The Lutheran World Federation publishes its 2018 annual report
(Lutheran World Information Centre) – The Lutheran World Federation has published its 2018 annual report. Titled “Freely you have received, freely give,” it records the life and work of the LWF in 2018, offering insight into the commitment to work on holistic mission, theological education, Christian unity, human rights, gender equality, the inclusion of young people, and service to people in need.
It shows how the LWF’s long-standing development programmes and emergency responses in 25 countries around the world address the roots of suffering and encourage vulnerable people and communities to be more resilient. In 2018, the LWF served more than 2.3 million refugees, displaced persons and their host communities through the work of LWF World Service.
The highlight of the year was the adoption of the LWF’s 2019–2024 strategy, which will “guide the LWF’s global witness from 2019 to 2024,” write the LWF President, Archbishop Dr. Panti Filibus Musa, and the LWF General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Martin Junge, in the report’s preface. The strategy “is grounded in the ongoing journey and witness of the LWF and its member churches, taking up new initiatives in order to meet the changing context.” The goals and objectives of the LWF’s international humanitarian and development work are similarly set out in the LWF World Service global strategy for 2019–2024. Further information on this work is provided in the LWF World Service annual report.
Among other activities, the report mentions conflict prevention and peacebuilding, theological formation, church exchange visits, and the involvement of young people in promoting climate justice – in order to affirm the LWF’s aim of empowering people and communities to advocate with dignity for their rights and their lives.
All of the LWF’s work is “grounded in our conviction of faith, witnessing to the gospel, coming together as a communion of churches, working toward a just, peaceful and reconciled world,” the President and General Secretary write in their introduction, thanking readers for taking part in the LWF’s journey toward justice, peace and reconciliation.
The Lutheran World Federation’s 2018 report can be downloaded in English here.
4.06.2019.
Geneva, Switzerland
Photo: Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert
Source: Lutheran World Federation news