Lutheran World InformationLWI LWF Consultation Underlines Open Highlights and Critical Approach to Biblical Texts

Faith Communities Urged to Challenge Greed in Global Market Economy...... 6 Religion condemns greed and philosophy sees it as a vice, but still it rules the world, Prof. Chandra Muzaffar, head of Global Studies at the University of Malaysia, told Christian and Muslim participants at a Lutheran World Federation consultation held in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia...

Mennonite Dadaab Support More Than “Just Financial”...10 The Lutheran World Federation as the Dadaab camp manager for the UNHCR expressed profound gratitude to Mennonite Central Committee for its pledge of a hefty contribution for work in the camps...

Nobel Peace Prize Shows Link between Faith and Peace- Dr Hans-Peter Grosshans speaks at the LWF hermeneutics conference in Nairobi, Kenya. © LWF/Fredrick Nzwili building...... 14 The Lutheran World Federation Focus on the Bible Central to 500th Reformation celebrated the awarding of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize to three women Anniversary peace campaigners as a reminder to the world that faith and peace- NAIROBI, Kenya/GENEVA (LWI) – Lutheran leaders—came from various disciplines, building are inseparable... theologians from around the world meeting including biblical, practical, ethical, sys- in Nairobi, Kenya, 9-14 September, agreed tematic and feminist theology. FEATURE: It’s Not the Rain, that the best approach for interpreting But Type of Rain Causing Scripture is to be open and critical of the Havoc...... 19 Scripture Comes First It rained for almost a week. But interpreter as well as the biblical texts. that’s not the real problem, says Meeting for the first in a series of biblical Presenting an “Introduction to Lutheran Carmen Osorio. “When I was a consultations under the theme, “The Word Hermeneutics,” Dr Hans-Peter Grosshans, child it rained for weeks, but it never caused any damage,” she explains... of God in the Scriptures as Shared Space: professor of systematic and ecumenical Towards a Contemporary Hermeneutics for theology at the University of Münster, the Lutheran Communion,” they noted that Germany, said that while the church lived such an approach is true to Lutheran heri- from the Word of God contained in Holy tage, which underscores salvation through Scripture, “Scripture needs faithful and Jesus Christ and justification by faith alone. creative interpretation.” The initial consultation, organized by Grosshans added: “Sometimes inter- the Department for Theology and Studies preters do not respect the biblical material (DTS) of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), focused on the Gospel of John. The Continues on page 4 participants—35 theologians and church 201109 Contents Communio 3 ��������Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile Urges Participation for Education Impasse 3 ��������Religions Must Unite Against Evil of Violence 1, 4 ����LWF Consultation Underlines Open and Critical Approach to Biblical Texts 5 ��������� Biblical Interpretation Must Be Relevant to Issues Facing People

LWF Consultation on “Interfaith Dialogue Engaging Structural Greed Today” 6 ��������Faith Communities Urged to Challenge Greed in Global Market Economy 7 ��������� Global Economic System Hazardous for the Common Good 7 ��������� Convergence on Providing Constructive Alternatives

9 ��������Lutheran Churches Pledge Improved Capacity for Holistic Mission 10 ������Lutherans Worldwide Are Allies in Quest for Mutual Understanding, Church of Norway Told 10 ������Mennonite Dadaab Support More Than “Just Financial” 11 ������Mission Is Not Optional, Indian Lutheran Church Leaders Told Secretariat 13 ������Dialogue, Reconciliation and Cooperation Are Key 13 ������Helmut Frenz – Champion for Justice and Human Rights 14 ������Nobel Prize for Peace Shows Link between Faith and Peace-building 15 ������Work More Closely with Civil Society on Horn of Africa Crisis, UN Urged Features & Themes 17 ������Lutherans Answer Call “to Show Practical Compassion” 18 ������FEATURE: LWF Small Business Support Breaks Dependence in Djibouti Camp 19 ������FEATURE: It’s Not the Rain, But Type of Rain Causing Havoc in Central America News in Brief 2 ��������LWF Expresses Deep Pain over Deaths in Zanzibar Ferry Sinking 8 ��������Peruvian Pastor Underlines Communication of Faith Values 16 ������In Dadaab Faith Is a Binding Factor LWF Expresses Deep Pain over Deaths in Zanzibar Ferry Sinking The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) expressed heartfelt Tanzania in mourning and pray particularly for those families, condolences to the people of Tanzania over the loss of more relatives and friends who lost their loved ones or remain in the than 200 people, mostly women and children, in the sinking painful incertitude regarding their whereabouts,” Junge wrote to of the ferry MV Spice Islander off Zanzibar on 10 September. Malasusa, who is LWF vice-president for the African region. In a 12 September letter to Presiding Bishop Alex G. Malasusa He commended Tanzanian authorities for the rescue efforts of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), LWF and establishment of a probe committee for the tragedy. General Secretary Rev. Martin Junge said the news of the ac- As Malasusa traveled to Zanzibar, Junge offered prayers that Lutheran World Information cident, in which hundreds of people were reported missing, was “God’s Spirit may grant you and your church wisdom so that your received by the global communion of 145 churches with deep pain. words and attitudes communicate God’s incommensurable love “We join the people and religious communities of Zanzibar and for all creation and for each human being.”

The Lutheran World Federation Consulting Editor Circulation/subscription – A Communion of Churches John P. Asling Colette Muanda 150, route de Ferney [email protected] P.O. Box 2100 German Editor CH-1211 Geneva 2, N. N. Lutheran World Information (LWI) Switzerland is the information service Layout of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). Telephone +41/22-791 61 11 Stéphane Gallay Fax +41/22-791 66 30 [email protected] Unless specifically noted, material presented E-mail: [email protected] does not represent positions or opinions of the www.lutheranworld.org Photos LWF or of its various units. Helen Putsman Penet Interim Editor-in-Chief and English Editor [email protected] Where the dateline of an article contains the Pauline Mumia notation (LWI), the material may be freely [email protected] reproduced with acknowledgment.

2 N o. 0 9 / 2011 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile Urges Participation for Education Impasse LWF General Secretary Says Underlying Political, Economic System at Fault

SANTIAGO, Chile/GENEVA (LWI) – The Below the surface, the conflict “We hope that the demands of our Evangelical Lutheran Church in was about moving Chilean society society will be heard, and feel deeply Chile (IELCH) has played a me- beyond a hard-line neoliberal ap- moved by the reality of poverty and diating role as students of all ages proach to economy–an approach that of dehumanization in our country… in Chile mobilized to demand free had proven unable to address existing given the neoliberal economic model education and better standards. social inequalities and instead had that sustains economic globalization In a series of sometimes strident exacerbated them, Junge commented. and increases inequalities,” he stated. protests, high school and univer- “The conflict centers on the splen- “It scandalizes us that some be- sity students, along with professors, did macroeconomic image of the come rich with the money of all and called for changes in the country’s country and the dim microeconomic the interests of the financial and educational system. realities that many citizens face daily,” banking world take precedence over They said a more just system had the Chilean theologian remarked. the rights of the people.” been denied them since the era of Junge said his prayers were for The letter supports the Chilean military dictatorship under General dialogue to prevail, “and that–as in family and students in their demands Augusto Pinochet. other parts of the world–the clamor for a more inclusive society, noting the With its calls for dialogue and of the youth is understood as an op- State is “not able to sense how profound participation, the IELCH, a member portunity for positive transformation.” the clamor of the majority of Chilean of The Lutheran World Federation A group of Chilean parliamen- people is, and the authorities express (LWF), acted to help resolve the situ- tarians sent a letter to Minister of their fear of a popular consultation.” ation that had triggered violent clashes Education Felipe Bulnes urging him Álvarez demanded that the voice involving police and protestors. to visit a site where students had of the students and professors be Support for the Chilean students been on hunger strike, and for him heard, because it was the only way came from counterparts in Argentina, to listen to them. to reach an agreement. The State, he France, Germany and Spain. The IELCH through its Com- said, should be there to serve people mission on Human Rights warned and should avoid “purposeless, indis- the community and government au- criminate and totally disproportion- Justice Issues at Core thorities that action was needed due ate repression.” LWF General Secretary Rev. Martin to repressive measures being meted The IELCH leader invited all Junge noted that Chilean youth were out to students on the streets. Chile’s actors to open channels of following a pattern in other parts of participation and dialogue so that all the world revealing injustices in current youth, as a right, have access to educa- social, political and economic thinking. More Inclusive Society tion that is the best available and that “A large segment of Chilean youth In a public statement, IELCH Presi- is financed by the national budget. does not have access to free educa- dent Rev. Luis Álvarez Figueroa said (Héctor Carrillo of the Latin America tion of a good quality. These young that humanity and human dignity and Caribbean Communication Agency people see their rights being curtailed were fundamental principles of social, [ALC] contributed to this report along and their future heavily mortgaged,” political and economic coexistence in with LWI writer Peter Kenny in Geneva.) said Junge. making the Kingdom of God present. 6 September 2011 Religions Must Unite Against Evil of Violence LWF President Stresses Common Values among Faiths GENEVA – The Lutheran World Younan, who was speaking on a core values they contributed to the Federation (LWF) President Bishop panel titled “September 11th 2001- problem of intolerance. Dr Munib A. Younan challenged 2011” at the International Meeting of “We, as religious leaders, need to religious leaders from every faith to Prayer for Peace of the Community become more engaged and to speak stand up to their own extremists and of Sant’Egidio in Munich, Germany, out more forcefully to ‘dismantle say that violence done in the name of on 13 September, said when religious the corruption’ and give a vision of God is blasphemous. leaders remained silent about their life together in all its diversity in the

N o. 0 9 / 2011 3 whole globalized world,” added the “bookends for a decade of fear,” could building trust among different faiths, leader of The Evangelical Lutheran help people of different faiths under- noting that it was a key mission of his Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. stand they are bound together. own Middle East church as it worked “Instead of dividing the world on Christianity, Judaism and Islam for peace and justice in the region. the basis of religion, religion must all preach love and therefore their Education has also been impor- be a uniting force against the evils followers should accept each other tant in the Arab Awakening, where of the world, when we focus on the and promote peace and justice. Only it is helping to transform the Middle common values we share,” he noted. a culture of trust could make the East into a modern civil society His words echoed those of LWF world a safe place for all, Younan that seeks human rights, including General Secretary Rev. Martin Junge, maintained. the rights of women, and religious who said in a statement on the tenth “In this way we may together freedom. anniversary of the 11 September 2001 combat all kinds of anti-Semitism, “Only when students from dif- attacks that Christians needed to be Islamophobia, Christianophobia, or ferent religions study together, play co-workers in transforming society xenophobia, in order that religion together, participate in extramural through dialogue, reconciliation and will be the true source of understand- activities together during their edu- cooperation. ing, forgiveness and reconciliation cation years, will they have the skills Younan said it was important to in every civilization and culture,” he to work together and contribute look also at the 22 July attack by a added. together to society as good citizens Christian extremist that killed 77 The LWF president emphasized when they are adults,” he concluded. people in Norway. The two events, the role education could play in 13 September 2011 LWF Consultation Underlines Open and Critical Approach to Biblical Texts

Continued from p. 1 Westhelle from Brazil, professor of Dr Eve-Marie Becker, who teach- systematic theology at the Lutheran es biblical studies in the Department in its entirety; hence, they relegate School of Theology at Chicago, USA, of Culture and Society, Aarhus the Holy Scripture to a cafeteria by underlined the fact that the meaning University, Denmark, said Rudolf choosing parts that are appealing of a text changed depending on the Bultmann, a prominent successor of and leaving those which they cannot reader’s setting or the circumstances Luther’s theology in the field of New make sense of.” under which it is read. Testament, had emphasized Chris- He said that globally, in the Lu- Westhelle pointed out that when tology and downplayed mythology theran churches, “Scripture is a com- reading the Bible, Christians must not in response to his own context of mon point of reference” and should only recognize its relevance to their modernity. “always be considered in the life of lives, but also allow it to change them. Bultmann (1885-1976), a German Lutheran churches. Furthermore, the Christians must not simply buy into theologian of Lutheran background various contemporary contexts should everything said by others. and professor of New Testament be paid attention to.” In an interview after his presenta- studies at the University of Marburg Grosshans added that to avoid tion, Westhelle commended the idea for three decades, defined an almost confusion “there is the need to put of convening the initial consultation complete split between history and Scripture first and not contemporary that had attracted people from around faith, called demythology, arguing Lutheran World Information contexts.” the world who “show different ways of that only Christ crucified was neces- Grosshans said he believed that reading the Bible and that the way of sary for the Christian faith. in light of today’s technological de- reading Luther is also changing.” Referring to the important discus- velopments the best ways to mediate sions on issues such as Christology, Scripture were by word of mouth and Rev. Dr Prasuna Gnana Nevala, of the through text and images using com- Jesus’ Words Give Life South Andhra Lutheran Church in puters, the internet, mobile phones Rev. Dr Craig R. Koester, professor of India, stressed the need to discover the and electronic books. New Testament at Luther Seminary, Bible’s relevance in the face of oppres- He explained that Luther believed St Paul, Minnesota, USA, pointed sion and the persecution of Christians, that the best way of mediating Scrip- out that the Gospel of John paid more women and people of lower caste. ture was orally, since faith “comes by attention to what Jesus said than to his Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, LWF hearing.” actions and signs, and that Luther had study secretary for Lutheran Theology In his presentation, “Exploring affirmed that “the works do not help and Practice at DTS, said the aim Effective Context,” Rev. Dr Vitor me, but his words are what give life.” of the consultation was to revive the

4 N o. 0 9 / 2011 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran focus on the Bible as a book for the munion of churches by building unity Read more about the contemporary church and the shaper of many world through study, cooperation, discus- Lutheran hermeneutics consultation cultures, making it central to the com- sion and common witness. series: www.lutheranworld.org/ memoration of the 500th anniversary (Written for LWI by Elizabeth lwf/index.php/themes/bible- of the Protestant Reformation in 2017. Lobulu, communication coordinator and-2017 Mtata stressed that the LWF also of the Evangelical Lutheran Church 16 September 2011 sought to deepen its identity as a com- in Tanzania.) Biblical Interpretation Must Be Relevant to Issues Facing People

Biblical interpretation must be rel- to present practices and the present painful, that the virus has come into evant to issues facing society, includ- contextual situation.” our bodies,” he argued. ing HIV and AIDS, scholars urged In interpreting the Word of God, “We should not absolve ourselves during the LWF global consultation they stated, it is important to take of the responsibility to help our deliberating contemporary Lutheran into account the contexts within neighbors living with HIV and understanding of Scripture. which the witness is made. “With a AIDS. Our journeys with those liv- “Our Lutheran tapestry is varied holistic approach, we articulate that ing with the virus have to be wrapped and vividly colored: in order to keep God cares for people’s spiritual and up with grace instead of the usual it whole and strong, we seek to find physical needs and understand our- neglect, judgment, condemnation, ways to recognize the integrity and selves as coworkers with God in this dehumanization and stigmatization,” authenticity of each strand in a spirit mission,” the report states. Buffel added. of mutual love,” stated the consulta- During her presentations, Rev. Dr tion’s final report titled, “Contempo- Monica Jyotsna Melanchthon of Guru- rary Lutheran Hermeneutics for the kul Theological College and Research Holy Spirit Uncovers Life of the Church.” Institute at Chennai, India, said the Truth The participants explored ways in Bible must be read in ways that serves Dr Anni Hentschel of the University which Lutherans of different cultures, the needs of the community to rise of Frankfurt, Germany, emphasized contexts and backgrounds read and above oppression, including caste sys- that by rejecting the authority of interpret the Bible and look for ways tems, sexism and political domination. traditional interpretation of the Bible, to deepen the Lutheran communion Sometimes in multicultural and Luther set Scripture free so that read- as it approaches the 500th anniversary multi-religious societies such as Asia, ers could uncover the meaning of texts of the Reformation in 2017. They biblical interpretations are used to on their own and also in community called on the LWF to be “a liberating stigmatize women or those who suffer with other readers. witness in affirming life and salvation.” from HIV and AIDS, she said. She explained that for Luther, Recalling Paul’s statement “faith reading the Scriptures was “more comes from hearing,” the consulta- than recognizing the letters and words, tion recognized that honoring the Charity Not Enough rather it was application of the text to biblical text “involves listening to it, In his paper Rev. Dr Olehile Andries the heart of each reader initiated by asking questions of it and of ourselves. Buffel, who teaches Practical Theol- the Holy Spirit.” Honoring each other also involves ogy at the University of South Africa, On the Reformation anniversary, listening to one another and asking noted that those with HIV and AIDS the participants identified some key questions of one another that will in South Africa suffer from judgments concepts for ongoing reflection toward help us learn.” based on misinterpretations of biblical defining Lutheran hermeneutics for The theologians elaborated several stories such as Jesus’ encounter with the 21st century. important aspects of Lutheran herme- the disabled man near the pool at “We continue on the journey of neutics and readings. They noted in Bethesda found in John 5: 1-18. the Reformation trusting in God’s the report that “Trained theologians, Buffel said AIDS can never be a liberating and transforming power in pastors and others should be aware of private matter as it affects all people church and society, not only looking their leadership responsibility regard- and illustrates how the world, includ- back to Luther, but also forward with ing issues related to power and agency ing the church as the body of Christ, Luther,” they stated. by recognizing the importance of the is not well. priesthood of all believers as a guiding “We, as Christians in the global The full text of the final report of principle against the temptation of communion, are not called simply to the consultation is available on the those in power to abuse that power.” offer charity to those whose physical LWF website at www.lutheran- They also said “The biblical text has bodies have a virus. Our undeniable world.org/lwf/wp-content/ to be interpreted in a communal set- belonging to the community chal- uploads/2011/09/DTS-Nairo- ting in resonance with and dissonance lenges us to embrace the fact, however bi2011_FinalReport.pdf.

N o. 0 9 / 2011 5 LWF Consultation on “Interfaith Dialogue Engaging Structural Greed Today” 25–30 September, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia Faith Communities Urged to Challenge Greed in Global Market Economy LWF Christian-Muslim Consultation Deliberates Ways towards New Ethics

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia/GENEVA their lands and are indebted in slavery ing structural greed need to be initiated (LWI) – Religion condemns greed and due to market driven prices [for their at the micro [personal] and macro philosophy sees it as a vice, but still it produces],” Duchrow said. [community] level through mutual rules the world, Prof. Chandra Mu- While suggesting that even the acceptance and cultivation of compas- zaffar, head of Global Studies at the banking system has become an in- sion for others,” said Yee, a Lutheran University of Malaysia, told Christian strument of institutionalized greed, who is a member of the Basel Christian and Muslim participants at a Lutheran he lamented the fact that many Church of Malaysia (BCCM). World Federation (LWF) consultation churches are indirectly blessing the In his address, Rev. Thu En Yu, taking place in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. neoliberal market economy by pre- principal of the hosting Sabah Theologi- “Speculative economics has become tending that it is still being regulated. cal Seminary, pointed out that intercul- the driving force. Today greed rules “Many of the European churches are tural dialogue offers a way to articulate the world so much so that even money not ready to accept the clear decision a new ethic for people in a pluralistic has degenerated into a commodity to of the ecumenical assemblies rejecting society. “Ethics has always had an in- be traded rather than a medium for the capitalist imperial market system,” separable link with religion,” noted Thu, trade,” said Muzaffar, founder direc- Duchrow added, referring to church a retired bishop of the BCCM. tor of the International Movement for bodies that have taken a clear stand on Rev. Dr Martin L. Sinaga, LWF a Just World, in referring to the latest economic injustice and related issues. study secretary for Theology and the international economic crisis. Church, explained the consultation More than 40 delegates, includ- was a follow up to a similar dialogue ing a dozen Muslims, church officials, Transforming Structural with Buddhists in 2010 held at Chi- economists and secular social activ- Greed ang Mai in Thailand. ists are attending the 25-30 Septem- In welcoming delegates to the consulta- “It is important that we learn from ber meeting on “Interfaith Dialogue tion, Y.B. Yee Moh Chai, deputy chief each other in humility rather than criti- Engaging Structural Greed Today,” minister of Sabah state in Malaysia, cize each other with an air of superiority,” organized by the LWF Department said such gatherings help highlight the Sinaga said. “Greed is all around us. It for Theology and Studies (DTS). role of religions in global affairs. is global and personal. The common Muzaffar said that both Islam “Faith communities too must un- wealth is disappearing into our wealth.” and Christianity acknowledge the derstand that strategies for transform- 28 September 2011 human being as “custodian of God’s creation” and greed as “betrayal of God’s trust in humankind.” However, he lamented the fact Lutheran World Information that there is strong resistance in both faiths to challenging greed as it mani- fests itself in the forces of globaliza- tion. Even Islamic nations have not been able to resist the power of the market despite injunctions against profiteering in the Koran, he added. Dr Ulrich Duchrow, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baden, Germany, noted that the market creates wealth for some by impoverishing others. “Instead of farmers borrowing seeds from others [as in the past], Prof. Chandra Muzaffar speaks at the 2011 LWF interfaith consultation on structural greed. Left is Dr Ulrich now they are forced to buy seeds, lose Duchrow. © LWF/I. Benesch

6 N o. 0 9 / 2011 Global Economic System Hazardous for the Common Good Information World Lutheran There was a strong call for an urgent the poor in the country had not seen by referring to the “market of indul- “re-embedding” of the market for the a dramatic decline. gence” that prevails today. common good at the LWF-spon- Between 2004 and 2010, he The excessive private debt in the sored Muslim-Christian consultation added, the percentage of extremely United States that led to the 2008 on structural greed. poor people declined only marginally, market crash, Bruni reasoned, was the “direct consequence of the style of living based on consumerism.” He urged churches to pay more attention to the systematic study of economics by suggesting that economics should be added to the curriculum of theological colleges and seminaries alongside philosophy, moral theology and ethics. “Unless churches have experts to speak with competence on economic issues, they cannot make a mark when it comes to economic policies,” cau- tioned Bruni, who is a member of the Focolare Movement and vice-director of EconomEtica, the Milan based Inter-

Right: Athena Peralta (Philippines) called for the development of ways to measure structural greed. University Center for Economic Ethics © LWF/ I. Benesch and Corporate Social Responsibility. Athena Peralta, a consultant from “The current notion of the economy from 16.7 percent to 13.3 percent. the United Church of Christ in the is conceptually and practically hazard- On the other hand, the priest quoted Philippines, condemned the unfair ous for the common good, ordinary World Bank studies to show that the distribution of food that leaves many people, the poor and humanity,” said “social character” of the state was dying, in the world hungry. B. Herry Priyono, a Roman Catholic not only in Indonesia but in several other “Over 11 million children under priest and economist, speaking at the countries as well, with governments cut- the age of five and others die of mal- September consultation on “Inter- ting back on social programs. nutrition and other hunger-related faith Dialogue Engaging Structural Such reduction in social spending diseases every year,” she noted. Greed Today,” held in Kota Kinabalu, amid economic boom, he pointed out, “This hunger is not an issue of food Malaysia. was being carried out under the pre- scarcity or lack of production. Sadly, it “Rampant poverty and ordinary scriptions of international financial is happening despite the global food people’s livelihood remain ignored bodies such as the World Bank and production being sufficient to feed even amidst the bullishness of econom- the International Monetary Fund. 12 billion people–nearly double the ic growth rates and stock market index,” world’s population,” added Peralta. noted Priyono, a professor at the Jesuit The current, dominant systems center for economic and management Systematic Study of of consumption, production and studies in Jakarta, Indonesia. Economics distribution were geared towards the He pointed out that, for example, Commenting on the economic crisis private accumulation of wealth and that though the Indonesian govern- in Europe, Luigino Bruni, professor were founded in greed, she noted. ment’s budget had risen five-fold of political economy at the Univer- The challenge, she added, was to steadily from 18 trillion rupiah in sity of Milan, Italy, pointed to the develop a ‘greed line’ or structural 2004 to 94 trillion rupiah in 2010 connections between the Lutheran greed indicators to pursue the full- (USD 10.3 billion), the percentage of Reformation and economic matters ness of life for all.

Convergence on Providing Constructive Alternatives Muslims and Christians at the LWF “In this monumental struggle, religious leaders said following consultation on structural greed we should work with people of the 25-30 September gathering agreed to common ground for tack- other faiths and those who may on “Interfaith Dialogue Engaging ling the “death-bound” neoliberal not belong to a particular faith Structural Greed Today,” in Kota economic system. community,” the 40 scholars and Kinabalu, Malaysia.

