The Lutheran World Federation publishes its annual report for 2019
Geneva, Switzerland
15.05.20.
The annual report of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) on the organisation’s activities in 2019 has been published. The report highlights the Department for Theology, Mission and Justice’s cooperation with churches that work both locally and globally and together strive for the sake of justice, peace and reconciliation in the world.
The theme of the report – “Because We Know God’s Voice” – served as the central guiding principle at last year’s June meeting of the LWF Council.
The report is organised around the LWF’s three strategic priorities and demonstrates how communion relationships are sustained when churches from different regions come together and learn from one another, discuss shared issues and arrive at an understanding of how to address various challenges. The report also mentions the 20th anniversary of ecumenical relations, which is a significant milestone. The activity overview describes the transformation achieved through innovative theological approaches. Finally, the report describes the church’s role in strengthening public space so that it becomes a safe place that fosters participation and inclusion.
The document sets out in more detail the goal that underlies empowering young people to act boldly.
With regard to the role of women in the church, the report expresses a commitment to ensuring that churches and the international community take responsibility for women’s rights and leadership.
The document includes an account of ideas on how the LWF’s intensified advocacy campaign at the local and global level can influence policy concerning the inalienable rights of the most vulnerable persons and communities. The report goes on to highlight the contribution of the church’s diaconal work to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
An overview is given of the LWF’s international diaconal arm, World Service, whose humanitarian and development support has reached more than 2.25 million of the most vulnerable people in 29 countries around the world, with more than 50 per cent of these people displaced by conflict. This also includes crisis response together with member churches in countries such as Mozambique and Colombia.
By way of illustration, examples and case studies of the three strategic priorities (securing livelihoods, quality services and protection, and social cohesion) are also presented. A detailed work overview of the LWF’s programmes in 25 countries and its response to critical situations can be found in the World Service Annual Report for 2019 (link here).
Beneath the financial report, which summarises the audited income and expenditure for 2019, it is noted that in 2019 the LWF’s total revenue was EUR 168 million. The organisation spent 91% of all expenditure on those initiatives that directly provided assistance to people with humanitarian needs and to churches, in order to strengthen their capacity for holistic mission.
The LWF’s 2019 report can be viewed in illustrated form here (in English)
Source: The Lutheran World Federation
Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert