts at all levels need to against taking up the antagonism of is important that Europe has woken up be emphasised,” she concluded.

12 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 “The Middle East needs justice, not more arms” LWF Council expressed concerns over ongoing violence

GENEVA (LWI) – At its 2015 meeting, cannot keep up this level of welcome Extreme needs the Council of The Lutheran World indefinitely,” the resolution states. When violence erupted in Gaza in Federation (LWF) Council adopted a LWF is assisting people who have August 2014, the LWF-run Augusta resolution on the Middle East, voicing been affected by all of these conflicts. Victoria Hospital sent two volunteer concern about violence in the region, In Northern Iraq, LWF is assisting medical teams, totaling six doctors the vulnerability of religious and other internally displaced people from the and six nurses, to Gaza to care for the minorities, and the breakdown of the Sinjar area who are now living in refu- increasing number of people injured Israeli-Palestinian peace process. gee camps and host communities in in the ongoing conflict with Israel. “Religion has been used to legitimize Dohuk, as well as in churches in the The AVH team included specialists in much of the region’s violence,” the Jordanian capital Amman. emergency medicine, intensive care, resolution states, citing the situation in In Jordan, LWF is supporting surgery, internal medicine and pedi- Syria, Iraq and the unresolved Israeli- refugees from Syria in Za’atari refugee atrics, with accompanying specialty Palestinian conflict. Religious groups camp, and in neighboring host com- nursing. The team also brought in have been targeted. In this context, munities. More than 80,000 people, much-needed medical supplies and efforts to promote religiously-identified many of them children, have been medicines. Five hospitals and 34 clin- political moderation are struggling forced into this protracted refugee ics had been shut down in Gaza due against the growth of extremism. situation. As the war in Syria enters to the insecure situation. “The region needs justice not more its fifth year, their future is uncertain. The medical team told harrowing arms,” the resolution says. The resolution also mentions the stories about the situation in Gaza Israeli-Palestinian conflict, unresolved during the shelling. “There are people for 67 years. “In the latest Gaza war sleeping all around us in the hospital, Millions of displaced and last year, more than 2,000 people on the floors, in the corridors, home- refugees were killed, the vast majority of whom less, hopeless, with no families. Vol- It also mentions the millions of dis- were Palestinian civilians; 490 of these unteers in the hospital do nothing but placed people, who have sought civilians were children,” the resolution mop spilt blood covering the floors. refuge in Jordan, Turkey and other reads. The smell of blood is the only odour,” countries. “These host countries one of the nurses wrote.

Churches asked to advocate The AVH also set up a department with 12 additional surgical beds and four intensive care beds to serve injured casualties and cancer patients trapped in Gaza. In its resolution, the LWF Council urges the international community to “resolve the region’s conflicts through negotiation rather than further violence.” It calls upon member churches to “advocate with their governments to ensure constructive engagement and to address the causes of human

Augusta Victoria Hospital staff before entering Gaza at the time of the 2014 conflict. The LWF Council has suffering rather than addressing their condemned the continued violence in the region. Photo: LWF Jerusalem effects only.” More LWI news at www.lutheranworld.org

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 13 Bishop Emeritus Niels Henrik Arendt (1950-2015) Deep Commitment and Passion to Serve the Church

Leaders of The Lutheran World Fed- in the Global Young Reformers work- faith does not have to be compromised eration (LWF) have expressed their shop in Wittenberg, Germany, when when met with challenges, doubt and shock at the sudden death of Bishop he heard of Bishop Arendt’s sudden anxiety. But it can be strengthened. Emeritus Niels Henrik Arendt of the passing, said the gathering was deeply A child’s simple reception of the King- Evangelical Lutheran Church in Den- affected by the news along with all dom of God is best for the child. But mark. He died on 24 August, aged 64, colleagues at the LWF Communion if you insist on staying in the chamber following a short illness. Office in Geneva. of simplicity as a grown-up, your life Arendt, who was the chairperson “There are people who, no matter becomes untruthful. The beauty is that of the LWF Committee for Mission and for how long or short we have known a grown-up can recover the simple Development, and a member of the them, leave indelible memories with piety of a child just by exposing his Council and the Meeting of Officers, us, and Niels Henrik is one of them,” or her faith to life’s joys and sorrows. served as bishop of the Haderslev Junge said. “His serenity, wisdom, When you have experienced life on Diocese of the Danish church from warm smile, deep commitment and the edge and is only upheld because 1999 to 2013. passion to serve the church made a God wants to uphold you, an almost Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan, presi- great difference in the ministries to childish gratitude and confidence may dent of the LWF, said he had come which he was called, among them as spring into existence.” to know Arendt as a good theologian LWF Council member.” Born in Copenhagen in 1950, whose love for the Lutheran church in Bishop Arendt was a well-spoken Arendt served as a pastor from 1975 Denmark led him to become a strong and reflective theologian and he had a to 1992, when he became dean of supporter of and actor in the LWF. love for the Danish collection of hymns. Haderslev. Between 1985 and 1987 Arendt’s passion for mission and One hymn in particular had taken on he was sent by Mission Afrika as a understanding of accompaniment much meaning for him. “See, the sun theological advisor to the Lutheran made him a good choice as chair of is rising” from 1891, expresses a life churches in Sierra Leone. the Committee for Mission and De- journey that is in God’s hand despite The time Arendt and his family – velopment, the LWF president added. danger and death. wife Birgitte, a theologian, and three “Bishop Niels will be missed both in the Reflecting on faith, doubt and life, small children at the time – spent in Meeting of Officers and the Council as Arendt said in an interview while still Sierra Leone offering theological train- well as in LWF circles.” Bishop, “the hymn became permis- ing to pastors and studying Christian- LWF General Secretary, Rev. Dr sion to embrace life for better or worse Muslim relations shaped their outlook Martin Junge, who was participating with God’s blessing. It taught me that on life and the world. After serving as bishop in the Had- erslev Diocese, Arendt returned to pas- toral ministry in Madum and Stadby and worked as the Danish church’s theological advisor around the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. Arendt volunteered for numerous organizations, including DanChurchAid, the Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture, the Ethical Council and the Fo- rum for Islam and Christianity. He was chairperson of the Grundtvig Forum, which debates the thinking of renowned Danish theologian N. F. S. Grundtvig. Bishop Arendt grew up in a home where both parents were theologians. He had five brothers, and leaves his Bishop Niels Henrik Arendt, right, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark, addressing LWF Council wife of 43 years, Birgitte, and four participants during the panel presentation on 14 June 2013. Bishop Arendt died on 23 August 2015. Photo: LWF/Maximilian Haas children.

14 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 Dialogue among faith groups in Myanmar critical for nation building LWF encourages initiatives that strengthen peace

YANGON, Myanmar/GENEVA (LWI) – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has encouraged religious leaders in Myan- mar to work together in initiatives that strengthen dialogue and promote unity among faith groups in the country. Through its area desk for Asia at the Department for Mission and Devel- opment (DMD) and the Department for Theology and Public Witness (DTPW), the LWF commended the Interfaith Dialogue Group of Myanmar (IDGM) for its efforts in promoting peace in the society, saying this adds value to ongoing developments in the South- east Asian country. The IDGM and LWF jointly hosted Faith leaders from Myanmar and LWF representatives at the July conference in Yangon. Photo: LWF/S. Lawrence a conference on 30 July to deliber- ate how faith leaders in Myanmar for Justice and Peace,” Sinn explained The IDGM’s initiatives include sup- can strengthen religious harmony in that dialogue with other faiths is an im- port for people affected by HIV and society particularly at the grassroots. portant aspect of LWF’s public witness AIDS in a country with a relatively low Around 40 faith leaders from the five as a communion of churches. “Peace HIV prevalence of less than one per- major religions in the country namely and reconciliation should not just be a cent, but with potential for increase the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu general talk, but a very concrete task: if the risk of the virus spread is not and Muslim participated as well as religious leaders need to establish con- stemmed. government representatives through structive relationships with each other The Myanmar Council of Churches, the Ministry of Religious Affairs. and with their communities,” she said. to which the Lutheran churches in the Even though in recent years the country are affiliated, is a member government of Myanmar has radically of the interfaith platform, which was eased political, economic and social Care for marginalized established in 2013 to promote col- restrictions, the country continues to people laboration on common issues relating experience heightened tension as a re- Dr Tin Thein Naing, representing the to development processes. sult of religious and ethnic conflicts in Buddhist community, said all religious Mr U Sein Maw, the Yangon Re- some parts of the country. “Conversa- leaders have equal responsibility in gion head of religious affairs, assured tions between people of different faiths ensuring peace and the wellbeing of all participants of the government’s will- should be an ongoing activity. It is people particularly in today’s context ingness to work with all faith-based only on the strength of the friendships of conflicts in society, growing indi- groups in their ongoing and future ef- forged that conflicts—should they oc- vidualism and further marginalization forts in order to increase the quality of cur—could be quickly and peacefully of already vulnerable groups. life in the country of 53 million people. resolved,” said Rev. Dr William Chang, Muslim leader Al Haj Mohamed Delegates at the one-day gather- LWF area secretary for Asia at DMD. Amin noted that “religious life is part of ing included representatives of the Chang and Rev. Dr Simone Sinn, public life,” therefore unity in diversity four LWF member churches there. LWF study secretary for Public The- was key to strengthening common LWF World Service also has a country ology and Interreligious Relations at ground for collaboration. Mr Tin Kyine, program in Myanmar. DTPW presented LWF’s work at the from the Baha’i expressed apprecia- By Steven Lawrence, regional conference. In her keynote address fo- tion for the opportunity to dialogue as expression officer for the LWF Asian cusing on “Religions’ Joint Engagement faith groups and to plan joint actions. region.