N o. 0 9 / 2011 7 “In the course of this Muslim- ippines, who said, “The stewards not “Economy is the lifeline of the Christian interfaith dialogue, there only manage the resources but also people and religions should speak out arises a convergence on the need return what belongs to God.” more for the people on such issues,” to provide constructive, systemic Noting the parallels between she noted. alternatives to the current domi- Islamic and Christian thought on Rev. Pedro Bullón Moreano of nant reductionist, ‘death-bound’ economics, Quinones pointed out the Peruvian Lutheran Evangelical neoliberal system,” added a dozen that the Quran banned the charging Church pointed out that until he Muslim delegates from Bangladesh, of interest and the Bible condemned came to the interfaith conference, he Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia and the greed and usury. knew little of Islam. United Kingdom, who met as a group “In this contemporary era, usury “The presentations of Muslim and put together a report, “Muslim refers to the practice of charging exces- scholars here have shown that their Understanding of the Issue.” sive and often illegal interest rates on thinking on social issues is very close Many of the plans the Muslim loans,” added Quinones. to us. They are also equally concerned group proposed were similar to “com- about the impact of the greedy mar- mon-good initiatives” undertaken ket economy on the lives of ordinary by Christian churches and secular Lifeline people,” said Moreano, professor initiatives, said Adi Setia, assistant Participants in the consultation of theology at the Latin American professor at the International Islamic noted that there was a great deal of Biblical University in Lima. University in Kuala Lumpur. unity of thought among Christians For Esha Faki Mwinyihaji, a “I believe Muslims can and and Muslims at the event. Muslim economic lecturer at the should work in tandem with them, “I thought we [Muslims] might Maseno University in Kenya, the since we are all engulfed in this have to quarrel on an ideological level interfaith dialogue affirmed the con- hailstorm of structural greed, and with the Christians,” remarked Intan viction that “Humanity is one and we we need to work together to escape Syah Ichsan, an Indonesian Muslim should work together.” and chart a new course,” he noted. economist. “But to my surprise, I find The final message from the con- In an interview with LWI, Setia that there is great unity (of thought) sultation will be made available on added that “Both Islam and Christian- among us (Muslims and the Chris- the LWF Web site. ity profess that humankind is only the tians) on the problem.” custodian of God’s creation. This lies at “The common elements between Read more about the consultation the root of our unity on social equality.” Christianity and Islam on economic at: www.lutheranworld.org/ This theme was addressed by Ben- issues are very high,” said M. Hum lwf/index.php/tag/DTSMalay- jamin R. Quinones, a development Hulwati, professor of Islamic Eco- sia2011 expert and member of the Christ the nomics at the Institute of Islamic 5 October 2011 Living Stone Fellowship in the Phil- Studies at Padang in Indonesia. Peruvian Pastor Underlines Communication of Faith Values Pedro Bullón Moreano, pastor of the Peruvian Lutheran Evangeli- I think that it is necessary to maintain the dialogue and find cal Church and professor of theology at the Latin American Biblical other opportunities for joint celebration. The common work University in Lima, Peru, was one of the participants at the LWF/ at the community level is crucial as is the communication of DTS consultation. He shared his views in the interview below: our values, both Muslim and Christian, to all actors in society, above all the financial institutions. What were your expectations of this event?

Lutheran World Information I expected to get to know and to learn from the interreli- gious context of Asia.

What have you learned from this event? I have learned the importance of respect for culture and have gained a deeper insight into the different issues discussed at the conference. Furthermore, I have recognized the importance of humility when it comes to relationships with other people and to be of service to others. I have also been struck by the kindness of everyone participating at the conference and those who have helped to make this conference a success.

How can Christians and Muslims help one another to live Rev. Pedro Bullon, is a pastor of the Peruvian Lutheran Evangelical Church. lives less touched by the structures of greed? © LWF/I. Benesch

8 N o. 0 9 / 2011 Lutheran Churches Pledge Improved Information World Lutheran Capacity for Holistic Mission LWF Consultations Focus on Mission in 21st Century

GENEVA (LWI) – Following a series of velopment. However, systems to map tive needs assessment to determine regional seminars and consultations, these resources and network them, strategic opportunities and capaci- Asian and African Lutheran church are inadequate,” the participants ties in achieving measurable results,” leaders have pledged to improve and added. “Newer initiatives are im- they said. integrate their human resources and portant for optimizing, sharing and “Skills capacities are not fully institutional capacities to respond to exploring of the available resources tapped from the professional church the challenge of doing mission in the with the churches and sub-regions.” membership due to the lack of de- 21st century. The Asian forum expressed ap- fined systems and capacities in the The Lutheran World Federa- preciation for the LWF’s synergizing churches,” the participants added. tion (LWF) Department for Mis- of human resources and capacity de- Mr Abebe Yohannes Saketa, sion and Development (DMD) velopment programs, acknowledging secretary for Human Resources De- convened “Strategic Leadership that similar efforts must be made velopment at DMD, cited important Seminars/Consultations” in Au- regionally to make mission efforts changes that have been made recently gust, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, more effective. Delegates urged to realign the human resources and and in Nairobi, Kenya, to enhance the LWF to provide planning and capacity development initiatives car- accompaniment programs. policy development tools that can be ried out in conjunction with the LWF Held under the theme, “Empow- adapted locally. member churches. ering Communion/Communities Addressing the meeting, Ms Eun Various segments of education through Education and Train- hae-Kwon, LWF vice-president for and training that were running with ing: Responsible Stewardship,” the the Asian region, noted the impor- separate plans and priorities have consultations were geared to help tance of nurturing leaders in the been integrated including leadership implement a key priority of the churches, while improving gover- development, theological education, LWF Strategy 2012-2017—assist- nance and enhancing accountability, diakonia/development capacity and ing churches to grow in capacity for transparency and inclusion. empowerment of people with disabil- holistic mission while deepening ities among others. A framework for relationships within the communion. a communion-wide policy on human In 2010 an International Schol- Networking resources and capacity development arship Program evaluation and a At the Africa consultation, held 7-13 has been drafted. Global Consultation on Education August, more than 40 participants “As a living and growing body, the and Training Impact and Strategy from around the region agreed that communion needs to nurture its con- called for a strengthening of human human resources and capacity devel- stituency and continually develop its resources and capacity development opment should be integrated at all capacity for proclamation, diakonia efforts, synergy in programs; and levels of the church. and advocacy work among the com- for developing a communion-wide “Theological institutions and munities,” Saketa concluded. policy. centers’ networking should be en- Similar consultations are planned In Kuala Lumpur, more than 30 couraged to promote critical needs for Europe and Latin America and Asian church leaders, theological assessment, priorities and opportuni- the Caribbean regions in the course educators, development/diakonia ties,” the African participants said in of 2012. practitioners, women leaders, youth, their message. human resources committee and They recommended the formation The full texts of the messages from disability network members, meeting of an “Eminent Leaders” forum to the Africa and Asia consultations are 23-28 August, identified the need for handle conflict management, resolu- available on the LWF Web site at: leadership and management training. tion and transformation. They raised www.lutheranworld.org/lwf/ “The church as an institution in concern over the lack of well defined wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ the 21st century necessitates much human resources processes in some Africa-SLS-message-_Revised_ wider capabilities than what we churches, the lack of support mecha- Final.pdf and possess,” the Asian leaders said in a nism within sub-regional offices and www.lutheranworld.org/lwf/ message from the consultation. the dearth of strategic planning. wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ “Our member churches are blessed “We desire to employ human re- Asia-SLS-message-final-text-_ with diverse, plentiful resources for sources management in our churches revised-draft.pdf human and institutional capacity de- and institutions to ensure construc- 30 September 2011

N o. 0 9 / 2011 9 Lutherans Worldwide Are Allies in Quest for Mutual Understanding, Church of Norway Told Helga Haugland Byfuglien Installed as Presiding Bishop

GENEVA (LWI) – Bishop Dr Munib A. Byfuglien is the LWF Vice Presi- world,” Younan stated during the Younan, President of the Lutheran dent for the Nordic region. installation service. World Federation (LWF), pledged “We are your allies in combat- “We look forward to continued the support of Lutherans in Norway’s ing–with peaceful means–any kind cooperation with the Church of fight against hate, two and a half of incitement or hatred that some Norway on these values because the months after the shocking attack on circles are trying to promote,” said Church of Norway has carried these Norway. Younan, the head of the Evangelical values to the world,” he added. Speaking at the installation of Lutheran Church in Jordan and the The LWF president noted that Helga Haugland Byfuglien as Presiding Holy Land (ELCJHL). the world watched with admiration Bishop of the Church of Norway Bish- “We are your allies for a culture as the Church of Norway, along ops’ Conference at Trondheim, Norway, of mutual understanding and we with other religious organizations, on 2 October, Younan said Lutherans oppose all cultures of anti-Semi- the Norwegian king and political around the world still prayed for the tism, islamophobia, christianopho- leaders offered care to the victims victims of the horrendous act. bia and xenophobia that exist in our of the attack. Churches within the global Lu- theran communion were similarly connected, Younan said. Only by working together could they uphold their mission, witness and passion to engage in the world’s challenges. Byfuglien has been the Bishop of Borg, southeast of the capital, Oslo, since 2005. She was elected unani- mously to the position of presiding bishop in October 2010 and is the first woman to be named to the post. Younan presented her with a Jerusalem cross from the ELCJHL as “a token of [the ELCJHL’s] prayer that the cross of Christ may be your comfort and strength.” He asked Byfuglien to “remem- ber us in the Middle East with your Bishop of Oslo Ole Christian Kvarme installs Helga Haugland Byfuglien as the Church of Norway’s first woman prayer that justice will soon prevail.” presiding bishop. © Ned Alley, Scanpix 7 October 2011

