Stronger engagement makes the Lutheran communion tangibleGeneral Secretary Junge’s report to the CouncilGeneva, 18.06.2015. The Lutheran World Federation must continue to grow in its dynamic engagement, which has enabled Lutherans to serve millions of people throughout the world and to deepen the relationships that make the communion real, urged the LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr. Martin Junge. Opening the meeting of the Council – the governing body of the LWF between assemblies – held from June 18 to 22 in Geneva, Junge said in his report that the LWF has no reason for a pause in its growth. “Seeing the millions of pairs of eyes that look to the LWF as a source of hope and empowerment, we have no reason to turn away from them at a time when we are preoccupied with ourselves,” said Junge. In his extensive report on the work of the LWF over the past year, the General Secretary reported on the most important things in the various activities that have testified to the living witness of the communion in the world. He said that many churches face the challenge of providing theological education for laypeople and pastors in a time of changing realities and contexts that calls for new approaches. Junge noted that in his many visitations, while visiting member churches, he has met many individuals, researchers, volunteers and church leaders whose encounter with the LWF has changed their lives and fostered a growth in the experience of faith. “The LWF adds something very fundamental to our understanding of the essence of the believer and the church. The LWF offers a dimension that churches and people could not see and grasp by their own strength,” he emphasized. Growing cooperation Speaking about the LWF’s humanitarian aid and long-term development work, Junge said that service to refugees and those in crisis situations in countries such as, for example, South Sudan, Syria and the Central African Republic, has changed the lives of two million people, 80% more than two years ago. Cooperation with long-standing partners has grown, especially the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and there are new agreements with organizations such as, for example, “Islamic Relief Worldwide”. During this growing service, the Lutheran communion has supported training and capacity-development programs for member churches and LWF-supported projects in 54 member churches. There is a palpable vitality in the communion, for which Lutherans should thank God, said Junge. “How else can anyone explain the growing cooperation of the member churches, their joint service to refugees, the displaced and the marginalized?” he asked. Commemoration of the Reformation In his report, the General Secretary also focused on activities connected with the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and the Twelfth Assembly. He noted the ongoing initiative “Women on the Move”, which celebrates women’s contribution to the Reformation, and the Global Young Reformers’ Network and its international conference in August of this year. He thanked the LWF’s ecumenical partners for the continuation of cooperation in bilateral dialogue and for their support of “the LWF’s resolve to celebrate the commemoration of the Reformation with ‘a sense of ecumenical accountability'”. Challenges and the way forward However, there are still financial and relational challenges with which the LWF must continue to work, Junge said. Referring to the Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem, he reported a considerably improved financial situation. Junge emphasized the need to proactively address the volatility of the financial markets, which threatens the sustainability of the LWF. Junge emphasized the need for the continuation of vitality in the Lutheran communion, despite the challenges ahead. “Since we have come this far and continue to develop and dynamically move forward every day, step by step, there is no reason to press the pause button now,” he added.
Translated from English by ELCLAbroad pastor Ieva Puriņa
Proofreader Mag. Theol. Milda Klampe
Source: Lutheran World Federation