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 15 Growing towards inclusive community in Finnish church First Nordic translation of LWF Gender Justice Policy

HELSINKI, Finland/GENEVA (LWI) – The first their respective contexts. Other com- causes’ or do we take a risk? In other Nordic translation of The Lutheran pleted translations in addition to LWF’s words, is there a possibility of learning World Federation (LWF) Gender Jus- English, German, French and Spanish from those who we do not know yet or tice Policy will help make it part of the include Japanese, Korean and Swahili. whose questions might disturb us? Do life of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Askola noted that many of the prin- we dare to ask?” she concluded. of Finland (ELCF), Helsinki Bishop Irja ciples embodied in the LWF policy are al- The ELCF has over 4.1 million Askola predicts. ready known to the ELCF. However, she members in its 430 parishes. Askola, The Finnish translation of the global added that having it in Finnish will raise the country’s first Lutheran woman document, which was launched at a new questions around inclusiveness. bishop, is among the nine diocesan seminar attended by 60 participants “Do we invite into our processes heads of the church that is led by in Helsinki on 24 September, under- only those whom we know as ‘safe Archbishop Dr Kari Mäkinen. scores the inclusive principles of the LWF policy adopted in 2013, she added. “Growing towards an inclusive community, one needs to communicate with the language that is known by the members of that community. Not ev- eryone in Finland understands English! Sometimes the global document, which you read in your own mother tongue, invites you differently,” she noted. “Well, this speaks to us and about us,” she emphasized. The policy outlines the main steps towards reaching gender equality and justice. A number of churches in the worldwide LWF communion have already begun to use it as a tool in “The gender justice policy “speaks to us and about us,” says Helsinki Bishop Irja Askola.” Photo: ELCF Harnessing local resources for a sustainable church in Africa Credibility and accountability urged at West African workshop

ACCRA, Ghana/GENEVA (LWI) – The Presi- from northern partner churches due ability to tap them that the churches dent of the Lutheran Communion in to the global financial crisis, and the need,” said Ekong, who heads the Central and Western Africa Archbishop need to secure indigenous sources of Lutheran Church of Nigeria (LCN). Christian Ekong, urged churches in the support. The Lutheran World Federa- The LCN archbishop called on lead- communion to set up structures that tion (LWF) Department for Mission and ers of the Lutheran churches in Central ensure credibility and accountability Development (DMD) organized the and Western Africa to be agents of to help secure funding to sustain their sub-regional workshop, hosted by the change and ensure accountability and ministries. Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana. credibility in their institutions. Ekong was speaking following a “The churches must not wait on The workshop drew 20 participants workshop on local resource mobiliza- anybody to come from elsewhere to from LWF member churches in Cam- tion held 2-7 August in Accra, Ghana, to do for them what they can do by them- eroon, Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria, to address the issue of dwindling funding selves. Funds are everywhere. It is the discuss poverty and injustice, and how

16 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 Tanzania, noted that sustainability is a continuous process. He said there are plenty of resources in Africa that churches can harness in order to become sustainable but they need to adopt appropriate ways of communi- cating how they use such funds. Participants agreed that all are accountable to God first then to one another, adding that for accountability to thrive, there must be systems in place that offer good governance and decision-making. Ms Simangaliso Hove, LWF secretary for planning and finance at DMD, who conducted part of the training, ex- Participants at a breakout session during the LUCCWA training workshop in Accra, Ghana. Photo: LUCCWA pressed appreciation for the workshop. churches might address these issues “Churches or organizations must “Participants were ready to discuss and through improved fundraising, com- not wait for resources to be depleted find solutions. They are ready to deal munication and transparency. before they can think of mobilizing with issues that will bring the needed Participants agreed that donors are funds, but must identify projects and change,” she added. not willing to support projects that will mobilize resources for them,” noted Felix Samari, communications of- not endure and that churches, there- Mr Geoffrey Kalugendo, a capacity ficer for the Lutheran Church of Christ fore, must ensure that they choose building consultant for the LWF, who in Nigeria contributed this story. sustainable projects. Transparency is co-facilitated the workshop. crucial and churches should openly Kalugendo, who has worked with discuss their work. the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Solidarity for Ukrainian church diaconal work amid conflict Assistance to the displaced and people with disabilities

ODESSA, Ukraine/GENEVA (LWI) – In the dated towns, the four-person solidarity visit hosted by GELCU Bishop Serge midst of the 16-month-old war in the group reported on their 20-22 May Maschewski and Nicole Borisuk of Ukraine that has killed over 6,000 people and displaced 1.5 million, the German Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Ukraine (GELCU) and the Living Hope diaconal organization continue to respond to the overwhelming needs of people affected by the conflict. Members of a “solidarity group” of diaconal actors from The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches in Europe visiting GELCU recently, witnessed the church’s diaconal work in the war pitting the Kiev government against pro-Russian separatists seeking control of the country’s eastern region. There are waves of displaced people seeking new homes in dilapi- Humanitarian aid assistance to children in Donbas area. Photo: Janka Adameová

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 17 Living Hope. Water and electricity are have difficulty re-integrating into fam- chicken, goats and ducks—that brings scarce and the battle scarred infra- ily life and frequently turn to alcohol together 100 people in a former factory structure remains one of the biggest and are physically abusive. Diaconal recreation center. obstacles to bringing food and other support in such cases includes pas- “This new future life is shaped by basic needs to towns in the Donbass toral care. investing in the resources of the in- region, one of the most severely af- GELCU and Living Hope extend habitants themselves. Each of them, fected by the conflict. such care to the general population, based on their gifts, creates employ- In Odessa alone, the group noted, with many people suffering from ment possibilities. The fruits of partici- there are 20,000 officially registered depression in the midst of the war patory approaches for living together displaced people though unofficial and deprivation. While some stay in have already been experienced,” the estimates suggest the numbers could dangerous situations because they feel solidarity group noted. be as high as 300,000 in the region attached to the land, others suffer the The group emphasized the urgent of around 1 million inhabitants. frustration of looking forward to poten- need for long-term peace building in State support is paltry and those tial political change. A group of 46 psy- the Ukraine. “Mutual understanding in need therefore turn to the churches chologists supported by the diaconal and tolerance should be the basis for and non-profit organizations. Injured center in Odessa provide counseling creating new relations between the soldiers show up at hospitals in their services on a voluntary basis, includ- people,” the group stated in its report. burnt uniforms and need clothes, ing in congregations where groups of The solidarity group visit to Ukraine shoes, blankets and dishes. Diaconal displaced people have settled. Since was part of the “Seeking Conviviality” workers, non-profit organizations and April 2015 the church diaconal center initiative by the LWF member churches volunteers respond, the four-person has also established an SOS-telephone and diaconal organizations in the Euro- team reported. line to facilitate ready access to such pean region. The “conviviality” model They noted that people who are help. In Odessa alone, more than of diakonia emphasizes social service already vulnerable in society face 1,800 people who mostly suffer from work that includes participatory action particular difficulties as they try to post-traumatic stress syndrome have by the people affected so that they can find their place in the war-torn society. been assisted. bring about their own transformation. The report cites the situation of 1,500 As families are split on the validity “In this light, the implications of people with disabilities who had been of the war and the new patriotic move- the concept of conviviality seem to be evacuated from Donbass to former ments, diaconal workers in light of the legitimate. Peace-making as a concept sanatoria or recreation homes near current situation urge the nurturing of is becoming more and more important Odessa, but are now threatened with solidarity, something the congregation for all age groups and diverse target eviction by the local authorities. in Dnepropetrovsk in the Donbass groups,” the group concluded. region is encouraging. The group visiting GELCU included Rev. Avo Uprus (Estonia); Mag. Janka War trauma and Adameova (Czech Republic), Rev. deprivation Signs of hope Martin Urdze (Latvia) and Ukrainians The diaconal workers noted that sol- Still, the group noted, out of this chaos Ljubov Galimova and Nicole Borisuk. diers returning from the war suffer of war, has risen a kibbutz—an ag- from physical and mental injuries, ricultural enterprise with land, cows, French churches appeal for decisive action in Paris Immeasurable suffering for the poorest and future generations

PARIS, France/GENEVA (LWI) – Alarmed by Churches of France (CÉCEF) stated 11 December. The meeting aims to the impact of climate change on the the urgency to work towards limiting achieve a new agreement on climate environment and the most vulnerable global warming “so that the most vul- change, obliging all nations to keep people, French churches are urging nerable of our brothers and sisters and global warming well below 2 degrees decisive action from political and future generations do not suffer more.” Celsius. economic leaders who will gather in France will host the 21st session of “We are aware of the grave threats Paris this November. the Conference of the Parties to the facing the world due to climate change In a statement issued on 29 United Nations Framework Convention caused by the misuse by human be- September, the Council of Christian on Climate Change, 30 November to ings of the resources with which they