Lutheran World Information Mennonite Dadaab Support More Than “Just Financial” LWF Welcomes Contribution as Expression of Reconciliation GENEVA (LWI) – The Lutheran World mitted to a contribution reflecting the world which we experienced in Federation (LWF) as the Dadaab a value of USD 369,500 including receiving a wide range of support. We camp manager for the United Nations funds for non-food items that com- are especially grateful about the latest High Commissioner for Refugees prise 6,316 mosquito nets along with development as we have received this (UNHCR) expressed profound grati- expertise for education projects. contribution from MCC. tude to Mennonite Central Commit- Rev. Eberhard Hitzler, director “This means for us much more than tee (MCC) for its pledge of a hefty of the LWF Department for World just financial assistance,” he underlined. contribution for work in the camps. Service, said on 4 October, “The “It is a symbol and an expression of the The LWF, a member of ACT Alli- LWF highly appreciates the trust and beauty that grows out of reconciliation ance, announced that MCC had com- the solidarity from Christians all over between Lutherans and Mennonites. It

10 N o. 0 9 / 2011 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran makes us free to serve the neighbor and contributes to a wider reconciliation.” The population of the world’s biggest refugee camp is expand- ing rapidly at Dadaab. Currently the camp complex deals with some 480,000 refugees fleeing war and famine in Somalia. Numbers are expected to swell to around 550,000 by early 2012. In a telephone interview from Nairobi, Canadian Ron Ratzlaff, who represents MCC in Kenya along with his wife Martha, told LWI, “The appeal was launched in North America and has been allocated for These young children wait with other new arrivals during the formal registration process at Ifo refugee camp in specific projects in Dadaab.” Dadaab, Kenya. © LWR/Jonathan Ernst The LWF, “is doing a good job as the lead agency in Dadaab,” he added. At its Eleventh Assembly in July in America, described the act of build on longstanding commitments 2010 in Stuttgart, Germany, the LWF repentance and reconciliation as to the care of refugees already shared took the historic step of asking the “communion building and com- by Mennonites and Lutherans. Mennonites for forgiveness for past munion defining.” He underlined, “Now as we join together in proj- persecutions. Delegates unanimously “We will not just look back; we will ects like Dadaab our cooperation is approved a statement calling Luther- also look together towards God’s enriched by the new appreciation ans to express their regret and sorrow promised future.” which our church families have for for past wrongdoings towards Ana- “This sort of enhanced collabora- one another. There is a special joy in baptists, the forebears of Mennonites. tion is exactly what we hoped for,” said working together with those with Then LWF President Bishop Dr Kathryn Johnson, LWF assistant whom we are celebrating reconcili- Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop general secretary for Ecumenical ation.” of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Affairs. “The Stuttgart action could 5 October 2011 Mission Is Not Optional, Indian Lutheran Church Leaders Told Emphasis on Seeking Justice for Marginalized Communities

CHENNAI, India/GENEVA (LWI) – Chris- Chennai, India, under the theme ing and health ministries, to youth tians must rethink their spirituality “Participating in the Mission of God.” leadership, capacity building and and mission to engage a constantly Founded in 1926 as the Federation of human resources development. changing world, Rev. Dr Augustine Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Reflecting on the theme, Jeyaku- Jeyakumar told Lutheran leaders India, the UELCI represents 4.5 mil- mar noted that Christians had a unique from throughout India gathered for lion members, predominantly from and holistic mission to look after the the 28th Triennial Conference and the Dalit and Adivasi (aboriginal) needy of the world. “Today, the new General Body of the United Evan- communities. Eleven of the churches generation translates mission so that gelical Lutheran Churches in India belong to The Lutheran World Fed- it addresses the total transformation of (UELCI). eration (LWF). life, both physical and spiritual.” “Engaging in mission in a pluralis- The Triennial Conference and Churches were called to show tic context such as India is a challenge General Body, which meets every three concern for the poor, needy and suf- but we must not be fazed by the chal- years, is UELCI’s highest decision- fering, and to demonstrate the love of lenge,” said Jeyakumar, a member of making body. Delegates set direction God through both words and deeds, The Arcot Lutheran Church (ALC). for the grouping and address the major added Jeyakumar, a member of the Around 100 leaders from the themes confronting their churches. LWF Meeting of Officers. 12 UELCI churches attended the Discussion ranged from gender In his keynote address, LWF gathering held 26-28 September in justice, HIV and AIDS, peace build- Deputy General Secretary Rev. Dr

N o. 0 9 / 2011 11 the journey for justice Sharing reflections from the for Dalits and other LWF WICAS desk, Rev. Dr Elaine marginalized com- Neuenfeldt said discussion on wom- munities in India,” he en’s ordination should not be taken stressed. as a “women’s issue” but as a church The Gospel of Jesus concern—“a theme which defines Christ, however, of- what image, what practice the church fered new hope and wants to be known, wants to witness. identity to the mar- It is an ecclesiological concern, and ginalized, oppressed therefore, should be discussed in and excluded, he said. every level in the church, especially It calls for inclusion in the decision-making body.” and emancipation of The ordination ministry, said the dispossessed and Neuenfeldt, was more than a “rights urges Christians to issue; it is a call, a gift we receive be involved in these from God.” The question therefore struggles. is of the kind of human structures LWF Deputy General Secretary Rev. Dr Chandran Paul Martin, delivers the Christians are “the that churches set up to enable all keynote address to the 28th UELCI conference in Chennai, India. © UELCI/Timothy Melvyn salt of the earth” and people—women and men—to de- are called to be the velop, live the call they receive and Chandran Paul Martin, noted that conscience keepers of society and want to follow. mission was the raison d’être of the agents of change in the world, Mar- In his closing sermon, ALC church, which flowed from its nature tin added. Bishop R. Devadoss Vijayakumar as a witnessing community. affirmed, “Mission is part of God’s “To be a missional church is not an nature, and it is meant to become a option, it is discipleship,” said Martin, Ordination Ministry part of our nature too. It is not just a former executive secretary of the Presenting the UELCI Women in an option, it is a mandate.” UELCI. Church and Society (WICAS) desk The governing body re-elected In his presentation, Martin high- report, Ms Ranjitha Borgoari pointed Jeyakumar as executive secretary. lighted the significant landmarks in out that there were two churches Others elected included Bishop God- the history of the Lutheran churches that were not ordaining women yet win Nag of the Evangelical Lutheran in India, noting the engagement in and women were asking when they Church in the Himalayan States as diakonia, women’s ministries, as well would start to act on this. She noted UELCI president. as the partnership between Lutheran that there were churches ordaining (By UELCI Communications Sec- churches and mission boards devel- women but not providing them a retary Rev. Timothy Melvyn) oped in the 1970s. He underlined place to develop that ministry and 17 October 2011 also the emergence of young dy- that women were asking for action in namic leaders in the 1980s and the this area as well. ordination of women by the ALC and Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1991. On the local contexts, the LWF Lutheran World Information deputy general secretary pointed out that “One cannot discuss mission in India without speaking of the ethical trappings.” Martin maintained, “Scores of communities, both adivasis and dalits, continue to be dispossessed, displaced and discriminated against. “Caste, according to many, has been the most heinous of all systems of discrimination, keeping a large section of the people under the bond- age of several forms of slavery. The existence of such a system in itself is Ordained and lay ministers conduct the closing eucharistic service at the 2011 meeting of the UELCI’s highest an invitation, a calling to participate in decision-making body. © UELCI/Timothy Melvyn

12 N o. 0 9 / 2011 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran Dialogue, Reconciliation and Cooperation Are Key Statement by LWF General Secretary on the Anniversary of the New York Attacks