18 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 have been advocating for meaningful action at the meeting. In July, the head of the United Protestant Church of France (EPUDF) Rev. Laurent Sch- lumberger joined faith leaders seeking the French government’s commitment in preparing a safe future for coming generations. They presented French President Francois Hollande with a statement on the spiritual and moral challenges of climate change. LWF’s global advocacy for climate justice includes active engagement in the #FastForTheClimate initiative which it co-started in 2013 with other faith- based and civil society organizations. LWF delegates and other advocates at the COP 20 climate change conference in Lima, Peru, in 2014. Photo: LWF/Sean Hawkey The campaign incorporates an invitation to observe fasting on the first day of each have been provided,” the council ated through the Protestant Federation month until the COP 21 conference, at said in the statement jointly signed by of France. which the LWF will be represented. CÉCEF Co-Presidents Rev. François “We feel compelled to tackle the The LWF has begun preparing for Clavairoly, Metropolitan Emmanuel causes of such destruction. We see the Paris conference in collaboration and Archbishop Georges Pontier. the immeasurable suffering it causes. with other ecumenical and interfaith The ecumenical council represents We are particularly concerned for the actors. Its delegation drawn from all churches from the Anglican, Catholic, weakest and poorest among us,” the the seven LWF regions includes per- Orthodox and Protestant traditions in church leaders said. sons from climate-change affected France. The Lutheran World Federa- Religious leaders in the country countries such as Guyana, India, Rus- tion (LWF) member churches are affili- hosting the climate change conference sia and Senegal. LWF welcomes new impulse towards sustainable development Rights-based approach, gender justice and accountability key to ending poverty

GENEVA (LWI) – The Lutheran World Federation welcomes the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Devel- opment Goals (SDGs) as a sign that the world community has not abandoned the vision that every individual should live in dignity. “Lutheran churches and the LWF have for decades been involved in diaconal activities, seeking to improve conditions of communities. The SDGs represent a new impulse to join hands with other actors committed to the same purpose,” said LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge. “We look forward to using the SDGs as a compass to help direct our efforts Thanks to an LWF-supported project to bring piped and clean drinking water to the Andean highlands, Filomena Huanaco Casilla (left) and Rosenda Challco Barrera will no longer have to depend on natural but to promote human dignity, to welcome unsafe water sources in their remote village. Photo: LWF/I. Dorji

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 19 the stranger, and to serve those who to focus attention and resources on in humanitarian response and devel- are the most vulnerable,” he added. improving lives. The SDGs, he empha- opment work, the Council noted that More than 150 world leaders sized, include elements that the LWF the LWF as a global communion of attending the UN Sustainable Devel- has found to be critical to development, churches is especially well placed to opment Summit in New York, 25-27 including a rights-based approach, promote the SDGs from a diaconal or September, adopted the ambitious gender justice and accountability. service perspective. SDG agenda that includes 17 goals At its Council meeting in June, the “The UN recognizes the critical role and 169 targets to wipe out poverty, LWF affirmed support for the SDGs, of faith-based organizations in the at- fight inequality and tackle climate which include good governance tainment of the 17 goals of the SDGs,” change over the next 15 years. (transparency, accountability, anti- Junge said following the UN summit. The UN stated that this “momen- corruption), justice for the poor and “It is important that faith-based tous agenda” would help launch ac- equality (equal access to essential organizations join this call, thereby tion by the international community services) and peacebuilding. offering their critical perspectives on and national governments to promote The governing body urged LWF what is being identified as develop- shared prosperity and wellbeing for all member churches to stay informed ment, and the premises on which such people over the next decade and half. about the SDGs and advocate for their understanding rests,” he concluded. Junge noted that the previous UN full funding and implementation. Citing Millennium Development Goals helped cooperation with several UN agencies Call for theology that engages with Asia’s realities LWF co-sponsored consultation affirms continued dialogue at the grassroots of society

HONG KONG/GENEVA (LWI) – An inter- jointly with the Tao Fong Shan Christian This approach offered disadvan- national consultation deliberating the Center and the Norwegian-based mis- taged populations the possibility “to role of religion in the public space in sionary organization, Areopagos. In claim their voice and influence the Asia has called for religious leaders to a communiqué, the 30 theologians discourse” while facilitating neighborly urgently articulate theology “not only and scholars of religion who took part relations in “spite of very different reli- with our heads but with our hearts affirmed the significance of dialogue gious beliefs,” they noted. and bodies fully engaged in the world.” between people of different faiths as it Speakers at the consultation included The Lutheran World Federation or- occurs spontaneously at the grassroots Prof. Anselm Min of Claremont Graduate ganized the 3-7 September gathering, of society and as it rallies community University, California, United States, who Religious Life and Public Space in Asia, members around specific social issues. reminded participants of the region’s rich

Lutheran theologians study Paul’s letters for the contemporary church A group of 35 biblical scholars from Lutheran and other Christian global power plays gain traction in politics, the economy, sports traditions met in Aarhus, Denmark, for the fourth Bible interpreta- and the military, it is perhaps not surprising that Lutheran theo- tion conference hosted by The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) logians reflect on the power of the gospel,” noted Prof. Eve-Marie and Aarhus University. Becker of Aarhus University. The 24-29 September event concluded a series of inter- Bringing voices of theologians from Africa, Asia, Europe and national hermeneutics (scriptural interpretation) conferences the Americas to read Paul is significant for Lutherans, as Paul organized by the LWF since 2011. The program seeks to explore is considered as one of the important authorities in Lutheran how contemporary Lutherans can interpret the Bible together theology. in ways that are faithful to the text itself, relate to the Lutheran As the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017 draws tradition and are responsive to different contextual challenges. near, “it is appropriate that we go back to the scriptures and to Under the theme “The Power of the Gospel: Developing Pau- Paul to be reminded of the foundations of the faith,” said Rev. line Hermeneutics,” this year’s gathering brought together leading Dr Kenneth Mtata, LWF study secretary for Lutheran Theology global scholars from different theological disciplines to read Paul’s and Practice, who is responsible for this program. letters in relationship to the Lutheran heritage and explore how The conference concluded the LWF hermeneutics process, these relate to today’s political and economic situations. which included the study of the Fourth Gospel (John), the Psalms The phrase ‘the power of the gospel’, which comes from Paul’s and the Gospel of Matthew. The learning from this process will letter to the Romans, reflects how he understood the value and be consolidated in the publication of an LWF Hermeneutics meaning of the good news. “In times when highly ambiguous Statement in 2017, Mtata added.

20 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 spiritual resources and the potential of those resources to help people connect more deeply with their daily realities. Min encouraged faith communities in Asia to mobilize their profound spiri- tuality to help communities transcend notions of identity based on gender, ethnicity, religion, ideology and culture. He emphasized the need to intensify mutual dialogue in order to avoid mis- understandings and instead promote collaboration to reduce suffering.

Creation and salvation— two different concerns? Japanese theologian Rev. Dr Arata Miyamoto speaks at the interfaith consultation where Prof. Notto R. Thelle from Prof. Notto Thelle, University of Norway (right) encouraged openness to the wisdom and experiences of other religions. Photo: LWF/I. Benesch Oslo, Norway, invited participants to reconsider the distinction between stressed the need to move towards strand, Uppsala University, Sweden, creation and salvation from a Lutheran building healthy relationships in the described a joint Christian-Buddhist perspective by highlighting the Trinitar- public space that affirm the right to pilgrimage from Gothenburg to Karlsk- ian structure of both. life for all with mutual understanding, oga, Sweden, that illustrated the public “The problem arises when creation mutual respect and mutual trust that dimension of a deeply spiritual practice. and salvation seem to be isolated as two can fully protect us from any divisive Presenters from mainland China, separate aspects of God’s involvement in and life-destructive forces.” Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, the world.” Overcoming this separation Prof. Lai Pan-Chiu, the Chinese Malaysia, Myanmar and the Philip- implies openness to the wisdom and ex- University of Hong Kong, related the pines reflected on various aspects of periences of other religions, added Thelle, Christian doctrine of salvation to Chinese religious life, inter-religious dialogue, who has been involved in several LWF cultures and religions. Lai Pan-Chiu sug- public theology and Christian engage- dialogues over the past three decades. gested that “the doctrine of justification ment in the public sphere. Respect for co-existence was cited by faith implies an unconditional ac- In her closing remarks, Rev. Dr as a common value in Asia’s widely ceptance [of each other] which is based Simone Sinn, LWF study secretary for diverse cultural, religious and political on one’s being rather than having” and Public Theology and Interreligious Rela- landscape. However, youth participants therefore liberates people from affirming tions, underlined the importance of joint from LWF member churches in Indonesia their value by consumption. responses to socio-political issues that challenged this perception, arguing that especially affect vulnerable communities. sometimes conflict can offer opportunity Referring to earlier remarks by Bishop to deepen relationships with others. Public dimension of Ben Chang of the Evangelical Lutheran Prof. Saw Hlaing Bwa of the Myan- spiritual practice Church of Hong Kong, she reiterated mar Institute of Theology in Yangon Christians can bear public witness by the value of encounters that “challenge added that “it is not enough to co-exist engaging in joint initiatives with other us to move beyond the Christian space peacefully in the passive sense.” He religious communities. Prof. Kajsa Ahl- within our four walls to an open space.” Reading the Bible with love and respect for different contexts Divergent conclusions “will always” be part of biblical interpretation

AARHUS, Denmark/GENEVA (LWI) – An with love and respect as well as The fourth Lutheran World Federa- international Lutheran conference on building a link between the use of tion (LWF) international conference on Bible interpretation has recognized hermeneutical concepts of ‘suspicion’ Bible interpretation, which was held the importance of reading Scripture and ‘trust’. 24-29 at Aarhus, Denmark, in partner-

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 21 ship with Aarhus University, discussed the Apostle Paul’s letters. “The Power of the Gospel: Devel- oping Pauline Hermeneutics”, which gathered 35 biblical scholars from 17 countries, affirmed that Lutheran biblical interpretation and theology should be based on sound scholar- ship informed by robust historical work, attentive to the Lutheran tradition and contextual concerns.