GENEVA (LWI) – In a statement mark- themselves to be overcome by evil. Junge also referred to the situa- ing the tenth anniversary of the 11 Rather than breaking the cycle of vio- tion in the Middle East, where the September 2001 horrific attacks on lence, it spiraled up.” He noted that Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United States, Rev. Martin Junge, the pain of thousands and hundreds Jordan and the Holy Land carries out general secretary of The Lutheran of thousands had been added to the prophetic witness for reconciliation World Federation (LWF) said the pain of 11 September. and a common future for Jews, Mus- LWF joined many others in continu- Junge urged that this anniversary lims and Christians. He mentioned ing to mourn the numerous victims be used as an occasion to remember Brazil, where the church’s mission of this catastrophe that shook the and pray for all victims of violence among indigenous people after 500 world, and to pray for all those who and war, both those who were in years of suffering had been to establish still suffered the traumas of that day. the news and those who suffered in a respectful interreligious dialogue. Junge prefaced his remarks with obscurity. “Let us use this anniversary not words from the Letter to the Romans He asked how cycles of violence only to remember the tragic events (Rom 12:21), which is also this year’s and hatred could be broken and con- but to recommit ourselves to be co- watchword: “Do not be overcome by cluded that dialogue, reconciliation workers in processes of transforma- evil, but overcome evil with good!” and cooperation were key. By way of tion that overcome evil. As we say in “A decade later, I grieve at how example, the general secretary cited the LWF Strategy 2012-2017, we are many negative things were triggered Indonesia, where interreligious ten- liberated by God’s grace to live and by those events and at how many sions were rising. The LWF leader work together for a just, peaceful, and innocent people have suffered,” the unequivocally stated, “The more the reconciled world.” general secretary said in his state- violence, the more we dialogue.” ment. He also mentioned Nigeria, Read the full text of the statement on “Tragically, many of those oppos- where political, economic and eth- the LWF Web site: ing the terrorist acts also fell into the nic conflicts took on the “garb of www.lutheranworld.org/ simplistic use of enemy images,” he religion.” “The vast majority of Chris- lwf/wp-content/uploads/ commented. “Out of fear and in the tian and Muslim leaders call on their 2011/09/Statement_ quest for security, many people lost people to reject violence and to love 11_ Se pt e mb e r2011.p df their moral compasses and allowed and respect the neighbor.” 7 September 2011 Helmut Frenz – Champion for Justice and Human Rights Junge Praises Bishop’s Prophetic Witness GENEVA (LWI) – The Lutheran World “He was one of Chile in 1965 and Federation (LWF) General Secretary the major Lutheran was elected bishop in Rev. Martin Junge paid tribute to prophets of his gen- 1970, the gospel’s call the life, work and witness of Bishop eration, a brave and to work for justice emeritus Helmut Frenz (1933-2011), uncompromising was clear. a lifelong campaigner for human champion for justice “Already before rights in Germany and Chile. and human rights,” the violent coup of 11 Junge, recalling his early encoun- said Junge, a Chilean September 1973, he ters with Frenz as a congregational theologian. was one of the leaders pastor in Chile, offered both his In a 13 Septem- of the lifesaving ef- personal condolences and those of ber statement, Junge forts to protect Latin the Lutheran communion to the said that to Frenz, Bishop Helmut Frenz (1933-2011) America who had family, friends and colleagues of the who came from Ger- © Gustav-Adolf-Werke e.V., Leipzig fled to Chile. After renowned church leader, who died on many to serve the the coup, he helped 13 September in Germany. Evangelical Lutheran Church in organize efforts to protect those

N o. 0 9 / 2011 13 being targeted by the Pinochet ean regime would not allow him to Pinochet regime and was in 2001 regime, and to hold the regime return to his adopted country. awarded a Medal of Honor by the accountable for its use of torture, However, Junge noted, Frenz Chilean Parliament. ‘disappearence,’ exile and other continued his advocacy for human Frenz, who had said that Chile grave violations of human rights,” rights in Germany, serving for nine had grown into his heart, was in 2007 Junge said. years as the general secretary of made an honorary citizen of Chile by Frenz was an important ecu- the German Section of Amnesty President Michelle Bachelet. menical figure in Chile, working International. “Thanks be to God for Helmet with Roman Catholics and Prot- “In service with the church there- Frenz!” Junge concluded. estants on justice issues. after, he was a champion for victims In 1974 the bishop was recog- of torture, refugees and migrants Read the full text of the statement on nized by the United Nations High in Germany and around the world,” the LWF Web site: Commissioner for Refugees with Junge added. www.lutheranworld.org/lwf/ the Nansen Award. A year later, The LWF general secretary noted wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ while visiting the LWF offices in that it was fortunate that Frenz lived Statement_Helmut_Frenz.pdf Geneva, Frenz heard that the Chil- long enough to see the end of the 14 September 2011 Nobel Prize for Peace Shows Link between Faith and Peace-building LWF Celebrates Three Extraordinary Women GENEVA (LWI) – The Lutheran World nary people and for women’s rights affects everyone, whatever one’s reli- Federation (LWF) celebrated the to fully participate in peace-building. gion. Peace is both a gift and a task awarding of the 2011 Nobel Peace Announcing the prize, Nobel for humanity as a whole. Prize to three women peace campaign- Committee chairperson Thorbjørn The Liberian example, in particu- ers as a reminder to the world that faith Jagland said: “We cannot achieve lar, showed how a women-led process and peace-building are inseparable. democracy and lasting peace in the of interreligious dialogue, friendship, and courageous non-violent action was vital to making for peace, he commented. “Coming from his context in the Holy Land, the LWF President Bish- op Dr Munib A. Younan continues to remind us that faith, religion, and peace are inseparable,” the general secretary stated. Junge said it was his prayer that the three Nobel Peace Prize winners would inspire younger women to see (Left to right) 2011 Nobel Peace Prize laureates Tawakkul Karman, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and that women’s leadership is critical at Leymah Gbowee © REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah | courtesy www.trust.org/alertnet/ the grassroots and at the highest levels. Lutheran World Information “Our world is diminished if women The prize winners were announced world unless women achieve the same are marginalized. Each of our com- in Oslo on 7 October—Liberian Pres- opportunities as men to influence munities, each of our countries, each ident Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; Leymah developments at all levels of society.” of our churches needs the full partici- Gbowee, a Liberian peace activist; Junge noted that these were val- pation of women,” he concluded. and Tawakkul Karman, a leading ues fully shared by the LWF, which figure in Yemen’s pro-democracy is committed to being inclusive and Read the full text of the LWF movement. enabling the full participation of statement on the Web site LWF General Secretary Rev. women. Only if women were full at www.lutheranworld. Martin Junge congratulated the three participants was humanity whole, org/lwf/wp-content/ “outstanding women,” saying he was he said. uploads/2011/10/2011-Nobel- thankful for their inspirational ex- “It is important to note that each Peace-Prize-FINAL.pdf. ample of non-violent struggle for the of these women has been strongly 7 October 2011 safety, dignity and inclusion of ordi- motivated by faith. The lack of peace

14 N o. 0 9 / 2011 Work More Closely with Civil Society on Information World Lutheran Horn of Africa Crisis, UN Urged LWF Says Religious Groups Are Active throughout Region

NEW YORK, USA/GENEVA (LWI) – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) called on the United Nations (UN) to intensify its collaboration with civil society in the Horn of Africa in deal- ing with the “grave crisis” caused by drought and conflict in the region. “Churches and religious organiza- tions of other faiths are present and active throughout the region. They are engaged at the local level in impressive interfaith dialogue and acts of rec- onciliation, compassion and human solidarity,” said LWF representative Mr Dennis Frado, who presented the organization’s statement at the Refugees living on the outskirts of the Hagadera camp collect their belongings to move to tents in the Kambioos 24 September UN ministerial-level settlement at Dadaab, Kenya. © LWR/Jonathan Ernst mini-summit on the Horn of Africa crisis, held in New York. “We strive to see that each person Still, local churches are drilling water The LWF, which has consultative arriving at a camp is being met with holes, organizing schools and sup- status with the UN and manages dignity and treated as an equal,” said porting farming project. on behalf of the UN High Com- Frado, director of the Lutheran Of- “The people and churches of host missioner for Refugees (UNHCR) fice for World Community, which countries, such as Kenya and Ethio- the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee represents the LWF at the UN pia, need our solidarity and support camps in Kenya, is active in the headquarters. not only so they can sustain their Horn of Africa through its member The LWF noted that many mem- generous welcome to the refugees, churches and its humanitarian relief bers of Lutheran congregations in the but also so that they can sustain their arm–Department for World Service Horn of Africa have been affected livelihoods in this time of drought,” (DWS). It provides skills training, by the drought, the worst in almost Frado said. water and sanitation assistance and 60 years. Water levels are low and The LWF asked the UN to take environmental protection. livestock herds have been diminished. urgent measures to protect women from violence in the region, stat- ing that they have been attacked while travelling to the camps and in Dadaab and that this remains an “enormous concern.” It urged the UN to recognize that camps like the one at Dadaab, which houses more than 400,000 refugees, should not be considered long-term solutions, particularly for young people growing up there. “They have little opportunity for education, have very limited opportunities to imagine a better future and are vulnerable to be recruited into armed groups,” the LWF maintained. In its statement the LWF un- derlined the need for long-term Desk space is at a premium at Undugu Primary School in the Dadaab refugee complex. rehabilitation, adaptation for climate © LWF/ Melany Markham change and disaster preparedness in

N o. 0 9 / 2011 15 the region, and urged a redoubling At the one-day summit, some wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ of international efforts for peace in USD 218 million was pledged in new Statement-Horn-of-Africa_ Somalia. aid to the Horn of Africa, according Sept11.pdf The LWF also raised a pointed to UN news sources. This amount is funding question at the UN: “Why a shortfall of around USD 500 mil- Watch the Webcast of the mini-sum- is there a funding shortfall of almost lion to the nearly USD 2.5 billion mit at: www.unmultimedia.org/ USD 700 million to save the lives of so emergency appeal for the region. tv/webcast/2011/09/ministeri- many unfortunate vulnerable people, al-mini-summit-on-the-humani- when sums of 50 or even 100 times The full text of the LWF statement tarian-response-in-the-horn-of- that amount can be quickly raised to is available on the LWF Web site at: africa-english-2.html rescue the global financial industry?” www.lutheranworld.org/lwf/ 28 September 2011 In Dadaab Faith Is a Binding Factor After almost three months of living in temporary settlements many families to live together or to erect makeshift huts on the out- in refugee camps around Dadaab, Kenya, over 20,000 Somali skirts of the official camp. Some of these people live on floodplains, Muslims were relocated to permanent sites at the end of August, so it was critical that they go to higher ground before the rainy season in time to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, marking the end of the fasting in October. This would involve moving between 8,000 to 10,000 observed during the Islamic month of Ramadan. families by the end of November. The new camps, an extension to the Ifo camp and another called Afra Mohammed and his family of three were among the first Kambioos, have everything that a new town should have—water, to arrive at the new site and he was relieved that his family had their latrines, schools, worship centers and health posts, and 17 plots for own tent instead of sharing with another. “We are ready for anything mosques. Land has also been allocated for mosques and madrasas because we are refugees who are looking for a place to settle,” he said. (classrooms where Islamic religion is taught) which will be built once “But I am happy to have this plot.” the community becomes more established. On the morning of Eid, “One of the admirable traits of the Somali community is that they thousands gathered in the large spaces in the middle of the new are very enterprising. After the first day, they were already running camps to pray together. small shops. The move did not get in the way of their new activities, “Around 200,000 Somali refugees are celebrating Eid in Kenya they had no problem living together in the new location,” said Moses for the first time,” said Fred Otieno, emergency coordinator for The Mukhwana, LWF acting area coordinator. Lutheran World Federation (LWF) which manages the Dadaab (Written for LWI by Melany Markham in Dadaab, Kenya, with camps for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees additional information from LWI.) (UNHCR). “Faith is often a binding factor in a community. Celebrating Eid in the new camps will help refugees to re-establish their communities in the new locations,” said Otieno. The massive relocation began mid-August when the LWF took a group of Somali leaders to the new location to survey the new camp. The leaders assured the community that the move was a positive one and Lutheran World Information the first families to move affirmed this by calling their friends to tell them about the new camp and to encourage them to move also. Between January and August, approximately 120,000 refugees from Somalia had arrived in Dadaab. Overcrowding forced Somali refugees in Dadaab pray on the morning of Eid. © LWF/Jonathan Ernst

More LWI News at www.lutheranworld.org/lwf

16 N o. 0 9 / 2011 Lutherans Answer Call “to Show Practical Information World Lutheran Compassion” Churches Worldwide Mount Appeals for Horn of Africa Drought GENEVA (LWI) – Australian pastor Rev. drinking water in the south and and Taiwan, Canada and the USA, Matt Anker of St Paul’s Lutheran in the northwest, in the Kakuma among others, have been collecting Church in Shepparton, Victoria, has refugee camp. funds for the Horn of Africa drought seen firsthand the suffering of refu- Leading church aid agencies, the crisis. gees in the Horn of Africa. United Nations and other organiza- So when his congregation held tions are doing their best to raise a concert on 9 September, he gave funds but many donors who barely Solidarity a personal report on his visit to the have enough to live on themselves The President of the Evangelical region last year, and then appealed have also donated money at great Church of the Lutheran Confession for help: “With the gift of three dol- personal sacrifice. in Brazil (IECLB), Rev. Dr Nestor lars, you can buy 27 meals and save Often, like the congregation in P. Friedrich, implored his congrega- lives,” he said. Australia, they use their imagination tions to reach out with compassion to In the midst of the worst drought to come up with original forms of their “neighbors” in Africa. in 60 years and a horrific refugee fundraising. “The message of the gospel calls crisis in the Horn of Africa, this kind forth new starts, compassion and of story is being repeated around the movement. It leads us away from world as Lutherans respond with Small and Large indecisiveness towards a merciful great generosity to the appeal for help Churches Contribute heart and deeds of solidarity. That from The Lutheran World Federation In fact, the LWF says, it is striking is how the IECLB understands the (LWF). that many small churches from the relationship between grace and faith,” Few remain unmoved in the face Lutheran communion are making he wrote to Brazilian congregations. of the repeated television images their contribution to the emergency, “We thus feel near the people in from the Dadaab refugee camp in even though they do not have much the refugee camps of Dadaab and Kenya, which illustrate the distress themselves. the surrounding area, thanks to the of those crammed into the makeshift One contribution came from the presence and action of the LWF community. Evangelical Lutheran Church in there. Regardless of where and why: Many people are responding to Hungary, which had appealed for when people suffer we are called to these news reports and want to help donations in cooperation with the be neighborly and show practical in a practical way. Reformed Church and Hungarian compassion.” Interchurch Aid. Individuals have also collaborated Many other churches and their to raise funds for the people of the Worldwide Support related organizations in several coun- Horn of Africa. DWS staff persons The wave of support is enormous, the tries including Hong Kong (China) in Colombia ran an appeal and trans- LWF says. Donations are pouring in, both to international aid agencies and to local organizations. The LWF manages the huge complex of camps in Dadaab in northeastern Kenya for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees through its Department for World Service (DWS). The LWF is receiving donations from all over the world, particularly from its member churches. The donations are desperately needed to run the camp and look after the basic needs of over 400,000 refugees. DWS is also assisting in other Refugees learn of Plans are announced to relocate them to newer, better-serviced dwellings in the Dadaab refugee parts of Kenya, providing food and camps in northeastern Kenya, August 18, 2011. © LWR/Jonathan Ernst

N o. 0 9 / 2011 17 ferred a total of EUR 580 to Geneva. and Tanzania are doing everything in he is grateful for every single dona- Many other DWS offices in other their power to help those suffering tion. regions, as well as staff in Geneva, from the drought. “We are gradually reaching our have also expressed their concern and In view of the fact that up to limits,” Hitzler said. “But we want to, solidarity by donating. 540,000 refugees from Somalia are and we must continue to give what is In the Horn and East Africa expected in the Dadaab camps, DWS necessary for people to survive.” regions, churches in Ethiopia, Kenya director Rev. Eberhard Hitzler says 16 September 2011 FEATURE : LWF Small Business Support Breaks Dependence in Djibouti Camp Restaurants and a Television in a Large Tent

ALI ADDEH, Djibouti/GENEVA (LWI) – Djibouti-Ville, the capital of Djibouti, helped administer the program since The vibrancy of the main street in have received livelihood grants. it started. They help chase repayments, the Ali Addeh refugee camp makes Before the program started girls resolving disputes, and will tell you that up for its short length. were dropping out of school as their Somalis have a keen business sense. Clothing shops, grocers, restau- families sent them to Djibouti-Ville The most successful group has rants and even a butcher are housed to earn money. Other families did created five businesses from a loan in wooden shacks, staffed by owners not have enough food. equivalent to almost USD 800, but eager to make money. The UNHCR assessed a need for the program contributes more than It’s mid-morning and in at least income sources that promote self- just economically. two of the restaurants, brightly-clad, reliance rather than dependence. One business is a large tent with smiling women are preparing lunch for a television at one end—a movie customers’ arrival in a couple of hours. theatre. At night, paying customers Those who enter the restaurant en- Success Stories watch films and play games offering joy at least one cup of tea from the large Fatima Ahmed works in one of both a source of income and more pot on a charcoal burner just outside. the loan-funded restaurants. She liveliness to camp life. Women with businesses in Ali prepares the lunchtime meal, sur- Still, a bustling main street has Addeh can thank the income-gener- rounded by her five daughters. brought challenges, says Vitalice ation program run by The Lutheran The business started 18 months ago Ochieng, a Kenyan who coordinates World Federation (LWF), a member and she will pay off the loan by Decem- the program at the camp housing some of the ACT Alliance, with funding ber. She feeds her family and manages 14,000 refugees, most of whom have from the United Nations High Com- to save USD 28 a month. When asked fled war and hunger in Somalia. missioner for Refugees (UNHCR). if her husband is employed, she smiles “In microfinance, time is needed The program began in 2009 and, and says he works for her. to get to know people. It’s not like a since then, almost 200 people at the Abdi Awol Hassan and Mohamed formal bank where people are bound camp some 150 kilometers south of Abdi Yazeem, both refugees, have by the rules. They must believe in your idea first of all and then you must work with people who are hardworking and that you can trust,” says Ochieng. He also needs to get people to Lutheran World Information understand why they should repay the money, explaining it can only be given to those few people who deserve it. “A refugee camp is like any other society. There are those who are hon- est and some, who after receiving the money, then left the camp,” he said.