Divisive issues Participants noted that despite care- ful academic work, there will always be divergent conclusions on how to Paul’s letters that are used to enhance the exclusion of women should be read in the context of other writings that acknowledge women’s contribution in spreading God’s word, noted Tanzanian theologian Rev. Dr Hoyce apply certain Scripture passages to Mbowe. Photo: LWF/I. Benesch contemporary life in different contexts. LWF Council member Prof. Bernd and a Jew to the Jews without losing “The Bible,” said Prof. Anders Oberdorfer, professor of systematic that which defines us” as Christians, Runesson, who teaches New Testa- theology at the University of Augsburg, Bachmann emphasized. ment at the University of Oslo, “should Germany, remarked that he was im- Observing that some of Paul’s let- be placed at the center in the dialogue pressed by how intensively participants ters are used to exclude women from with history, tradition, individual expe- from very different backgrounds – Africa, full participation in the church, Rev. Dr rience and other religious traditions.” Asia, Europe and the Americas – dealt Hoyce Mbowe of the Evangelical Lu- In their concluding remarks, the with the interpretation of Paul’s letters. theran Church in Tanzania suggested co-organizers, Prof. Eve-Marie Becker “The conference provided a safe reading such texts in the context of of Aarhus University and Rev. Dr Ken- space where even controversial and those in which Paul acknowledges neth Mtata, LWF study secretary for sometimes divisive issues, such as women’s contribution in spreading Lutheran Theology and Practice, high- sexual orientation could be discussed God’s word. lighted the cumulative learning that in an atmosphere of openness, mutual had taken place since the beginning trust and respect,” Oberdorfer said. of the hermeneutics project in 2011. Old Testament theologian Prof. Reformation: The Bible at The project included the study of Mercedes Garcia Bachmann of the the center the Fourth Gospel (John), the Psalms, United Evangelical Lutheran Church in As Lutherans and other Christians the Gospel of Matthew and Paul’s Argentina, concurred, adding, “After commemorate the 500th anniversary of letters. learning so much about Paul during the Reformation, in which the interpre- Becker and Mtata pointed out that these last few days, it has become clear tation of Scripture played a key role in the LWF statement on hermeneutics to me that in ethical matters Paul can, the renewal of the church, the church emerging from this process will be a at best, give us some partial answers. should re-appropriate the Bible for its gift for the churches as they commem- “Perhaps the biggest challenge for strengthening and as a resource for its orate 500 years of the Reformation at us is how to be a Greek to the Greeks mission in the world today. the LWF Assembly to be held in 2017. Piazza Martin Lutero in Rome, a reminder to care for the poor An important ecumenical witness for Christians

ROME, Italy/GENEVA (LWI) – Rome’s new mopolitan Italian city but a reminder of Rev. Jens-Martin Kruse, pastor of Piazza Martin Lutero is not only a sign Luther’s call for Christians to proclaim the German-speaking congregation that Lutherans are welcome in the cos- the gospel together by serving the poor. of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in

22 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 Italy (ELCI) made these remarks follow- Rome, Ignazo Marino, and about 500 To commemorate the 500th anni- ing the 16 September inauguration of members of our parishes at the offi- versary of the Reformation triggered a central square named after the Re- cial opening of the new Piazza Martin by Luther, there will be a series of former Martin Luther. Civic and church Lutero,” he said. ecumenical worship services, prayers dignitaries attended the ceremony to During the ceremony a plaque was and meetings in Rome in 2017. The officially recognize the Piazza Martin unveiled reading “Piazza Martin Lutero year will also mark 200 years from the Lutero, located near the historic Colos- – German Theologian (1483-1546)”. time German Lutherans first began seum amphitheater. Rev. Heiner Bludau and Rev. Jakob worshipping in the city. “And at the same time this place Betz, the dean and vice dean of the On 15 November this year, Pope is also a bit troubled. Here live many 4,000-member ELCI, said the naming Francis will follow in the footsteps of refugees, the homeless. For us, there of the square after Luther marks an his two predecessors, John Paul II is a reminder that we have an obliga- important moment for Christianity. “It and Benedict XVI, and take part in tion to care for these people,” said has high symbolic value and fills us an ecumenical worship service at the Kruse, who serves about 500 Luther- with joy. And we believe that it also Lutheran church in Rome. This will ans in Rome. constitutes an ecumenical witness give expression to the good ecumeni- Piazza Martin Lutero is the result in the daily life of the citizens of the cal relations in the city, Kruse added. of five years of work by a group of capital and its many visitors,” they said. “Here in Rome we live as Christians Protestants, including Adventists, together as much as possible and our Baptists, Methodists, Waldensians and little Lutheran parish is one important Lutherans, who collaborate in helping Diverse ecumenical element of the city’s ecumenism,” he the city’s migrants, children and the relations concluded. unemployed. For Kruse, Piazza Martin Lutero is a The Lutheran World Federation They decided to lobby the local significant ecumenical development, (LWF), of which ELCI is a member, council to name a place after Martin illustrating that in Rome today Luther- will mark the 2017 Reformation an- Luther. At first there was no interest ans and Catholics can speak together niversary in a spirit of ecumenical because only a few people knew who about Luther and that they can pro- accountability, highlighting also the Luther was, so the group started a claim the gospel together. 50th anniversary of the ongoing in- campaign to inform people about his “In Rome we have very good rela- ternational dialogue with the Roman life and theology. tions with the Roman Catholic Church. Catholics. “At the end—after a period of Rome is not only the center of the One of the outcomes of this bi- intense work—the council was con- Roman Catholic Church but also a lateral relationship is the publication vinced and they found a very nice city where all the other churches have “From Conflict to Communion” in which central local, the Colle Oppio, where parishes, and so we have very diverse Lutherans and Catholics for the first we celebrated with the mayor of ecumenical relationships,” Kruse noted. time, tell the history of the Reforma- tion together. A joint working group of Catholics and Lutherans is developing liturgy for a joint commemoration of the Reformation anniversary, and this material will also be available for use by churches.

2017 site: www.lutheranworld.org/ reformation-2017

The Piazza Martin Lutero constitutes an ecumenical witness in the daily life of residents and visitors to Rome, says Lutheran pastor Rev. Jens-Martin Kruse (right), who witnessed the inauguration of the public square with hundreds of parish members including Rev. Per Edler (left) of the Swedish-speaking congregation. Photo: Silke Kruse

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 23 European Refugee Crisis European member churches respond to refugee crisis “Situation has become especially dramatic”

BUDAPEST, Hungary/ GENEVA (LWI) – With thousands of refugees arriving in Hungary every day, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary (ELCH) mobilized resources and volunteers to provide help to refugees in Hungary and Budapest especially. “Over the past few days, the situation in Hungary has become especially dramatic,” Bishop Tamas Fabiny, responsible for foreign affairs in the ELCH, and vice-president of the LWF said in early September. According to the United Nations High Commis- sioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 2,000 refugees mostly from Syria Refugees are boarding a train to Northern Europe in Keleti Station, Budapest, Hungary. Photo: MTI are crossing the border from Serbia to Hungary every day. Thousands ELCH is also donating medicine to “Open your hearts and doors” is are waiting around railway stations refugee children in need. The Roma a document issued by Lutheran and and on public squares in Budapest to College in the city of Nyiregyhaza has Reformed pastors in Austria on 2 Sep- board a train which would take them also sent volunteers. ELCH is currently tember 2015, which asks Austrians to Northern European countries such designing software to better coordinate to “receive people who had to flee. as Germany. volunteer activities. They should have shelter and support, “Several parishes and pastors partic- which respect their dignity and are ipate in the volunteer activities,” Bishop conforming to human rights.” Blankets and hot meals Fabiny says, naming the Lutheran Austrian protestant congregations ELCH is collecting clothes, blankets, communities around Keleti Station and are asked to discuss if they have the sleeping bags and first aid material in the nearby Pope John Paul II-square. possibility to host refugees, how they parishes and among church employ- The ELCH is also advocating against can support refugees and how to ees, and is offering 150 warm meals xenophobia. “The tension is tangible raise awareness and advocate against to refugees gathered around Keleti particularly in Hungary,” Fabiny says. xenophobia. “No child should be train station in Budapest every day. “We are doing everything we can to fight unaccompanied and unprotected, no “This service is provided in cooperation anger and harmful preconceptions, and woman or man should be exploited with the student home located nearby,” to promote a culture of mutual respect, or in danger, no human being should Fabiny says. “A group of pastors and inclusion and love instead.” be denied humane opportunities and employees of the administrative center procedures,” the declaration reads. of the ELCH is distributing the food together with volunteers on site.” “Open hearts and doors” Earlier, the ELCH donated about Like ELCH, many LWF member churches “Ring of joy” to protect 4,000 USD to Hungarian Interchurch are reaching out to refugees in Europe in refugees Aid for child care products which were the wake recent events. With initiatives to In Jutland (Denmark), residents and distributed to refugee children in the welcome refugees in their parishes and pastors in their cassocks joined hands temporary reception center in Nagyfa communities and public statements they in a “ring of joy” to protect a local asy- near Szeged, closer to the border to are encouraging Lutherans to support lum center which had been vandalized Serbia. The Diaconal Service of the those who have fled war and oppression. repeatedly in previous weeks.

24 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 In Germany, many Lutheran congre- to 2,000 refugees which are currently “We must accept those who come and gations are hosting refugees or exploring arriving in Munich every day. meet them with respect.” ways to provide shelter. The Evangelical Bishop Helga Haugland Byfuglien, The Norwegian Church urges Church in Bavaria has formed a task Presiding Bishop of the Church of people to support Norwegian Church force and plans to build 100 apartments Norway and vice-president in the LWF, Aid and other organizations working for recognized refugees until the end of issued a statement calling to support nationally and internationally to allevi- 2016. Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm refugees arriving in Norway. “They ate suffering: “The situation calls upon has asked congregations to explore carry the hope of safety and aid in a our efforts, our prayers, our care and possibilities of hosting some of the up desperate situation,” Byfuglien says. our donations,” Byfuglien says.

“Duty to protect refugees is not only a moral obligation” LWF General Secretary encourages efforts to address the current crises

GENEVA (LWI) – The refugee crisis in convey to us that the current stalemate Important role of Europe is a pivotal moment in which among European countries to jointly churches churches can demonstrate values address the rights of refugees trans- The LWF is urging member churches of solidarity and human dignity, the lates in human lives being lost every to continue upholding their diaconal LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin day, including children,” Junge wrote. vocation to advocate for refugees. In Junge said in a 4 September letter to “The current situation reveals the a briefing on 3 September in Geneva, LWF member churches in Europe. crossroads at which the human fam- the UN refugee agency reported on Junge commended the response of ily finds itself: will solidarity, mutuality the pressure on reception capacities the many churches in Europe to the and human dignity still matter? Will the in Europe to cope with the influx of current crisis and recalled the strong notion of human beings – including refugees. statement from the LWF Church Lead- refugees – as right-holders still matter? The UNHCR has declared a level-2 ership Consultation in May in which It is decisive to get the answers right. emergency for Greece, Macedonia church leaders committed Lutheran “The protection of refugees is not only and Serbia. It also underlined the role churches to increase efforts to wel- a moral obligation,” Junge reminded of churches and church leaders in come refugees in their midst. member churches. “As signatories of in- responding to the crisis. The General Secretary strongly ternational law, in particular the Refugee Junge said churches must speak lamented the failure of European po- Convention, European nations have com- out in favour of a generous welcome litical leadership. “Shocking images mitted to the duty to protect refugees.” “that recognizes each refugee’s human dignity and that counteracts the populist messages of fear and exclusion.” LWF member churches in Hungary, Austria, Germany and Norway, among others, have started to assist refugees arriving in their communities. “It has been inspiring to see the numerous ways in which Lutherans and other people of goodwill have reached out to show hospitality and welcome for those who have had to flee. On behalf of the Lutheran World Federation, the global communion of churches, I want to express my deep appreciation for this prophetic presence, as well as affirm and encourage Refugees lie exhausted in a public place in Hungary, en route to northern European countries. Photo: MTI you in those efforts,” Junge added.

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 25 “This is a shameful “I myself am a refugee,” wrote “This humanitarian crisis requires situation” Younan, who is also President of the even stronger actions. These people, Advocacy initiatives to welcome strang- LWF. “My faith and my history oblige our brothers and sisters, are crying: ers are not only coming from the me to speak up for these women, men “Who will welcome us? Where is jus- European churches. and children who are washing up on tice?” Younan asked. In an open letter to leaders of the beaches, are found decomposing in “God hears the cries of the poor, the world on 1 September, Bishop Dr trucks on the highway, are crossing oppressed, and the refugee,” Younan Munib A. Younan of the Evangelical borders of barbed wire, and are barely reiterated. He called on leaders to Lutheran Church in Jordan and the surviving in makeshift camps.” approach refugee communities not Holy Land asked political leaders to “This is a shameful situation,” You- merely as problems to be solved, but address the causes of forced displace- nan wrote. “It must be remembered as fellow children of God deserving ment. He called on those countries that refugees are not vacationers. They accompaniment, dignity and human receiving refugees to create a culture did not leave their homes because rights. of welcome. they were looking for adventure. A more just world includes care for refugees, migrants and asylum seekers German and global partner churches affirm “the way of justice”

BREKLUM, Germany/GENEVA (LWI) – Soli- delegates attending the 12-20 Sep- tian calling to promote reconciliation darity with people who have been tember consultation of the Evangelical and healing in order to transform un- displaced and marginalized by conflict Lutheran Church in Northern Germany just situations and structures in society. and poverty is part of the church’s (Nordkirche) and its global partner The consultation included expo- calling to create a more just world, churches stated in a communiqué. sure visits to witness the challenges participants at a global consultation “Walking together the way of justice” that churches across northern Ger- in Germany said. was the theme of the gathering of 60 many face, as well as the sharing “We are called to stand alongside representatives from 32 churches that of experiences from the different those who are vulnerable, to foster in are in partnership with Nordkirche, a continents. “Meeting refugees and our communities a culture of welcome, member church of The Lutheran World listening to the stories and experi- and to encourage political solutions Federation (LWF). Their reflections ences of asylum seekers has been a and systems, which enable people to focused on a fresh articulation of the heartbreaking experience for us,” the live life in dignity, peace, and harmony,” biblical vision of justice and the Chris- participants said. The communiqué gathered the experiences and concerns “that we have shared in the last ten days. Now each church has to find ways of putting the proposals into practice,” remarked Dr Klaus Schäfer, director of Nordkirche’s Center for Global Ministries and Ecu- menical Relations.

Global solidarity and responsibility “We all share responsibility in this matter. Every church can contribute something to the solution in its own context. It is not a question of money,” Affirming global solidarity with asylum seekers, migrants and the poor, from left: Bishop Gerhard Ulrich, said Bishop Zacharia W. Kahuthu United Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany; LWF President Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan; Nordkirche’s of the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Synodpräses Dr Andreas Tietze; and Tanzania’s Presiding Bishop Dr Alex G. Malasusa, LWF Vice-President for Africa. Photo: Nordkirche/Eberhard von der Heyde Church (KELC).

26 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan of able—the widow, the orphan, the ern industrialized countries for un- the Evangelical Lutheran Church in stranger, the captive,” the communi- sustainable patterns of consumption, Jordan and the Holy Land, who is also qué stated. production and lifestyle and the need LWF President, emphasized that “The of a radical transformation,” they said. main reason for poverty is economic A similar consultation was last orga- injustice.” Commitment to climate nized in 2005 by the then North Elbian Rev. Luke Mwololo, KELC general justice Evangelical Lutheran Church, which secretary, noted that “poverty has dif- Delegates also addressed churches’ merged in 2012 with the Evangelical ferent dimensions in every society” commitment to human rights and Lutheran Church of Mecklenburg and and “we must fight it as a church.” climate justice, including the dispro- the Pomeranian Evangelical Church to “We affirm that the notion of justice portionate impact of climate change form Nordkirche. embedded in the scriptures seeks the on the poor, developing countries (Adapted from a press release of wellbeing of all, and particularly for and future generations. “We affirm the Evangelical Lutheran Church in those regarded as the most vulner- responsibility of people living in west- Northern Germany) Seeking a common Lutheran approach to Europe’s refugee crisis Nordic and Central Western Europe leaders in solidarity visit to Hungary

GENEVA (LWI) – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) leaders in Europe paid a solidarity visit to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary (ELCH), 2-3 October, as the region deals with the crisis of refugees and migrants fleeing war and persecution in parts of the Middle East and Africa. Norway’s Presiding Bishop Helga Haugland Byfuglien and Württemberg Bishop Dr Frank O. July, LWF Vice- Presidents for the Nordic and Central Western Europe regions respectively, discussed with ELCH Bishop Dr Tamás Fabiny the need for a coordinated Lutheran response in Hungary and across Europe. The ELCH offered 150 daily portions of warm meals to refugees at Kelati Station, the main train station in Budapest. Photo: Zsuzsanna Bolla Fabiny, LWF Vice-President for Cen- tral Eastern Europe, welcomed this addi- “It is important for the churches The delegation also included Mr tional expression of support from the Lu- across the Lutheran communion to Ralston Deffenbaugh, LWF Assistant theran communion leaders. The refugee have a common understanding of General Secretary for International situation concerns not only the individual their responsibilities towards refugees,” Affairs and Human Rights, and LWF countries receiving those seeking refuge Fabiny said. Council advisor Rev. Klaus Rieth, head but it also needs a unified viewpoint on The idea of the solidarity visit was of the unit for mission, ecumenism and the European level, he noted. developed during LWF President Munib church development at the Evangeli- The Hungarian Lutheran church Younan’s recent visit to Stuttgart. The cal Lutheran Church in Württemberg, support to the refugees includes, Lutheran leaders emphasized the need Germany. among others, provision of basic to support and encourage the Hungar- They traveled to Budapest as the needs such as food, water and cloth- ian church as it reaches out to the LWF concludes an assessment mis- ing; accompanying persons needing refugees, and to also advocate against sion exploring possible humanitarian special assistance; and offering infor- tendencies that promote hostility, mak- response support to the ELCH and mation in different languages. ing the refugees feel unwelcome. other ecumenical actors. The LWF has

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 27 urged its member churches to con- is highly important for this church,” Read the WCC feature story tinue upholding their diaconal vocation Fabiny added, referring to the recent www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/ by advocating for refugees, noting WCC visit there, led by the General news/the-churches-walk-with-refugees- the efforts of churches also in Austria, Secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit. in-hungary Germany and Norway, among others. “Such practical exchange with the More about the European refugee LWF and other partners such as the crisis www.lutheranworld.org/content/ World Council of Churches (WCC) european-refugee-crisis “It is right to provide shelter” Focus on refugee crisis at Budapest Diakonia Day sermon