Improving the Program Since a review in August, Ochieng and his team are improving the program. One idea is that the LWF will not give Fatima Ahmed runs a restaurant in Ali Addeh refugee camp in Djibouti. © LWF/ Melany Markham the refugees money directly.

18 N o. 0 9 / 2011 Lutheran World Information World Lutheran Instead, says Ochieng, “If they want to buy goats, they tell us where to buy them and we will purchase them from that vendor.” The LWF is also establishing a community committee to whom they will delegate some of the responsibil- ity so they can do specific tasks. “We want them to own this project and to feel responsibility when some- one does not pay,” says Ochieng. Some of the women who have been in the program since 2010 and have repaid their loans are highly regarded. “They are people who can openly come to us and vouch for others,’ Farid Obado and her son, one of eight children she supports with the shop she started in Ali Addeh using a loan says Ochieng. “These people will from an LWF income-generation program. © LWF/Melany Markham form the committee and will help At one time, there were some who The program has recovered about us select beneficiaries.” thought the program disbursed a lot 5 million Djiboutian francs (USD of money. However, the cost of doing 28,000) of the initial grants which business in Djibouti is high. will help implement the second phase. Business Planning Stock must be purchased from (Written for LWI by Melany Along with their application, refu- Djibouti-Ville and the fare costs Markham in Ali Addeh, Djibouti) gees have to submit a budget and USD 11. There is also the wait for a small plan. The LWF provides a the arrival of a lorry. Ochieng says, Support the LWF Horn of Africa re- simple template that is similar to “Doing business here is not for the sponse: www.lutheranworld.org/ business plans anywhere. faint hearted; it’s a challenge.” lwf/index.php/donate-somali- The first questions it asks are, Regardless, hard work has changed refugee-crisis.html “What is your target market? How some groups’ lives. One woman says will you advertise? How will you that when she came into the camp she Read more: www.lutheranworld. set prices?” The business plan is in owed people a lot of money and was org/lwf/index.php/tag/somali- Somali and, as many people in the indebted for a number of years. She refugee-crisis camp speak it, in English. was motivated to work hard and now Even so, most of the beneficiaries she is debt-free. Further updates available at: http:// are illiterate, so income generation “If an approach doesn’t work, it lwfworldservice.wordpress.com/ assistants, who are educated refugees, just wasn’t the best for the situation, 27 October 2011 are recruited to help them. so we try another one,” says Ochieng. FEATURE: It’s Not the Rain, But Type of Rain Causing Havoc in Central America LWF and ACT Take Action as UN Office Says 150,000 Affected in El Salvador SAN SALVADOR/GENEVA (LWI) – It agencies said had led to more than The United Nations Office for the rained for almost a week. 100 deaths. Coordination of Humanitarian Af- But that’s not the real problem, The soil is saturated and there is fairs (OCHA) said that in Costa Rica says Carmen Osorio. no place for the water to go. People 1,000 people were hit badly by the “When I was a child it rained for have been fleeing. floods while in El Salvador more than weeks, but it never caused any dam- A tropical depression known as 150,000 were affected; in Honduras, age,” she explains. 12-E formed on 11 October and 38,000; in Guatemala, 154,000; in Osorio is the coordinator of parked over the region. It was fol- Nicaragua, 134,000 and in Mexico health in Ayutuxtepeque, one of lowed by more intense rain and flood- 92,000 people were affected. the affected suburbs of San Salva- ing, harmfully affecting people in six Bishop Medardo y Gómez Soto dor following a deluge that news Central America countries. from the Salvadoran Lutheran

N o. 0 9 / 2011 19 Lutheran World Information America is helping and accompany and helping is America commit the admire “I said, America, World Service office in Central Central in office World Service It was a wonderful experience,” said said experience,” awonderful It was Juan has lost his two acres of corn. Most farmers do not own the land and leased it for USD 200 per acre for only only for acre per 200 USD for it leased and land the own not do farmers Most corn. of acres two his lost has Juan two crops. Many are indebted. © LWF/DWS Central America/M. Boulogne America/M. Central ©LWF/DWS indebted. are Many crops. two Gomez. Church (SLC), the regional coordi (SLC),Church regional the our communities confirming damag confirming communities our Church of Faith and Hope, however, however, Hope, of Faith and Church are at the front of providing support support of front providing at the are guez from the Nicaraguan Lutheran Lutheran Nicaraguan the from guez located in Cara Sucia, Ahuachapán. Ahuachapán. Sucia, Cara in located Center Prevention Disaster the in together worked we Recently us. ing area. Sucia Cara in ashelter located in nator for the ACT forum in Central Central in nator ACT for forum the rain causing havoc in people’s in lives. havoc causing rain fortion’s Department [LWF] communities.” our from people the and people their others, to save danger in themselves es caused by the floods. Our pastors pastors Our floods. the by caused es reports new at the sadness expressed who work pastors, our by ment shown under constraints and risks, putting putting risks, and constraints under “The Lutheran World Federa Lutheran “The “We have received from reports The SLC is supporting refugees refugees supporting is The SLC Bishop Victoria Cortez Rodri Bishop Cortez Victoria

------Bonete,” said Cortez. said Bonete,” millions of US dollars of damage. © Marcos Cerra Becerra Cerra ©Marcos damage. of dollars US of millions Flooded road in San Francisco Menendez, Ahuachapán, El Salvador. Recent rains in the country have caused caused have country the in rains Recent Salvador. El Ahuachapán, Menendez, Francisco San in road Flooded and news agencies reported more reported agencies news and in shelters were people 15,000 about rainy Scandinavia the yearly rainfall rainfall yearly the Scandinavia rainy er expert said that almost 2,200 2,200 almost that said expert er countries. six the 105 in dead than El in and Aquespalapa in to refugees millimeters fell in the deluge. In deluge. the in fell millimeters A Salvadoran government weath government A Salvadoran said Salvador El in Authorities 11 61 +41/22-791 30 66 +41/22-791 [email protected] Published and distributed by: The Federation Lutheran World route de Ferney150, Box 2100 P.O. Geneva Switzerland 2, CH-1211 Tel. Fax E-mail www.lutheranworld.org - 1,200 millimeters. 1,200 Patricia Cuyatti from Geneva.) from Cuyatti Patricia story from San Salvador and Rev. Dr Dr Rev. and Salvador San from story and the area along the Rio Lempa, Lempa, Rio the along area the and or little been had there as able areas according to international agencies. international to according deforestation. and climate disasters, world for natural kits and food in metropolitan areas areas metropolitan in food and kits were all immersed in water. in immersed all were no state intervention. state no vulner most of the assessment needs figures range between 1,000 and 1,000 between range figures reaching almost 1,000 families. 1,000 almost reaching the world’s most unequal societies, societies, unequal most world’s the degradation environmental change, of the regions vulnerable most the one to be of UN the by considered member, started an emergency re emergency an member, started sponse in El Salvador following a following Salvador El in sponse scheduled to be harvested. But they But they harvested. to be scheduled The LWF has distributed hygiene hygiene distributed has The LWF This part of Central America is America Central of part This (Thomas Eklund contributed to this contributed Eklund (Thomas The LWF, an ACT Alliance LWF,The ACT Alliance an It is exacerbated by being one of being by It exacerbated is Maize and bean crops were crops bean and Maize 26 October 2011 26 October - -