BUDAPEST, Hungary/GENEVA (LWI) – The service began with the clergy placing a diaconal cross in a prominent place. Seven pictures hung from the light- colored wood, illustrating gestures of compassion and assistance. In his sermon, Hungarian Lutheran Bishop Dr Tamás Fabiny emphasized the duty of Christians in particular to help put diakonia into practice. “Giving support and solving problems are not only matters for political and economic organizations: we have to do our part as well,” Fabiny, said at the service marking Diakonia Day in Budapest. He called for more solidarity with the refugees. Bishop Dr Tamás Fabiny, speaks to an ecumenical group of church leaders visiting Hungary, 26 September 2015. File Photo: Paul Jeffrey/WCC Observed on 25 September annu- ally, Diakonia Day was more relevant important than ever, Fabiny underlined Bearers of hope this year in view of the refugee crisis in his sermon. “We must take God’s Fabiny referred to a painting repro- and the untiring efforts of church Word seriously and help all those in duced on the first page of the service aid agencies to reach out to the need, whether they are homeless, booklet: the famous scene of Jesus refugees mainly from countries in the persecuted, migrants or refugees. kneeling in front of Judas to wash Middle East and Africa, who have been ‘Only those who cry out for the Jews the feet of his betrayer, the only one streaming into Hungary for weeks. may sing Gregorian chant,’ as Dietrich without a halo. “May this action be an Fabiny is bishop of the Northern Bonhoeffer once said.” example to us in 2015 in Hungary and Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran About 200 diaconal and other the European Union. We are only cred- Church in Hungary, and responsible church staff attended the service in ible as congregations and as believers for the church’s international relations. the over 200-year-old Evangelical if we engage in diaconal service and He is Vice-President of The Lutheran Lutheran episcopal church at Deák provide loving support.” World Federation (LWF) for Central square. György Kramer, president of Dia- Eastern Europe. International guests included Mr konie Hungary, underlined this in his In his sermon, he quoted how John Damerell, who was on an LWF words of gratitude adding: “Hungarian Isaiah (58:7) describes actions that humanitarian assessment mission diaconal ministries are trying harder are pleasing to God: “Is it not to share with Hungary’s diaconal ministries, than ever to find ways to help.” your bread with the hungry, and bring Birgit Löwe, board member of Diakonie During the service, Diakonie the homeless poor into your house; Bavaria and Rachel Eskesen, country Hungary also presented prizes to its when you see the naked, to cover coordinator for Hungary in the Global staff and sponsors, including Dia- them, and not to hide yourself from Mission program of the Evangelical konie Bavaria. In her response, Löwe your own kin?” These words were more Lutheran Church in America. underlined the work of inclusion for

28 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 people with disabilities. The annual Refugees in Hungary, too, should Refugees are also bearers of hope and watchword from Romans 15:7 “Wel- be received in a spirit of openness to they bring with them important experi- come one another,” was no empty their gifts and not of fear of their difference in the field of culture and work phrase, she said. “We must accept ence, Löwe continued. “The challenge from which we can benefit.” ourselves and one another as Christ lying before us is great, but it is right (LWI correspondent Lisa Erzsa Weil created us.” and good to provide them with shelter. wrote the original German story.) “We cannot afford to be divided as Christians” Young reformers at the global gathering in Wittenberg, Germany, the first time together the history of the 16th century Reformation, heard from speakers from different Christian traditions on ways in including the wrongful and hurtful portrayal of each other and which other Christian communities express the ongoing search ongoing efforts towards church unity. The publication includes for the unity of the one Church of Jesus Christ. five ecumenical imperatives. “To be Lutheran means to be ecumenical” was the theme of Königsdorfer noted that, “we still cannot afford to be divided a panel presentation at the LWF workshop of the Global Young as Christians. We have to step out and have dialogue also with Reformers’ Network. The LWF is approaching its Reformation people of other faiths.” She described the solidarity of prayer as anniversary in 2017 in the spirit of ecumenism. one of the most powerful affirmations of faith. “When someone The panelists were Erin Clark from the Anglican Church in the whose country was experiencing difficulties comes to me and United Kingdom, Brother Jasper from the Community of Taizé, in says, “Thank you for praying for us, for my country,” that’s very France, and Judith Königsdorfer, representing the World Council powerful,” she said. of Churches Executive Committee. They offered insights on the . Clark emphasized how Christian unity should also express Reformation anniversary and how ecumenism is expressed in itself in the way churches respond to current challenges in society. their respective communions. “The way churches respond to people fleeing their homes be- They agreed ecumenism was a positive challenge. cause of religious and other violence will show what the churches Jasper emphasized Christ’s call to Christians to pray together. really are. How we speak or not to our governments prophetically “We all have prayer in common; this is something we can continue to on asylum seekers is a big challenge,”Clark said. do together.” He noted that brothers from different Christian tradi- Reflecting on mutual relations between Christians and people tions and cultures live together in Taizé, “not because it is very easy of other faiths, she explained that tolerance alone goes only as to live together but because we believe God has called us here.” far as “listening without acting.” However, meaningful dialogue On ways in which the forthcoming Reformation anniversary needs to move beyond tolerance and actively seek the good of can be marked in an ecumenical way, he encouraged workshop the other “even when we may not agree with each other.” She participants to read the joint Lutheran Catholic publication From emphasized that Christian traditions including Anglican, Catholic Conflict to Communion. In it, Lutherans and Catholics describe for and Lutheran “equip us to be both tolerant and to serve.” Strengthening the vision and practice of transformative church leadership Newly elected Lutheran church leaders from around the world liturgy and development, said Rev. Dr Patricia Cuyatti, LWF co- gathered in Geneva and Wittenberg, 28 September to 9 October, ordinator for Church Growth and Sustainability. to strengthen their vision and practice as transformative lead- “In Geneva, leaders will improve their knowledge of the opera- ers, able to offer strong leadership to their churches and in the tion work in the LWF Communion Office including its strategic Lutheran communion. alliances with the World Council of Churches, ACT Alliance and This first “Induction of Newly Elected Leaders” program the United Nations,” Cuyatti noted. of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) brought together 20 The new leaders debated and reflected on issues related to leaders from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. holistic mission, development, public witness and service, while The two-week event focused on Lutheran identity, ecumenical creating a community of peers able to support one another. commitment and witness, diakonia and leadership. The program coordinated by the Department for Mission and The program also looked at management, accountability and Development included visits to the UN in Geneva and to Luther transparency, and addressed relationship building, ecclesiology, Town in Wittenberg, Germany. Solidarity with Thai people and church following deadly bombing The LWF upholds in prayers the people of Thailand and the of Thailand in our prayers,” stated the letter, sent to the head of Lutheran church there, following the 17 August deadly bombing the Thai Lutheran church, Bishop Banjob Kusawadee. of a shrine in the capital Bangkok. Through its area desk for Asia, the LWF expressed concern In a letter of solidarity to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in that the bombing happened as Thailand deals with the aftermath Thailand (ELCT), the LWF expressed shock over the attack that of violence last year amid demonstrations over political leadership. killed over 20 people and injured scores others near the popular “We pray for God’s mercy and intervention to bring stability and Erawan Shrine in downtown Bangkok. reconciliation to the country,” the letter stated. “We want to assure you that the LWF communion, particularly The ELCT has over 3,500 members. It joined the LWF in 1994. the churches in Asia, is upholding your church and the people

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 29 LWF Nepal reaches out to Dalit earthquake survivors “No power in this world”

KUSUNTHALI, Nepal/ GENEVA (LWI) – “What termed Dalits, the lowest Hindu caste. Different needs am I supposed to do now?” Rosni Formerly referred to as “untouchables”, In the fourteen districts affected by the Paryar, 19, looks worried and dishev- members of this caste are tainted by earthquake, 13 percent of the popula- eled when she shows us her collapsed birth in a system that deems them tion belongs to artisan castes such house in Kusunthali village in the impure. Although discrimination was as tailors, cobblers, blacksmiths and outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal. The outlawed in Nepal by the 1962 Civil “washer men”. As Dalits, they had a top floor of her brick house is almost Code and 1990 Constitution, Dalits difficult life even before the earthquake. fully destroyed and the ground floor is still face many obstacles to social, With Nepal connecting to international filled with rubble. “Me and my family economic and political equality. markets, their homemade goods face have been hit by the earthquake in two They are therefore one of the five competition from cheaper ready-made ways,” she says. vulnerable groups which receive special goods, making it harder for them to sell Paryar is the first young woman in attention from Lutheran World Federation their products. It is estimated that 41 her village of 75 people to finish high (LWF) Nepal. “Dalit artisans do not have percent of Dalits live below poverty level. school. She was preparing for the final equal access to services even in normal In Kusunthali, it becomes clear that exam in April when the earthquake de- times,” says LWF Nepal Country Director artisans have different needs from other stroyed all but one house in Kusunthali. Prabin Manandhar. “They usually live in groups. None of the Dalit families own She now lives with her parents and three less accessible places, on hill tops for in- any land beyond that on which their siblings in a temporary shelter. As her stance, and lack the political connections houses are built. Almost all of them father is the only provider for the family, that are helpful to get support.” depend on tailoring and daily wage Paryar has also been looking for work During the first relief phase, im- labor to survive. Owning no land, only for the past two months. She applied to mediately after the earthquake, LWF very few are eligible for a loan to rebuild. work as a teacher in different schools Nepal used a “blanket approach” of The income from tailoring has been but has not yet been hired. “Without reaching out to all households in al- sharply reduced since the earthquake. connections a person like me will not be located areas. “Dalit communities like Almost all sewing machines were buried selected,” she says, despondent. Kusunthali received the same support in the rubble. A few women continue to as other villages,” Manandhar says. sew by hand and one surviving sewing As LWF relief work now focuses on machine was recently repaired. Still, Lack of connections and recovery, special emphasis is given to clients have stopped visiting the vil- support women-headed households, elderly lage. Private customers need all their Paryar belongs to the caste of the tai- people, ethnic minorities, people with money for rebuilding after the damage lors, together with other artisan groups, disabilities and Dalits. and therefore do not often order new clothes. Many business customers are still closed mostly because staff has not shown up for work – they help their families in the villages planting and har- vesting, or constructing better shelter. Paryar wonders how her people will recover from the earthquake. “In my parents’ generation almost nobody can read or write,” she says. “They have no power in this world and depend solely on manual work. My father has six mouths to feed. Without me having a job, how on earth can he manage?”

LWF support Manandhar says the story of Paryar Rosni Paryar, in front of her partially destroyed home. She fears she will remain unemployed because she is of the Dalit caste. Photo: LWF/Lucia de Vries can be repeated all over the country.

30 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 “While other families will soon be har- ger roof on their temporary shelter. emergency relief. The organization is vesting crops or get back to work and Livelihood support and psychological committed to helping families in five out of dependency, landless artisans counselling will follow soon. With the affected districts to rebuild their lives will need much longer to recover. That extra support from LWF Nepal, quake- through food security, shelter, water is why we are committed to provide affected Dalit families stand a chance and sanitation and psychological as- the tools and other kinds of support of rebuilding their lives. sistance, and link this with long-term needed to get Dalits back on their feet.” In the immediate response to the development. In July, LWF’s corrugated iron 2015 earthquake, LWF Nepal, with Contribution by Lucia de Vries/ sheets arrived in Kusunthali. They will the support of ACT Alliance members, LWF Nepal. enable the families to build a stron- supported over 110,000 families with Myanmar: Relief goods for people affected by devastating flood “Everything is damaged by the water”

SITTWE, Myanmar/GENEVA (LWI) – U Kyaw Thein has planted again. After a flood destroyed the livelihood he had built for years, his family intended to move away from his home village. Support by The Lutheran World federation (LWF) however has given him the hope and courage to start anew. The 61-year-old subsistence farmer and his family live in Bauk Ywar village, Mrauk-U township, Rakhine State – the region most heavily affected by the floods that hit Myanmar in the wake of Cyclone Komen. U Kyaw Thein’s house still bears the marks of the water long after it U Kyaw Thein and his family in front of their flood-affected home. Photo: LWF Myanmar/ M. Celiz receded. There is a dark line, and missing planks although the house is Livelihoods destroyed were severely damaged. 6,200 bas- built on stilts already. Worse however Coming home, the full extent of the kets of paddy seeds were lost, and the is that the family’s livelihood is gone. “I damage became visible: Seven acres of two village ponds, used as a freshwater couldn’t save my cows,” U Kyaw Thein my farmland were destroyed,” U Kyaw supply, had been contaminated with murmurs. says. “The water also ruined 50 bags of flood water. The paddy fields were sub- When the water was already chest- our paddy seeds. We had them in store merged under 8 feet of water. Rakhine deep, he tried to pull them to safety. for the next planting season. The water state was declared a national disaster “I was very tired from pulling them; I also carried away most of my farming zone by the Myanmar government. thought I would drown as well. I was tools, so what can I do now? I can’t very afraid. I was not able to save harvest. I also lost 12 of my chicken,” them,” he recounts that fateful day. he continues with a shaky voice. LWF response As the water kept rising to the The water also damaged the family’s LWF Myanmar mobilized an emergency second floor of his house, U Kyaw tied latrine, one of his daughters lost all her response team which conducted rapid bamboo poles together for a makeshift school books and supplies. “Everything needs assessments and engaged in raft. Together with his wife and three was damaged by the water, my school distributions of relief goods in 18 vil- youngest children, they floated to a was closed for two weeks,” she says. lages. One of them was Bauk Ywar, nearby monastery, where they sur- According to an assessment by where U Kyaw Thein’s family lives. vived on food donations for the next LWF, the school, two bridges and 35 As part of a 1-month food ration, five days. percent of the houses in the village the family together with 42 other

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 31 households in Bauk Ywar received rice, The relief goods gave U Kyaw Thein LWF Myanmar has to date distrib- cooking oil, salt and beans. and his family the courage to make a uted relief goods, food and school “I was so worried,” U Kyaw recalls. new start in their old village. The family supplies to more than 2,000 families “After the flood we returned to our has started to plant again. “The rice in five townships. Their work will now house. We could not eat. We could not is slowly growing,” U Kyaw says. His focus on early recovery. sleep. How would we survive? My family daughter was one of the 9,000 students Contribution by John Martin Celiz, wanted to leave this village and move far to receive some of the 43,390 exercise translations by Sam Sam Yibn and away – somewhere the flood would not books which LWF provided to enable Win Shwe Yee. Edited by LWF Com- reach us if it happened again.” students to continue their education. munications Myanmar: Support to people affected by monsoon floods “Massive devastation”

SITTWE, Myanmar/GENEVA (LWI) – The Lu- theran World Federation (LWF) Country program in Myanmar has formed an emergency response team to support the people affected by the monsoon floods in Rakhine state. “The devastation caused by the flood in Rakhine State is massive,” LWF staff member Bhoj Raj Khanal says. “We have formed emergency response teams in Yangon and Sittwe. Four states within the Re- public of the Union of Myanmar have been declared emergency areas.” Exceptionally heavy seasonal rains at the end of June and throughout July caused flooding in Rakhine State, Chin State, Sagaing Region, Magway Aid agencies provide aid in a camp for internally displaced people before the monsoon season. Many IDP camps were set-up on paddy fields which are prone to flooding in the rainy season. Photo: Evangelos Petratos Region, in the west, and in other parts EU/ECHO, CC-NC-ND (archive photo) of the country. As of 3 August, the Relief and Resettlement Department “Immediate needs include food, help improve community organization, (RRD) of the Myanmar Ministry of So- shelter, water and sanitation, as well health, education, agriculture and cial Welfare, Relief and Resettlement as access to emergency healthcare,” climate change adaptation. reported that over 200,000 people LWF Humanitarian Coordinator Roland have been affected and 39 people Schlott says. In the medium term, have been killed across the flooded education and livelihoods will face Disaster overwhelms regions. These figures are expected additional challenges as farmland has government structures to rise in the coming days as the full been flooded and schools have been “The members of the Myanmar ACT extent of the damage becomes visible. destroyed by the water. Forum have issued an alert today”, LWF has been working in Myan- LWF Humanitarian Coordinator Schlott mar since 2008. Coordinated from says. “It is clear is that the scale of the Core relief items the country office in Yangon and the disaster surpasses the ability of the LWF Myanmar has formed an emer- field office in Sittwe, Rakhine state, government structures to respond, es- gency team and started to hand out main activities have been emergency pecially since the affected areas have core relief items, blankets and school response, livelihood and food security, previously been affected by civil con- books. LWF Myanmar has been asked water, sanitation and hygiene, disaster flict or decades of underdevelopment.” by UNHCR to assist with distributing risk reduction, and human rights ad- The LWF will use available stocks of more core relief items in Rakhine state. vocacy. Community-based field staff non-food items such as blankets, hy-

32 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 giene kits, cooking utensils and shelter the immense needs of the people af- “We welcome any donation large materials to help the disaster affected fected would “require the mobilization or small to support our relief efforts people, Schlott says. However, to meet of significant resources,” he adds. in Myanmar.” Praise for LWF staff on World Humanitarian Day “We know and appreciate the commitment from each one of you.”

GENEVA (LWI) – The Lutheran World Fed- where these people were and without displaced from their homes as a result eration (LWF) country program staff discrimination. of conflict, persecution and human are courageous and compassionate in “In this vein our work has expanded rights violations. their efforts to bring life-saving relief to and grown over the past years at “The scale of suffering and the refugees and forcibly displaced people, the rate of about 10 percent a year, necessary response is overwhelming said the LWF General Secretary. with new country programs and new the system. We experience this also at To mark World Humanitarian Day emergency operations being opened, the LWF,” Dr Junge said. World Service on 19 August, Rev. Dr Martin Junge ensuring we remain relevant and ad- was working with victims of violence wrote to all staff thanking them for their dress these crises globally,” she said. from, among others, Syria, South Sudan, outstanding service on behalf of the Dr Junge said the LWF Communion Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Yemen, Central Af- LWF Communion. appreciated, valued and celebrated their rican Republic, Mali, DR Congo, Burundi, Staff of the Department for World work. “Our prayers continue to be with Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda Myanmar, Co- Service contribute to relief efforts in you for your own safety and that of your lombia, and Central American countries. 23 Countries in Africa, Asia and Latin families. We pray for your continued America and the Caribbean. The LWF commitment, courage, creativity, skill, responded to all four of the world’s larg- wisdom, and yes—joy in the work!—as The cost of humanitarian est and most complex crises in 2014. you continue to carry out your vocation work In a video greeting to all staff, World to serve the neighbor in need.” This year’s World Humanitarian Day Service director, Maria Immonen, Despite the efforts of humanitarian (WHD) campaign aims to inspire people especially thanked staff in hardship workers the world over, the need for around the world to become involved in locations, far from family and friends, assistance continued to outstrip supply creating a more humane world. and in dangerous situations. “We know of resources. The world’s humanitar- It also recognizes the toll of human- and appreciate the commitment from ians were over-stretched and unable to itarian response. In 2014, there were each one of you.” properly respond, Dr Junge said. 329 aid workers who were victims of World Service remains committed The UNHCR says nearly 60 million attacks, according to figures compiled to serving the displaced, no matter people in the world have been forcibly by independent analysts for Aid Worker Security Report 2014. While this is roughly 30 percent fewer than last year’s all-time high, the number of incidents is alarming, WHD organizers say. Dr Junge underscored the fact that country program staff worked in difficult and dangerous environments. “None of the places where you serve are safe places. Some of them, however, are particularly precarious when it comes to security issues. I remain deeply concerned for your wellbeing and safety,” he said. It was unacceptable that aid workers and the people they served should be targets and victims. The LWF remained committed to speaking out A World Service staff member vaccinates a dog belonging to a refugee as part of an animal vaccination more clearly and loudly against this campaign at the Dosseye camp, southern Chad. The LWF celebrates the work of staff around the world on World Humanitarian Day. Photo: LWF/ C. Kästner practice while the international com-

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 33 munity needed to take decisive steps and that it had done what could be done “As a faith-based organization, our against perpetrators, Junge said. to improve security in difficult situations. motivation comes from seeing each Immonen said that in the face of wors- World Service will continue to step human being as the face of God – ening security challenges, World Service up efforts to reach more people, pro- unique, special and irreplaceable,” had put more resources into ensuring its vide quality assistance, and remain ac- Immonen said. programs remained as safe as possible countable for resources entrusted to it. “Are we seen as neutral?” Interview with LWF security adviser Susan Muis

The earthquake in Nepal, carjacking, abduction and detention. In the past six months, LWF staff have faced many challenging situations. Susan Muis, Program Officer for Central Africa and newly appointed security adviser for The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) talks about how insecurity has changed the humanitarian work and the importance of good preparation and staff care.

Lutheran World Information (LWI): In your experience, how has the work environment for aid workers changed in the past years? Susan Muis: It has changed a lot. The humanitarian principles of being The security of aid workers is increasingly under threat in dangerous environments such as South Sudan. Photo: Paul Jeffrey impartial and neutral are, in certain contexts, severely challenged by per- international aid workers. But national workers are most vulnerable when ceptions of us. Are we seen as being staff are also vulnerable due to their travelling on the road, because that neutral? A turning point was the attack status as employees of an aid organiza- makes them possible targets for am- on the United Nations in Baghdad in tion and the additional risks they might bush and road side attacks. 2003. That day it became clear that the face due to ethnicity or gender. In the past six months LWF also UN was not seen as neutral by certain National staff often work close to had incidents where staff were abduct- parties. Twenty years ago aid workers the local population in areas that are ed, detained, and even shot at. World- could safely deliver humanitarian as- also potentially dangerous for them. wide the number of conflicts and the sistance by maintaining good relations For example, in South Sudan the humanitarian needs have increased with local communities and leaders in situation for our staff became very dramatically. We cannot respond to all insecure environments. Today aid work- threatening when a refugee camp was but we try to serve people as best as ers have become a soft target for crimi- suddenly surrounded by rebels. As the we can. We know we ask a lot of our nals because they are not armed and conflict was around ethnic lines, that staff and churches who sometimes carry valuable laptops and cellphones. meant a specific threat to national staff take high risks to help people in need When looking at the statistics, I also belonging to certain groups. In these that are located in a dangerous area. find that national staff are more at risk situations we need to relocate national staff to another area in the country, How do we mitigate risk? What makes the position of national which requires a lot of flexibility and One of our risk reduction strategies staff more difficult? stress tolerance of our staff. is the so-called acceptance strategy. The statistical increase is partly due We work with local structures, church- to the fact that organizations invest in Which situations would you consider es and others close to the communities local capacity-building by employing most dangerous? we serve. When the team is accepted more national staff. So there are more In my experience, and confirmed by the communities, the locals will national aid workers in comparison with in the Aid Workers Report 2014, aid tell you sooner when something goes

34 Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 wrong. They might hide you when of respect for people who work under showed a lot of commitment and drive, armed groups enter the village. this constant pressure. coming to the office every morning and However acceptance is not suf- on the weekends to help others. ficient today, so more and more Four months ago, LWF staff in Nepal organizations like LWF are focusing faced insecurity caused by a natural How were staff supported in this on putting protection mechanisms disaster. What specific risks did they situation? in place for staff and assets. These have to deal with? In life-threating crisis situations include access to local security net- During natural disasters, there you see two different types of people works, security awareness training for might be looting and violent attacks. – those who are very active, who use field staff, safety and security policies, That happened after the Haiti earth- their own trauma to help others as a plans and procedures, and guards quake, and our staff in Nepal also healing mechanism. Others might be in front of field offices. Nevertheless, faced critical situations when people more afraid and passive and could get we work hard to balance this with the wanted to steal relief goods. In Nepal psychosocial problems like depression, fact that we are there to serve and be most of the safety and security risks insomnia and post-traumatic stress alongside local people. We don’t want were in relation to aftershocks and disorder. Both need support, and we to shut ourselves off. landslides. LWF staff have experi- take that very seriously. enced more than 50 aftershocks in the In Nepal, apart from material How does this work environment af- months after the earthquake. These support to help people find shelter fect staff? cause not only dangerous situations and rebuild their lives, the ACT Ne- LWF works in many high risk coun- like collapsing buildings but can also pal forum recruited a Security Focal tries with a rapidly changing security have a big impact emotionally. An Person to provide travel advice, and situation – e.g. the Central African earthquake can be a very traumatic develop safety and security instruc- Republic, South Sudan, Chad, the experience, and that memory comes tions. A team of psychosocial support Democratic Republic of the Congo, back with every aftershock. staff was sent to Nepal soon after the Burundi, northern Kenya, Iraq and In Nepal many members of our earthquake to support the team. This Colombia. In most of them we have team and the local ACT forum were “aftercare” is crucial for the healing complex conflicts with many parties directly affected. Their houses had process. Humanitarian workers are and rebel groups which make the been damaged or had even collapsed, very committed people, they believe in working environment very stressful so they were staying with relatives in the work they do, and when something and unpredictable. We are aware that very crowded apartments. Their loved happens and they are involved in an this rapidly changing environment ones were injured. They were worried incident, we should give them all the needs a lot of flexibility from our staff, about children or elderly parents who support we are able to provide. donors and beneficiaries. I have a lot had to live in the open air. Yet they International organizations condemn surge in Israeli demolitions of Palestinian homes LWF rejects the use of threat or violence

JERUSALEM/GENEVA (LWI) – The Lutheran least 63 homes and basic structures costs of their destroyed structures World Federation (LWF) was among 31 across 10 Palestinian communities in from Israel and commit to resupply- aid, faith, human rights, and develop- Area C, the 60 percent of the West ing the aid. The demolitions, which in ment organizations in Jerusalem that Bank where Israel has maintained full one week have rendered 132 people called on world leaders to take urgent military and civil control. Among the homeless including 82 children, ac- action to halt ongoing demolitions demolished structures were 12 basic counted for a quarter of the displace- and hold the Israeli government ac- humanitarian necessities, including a ments from demolitions in 2015, the countable for the wanton destruction solar panel, a portable latrine, animal highest such number in nearly three of Palestinian property, as well as pens, and tents financed by the Euro- years. projects funded by international aid pean Union. Affirming LWF’s support for the joint in the occupied West Bank. In a joint statement on 21 August, statement, the LWF Representative in During a surge in demolitions in the organizations urged international Jerusalem Rev. Mark Brown said the August, the Israeli army flattened at donors to seek to recover the financial recent surge neither contributed to

Lutheran World Information No. 08-09/2015 35 promoting peace nor showed respect for human dignity. “The demolition of Palestinian homes and basic structures, such as animal pens and portable la- trines instills fear, creates hardship, and undermines prospects for peace. The bulldozing and confiscation of homes are acts of violence,” he added. Brown, who heads the LWF World Service regional program in Jerusalem, said it was critical for all parties concerned in the longstanding Israeli-Pal- estinian conflict to take concrete action to protect and preserve internationally- recognized human rights. He underlined LWF’s deep com- People pick through rubble at the site of a demolition in Wadi Sneysel, in the West Bank near East Jerusalem. mitment for the respect of human rights and human dignity, irrespective best way to ensure the security and well- program for more than 65 years. This of where violations occur. “Whether being of both states. The call includes includes provision of essential health in the Middle East or elsewhere in a demand for the cessation of all Israeli care at the Augusta Victoria Hospital the world, the LWF rejects the use or settlement activities in the occupied ter- in East Jerusalem, vocational training, threat of violence as a means for the ritories and a clear focus on the status scholarships and material aid, and ini- settlement of political disputes.” of Jerusalem in all proposals to resolve tiatives that promote justice, peace and At the June 2015 meeting of the LWF the conflict, with special attention to the reconciliation. The LWF member church, Council in Geneva, the governing body religious significance of the city. Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan reiterated LWF’s continued support for The LWF has been serving the needs and the Holy Land also provides educa- a two-state solution between Israel and of Palestinian refugees in the Palestin- tion through its schools and promotes Palestine, along the 1967 borders, as the ian Territories through its World Service peace building.

Explore the new Reformation 500 booklets The LWF has published four new booklets on the 2017 Reforma- tion. Practices and theological concepts that could be described tion anniversary theme, “Liberated by God’s Grace” and its three as attempts to commodify salvation are also discussed. sub-themes on salvation, human beings and creation. Human Beings – Not for Sale provides perspectives on Lu- Available on the LWF website the publications are intended to theran anthropology, human trafficking, migration and sustain- trigger discussion in seminaries, church peer groups and with able ways of living together, among other topics. partner churches ahead of the 500th anniversary of the Refor- With subjects varying from genetic engineering, climate mation in 2017, which coincides with LWF’s Twelfth Assembly. change and climate justice, to land grabbing, the essays on Under the main theme, a subject closely linked to the doctrine Creation – Not for Sale emphasize the need to pay attention to of justification by faith, relevant questions that triggered the 16th God’s entire creation in light of today’s massive exploitation of century movement to reform the church are explored. Insights natural resources. on new challenges over the course of time are also discussed. The French, German and Spanish versions of the booklets The overarching questions in the booklet Salvation – Not for will be published early next year. Sale, offer reflections on human beings’ expectations about salva-

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