The LWF General Secretary outlines theological and practical cooperation between Lutheran and Reformed churches
The General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Rev. Dr. Martin Junge, encouraged the members of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) to continue working together with other Christians, bearing witness to “the power and beauty of faith as a source of renewal and transformation” in the world (Lutheran World Information Centre).
His words were spoken in addressing the WCRC Executive Committee, which met in Switzerland, near Zurich, from 9 to 15 May. The central theme of the meeting was “Let Your Light Shine Further: Seeking Peace in the Midst of Empire.”
The General Secretary began his address with words from the Wittenberg Witness, which the LWF and WCRC signed together in 2017. He said that this document “stands both as a foundation and as a constant reminder that we are called to come together and to witness together, and that we are sustained by the presence of Christ in our lives through word and sacraments.”
Reforming unjust financial systems
At the same time, General Secretary Junge outlined two main areas of the relationship between the two world communions. First, this takes place through the NIFEA process, whose aim is to promote the replacement of the currently unregulated market economy with fairer financial and economic structures. He emphasised that at the LWF’s commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, the slogan “Not for Sale” was used in order to underscore the need to renounce “an approach that turns everything into a commodity. Even people. Even creation.”
Deepening ecumenical cooperation
The second area of cooperation for which we can be grateful is the “remarkable process that has developed” following the signing of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, on which five Christian world communions agreed, he said.
“We are committed to witnessing together more and more effectively to the salvation that is given to us in Christ,” LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr. Martin Junge.
He noted that the leaders of these five communions – Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist and Reformed – came together in order to renew their commitment to move this process forward. He referred to the fact that they had signed a joint statement – “We are convinced of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to transform us and the world, and we are committed to witnessing together more and more effectively to the salvation that is given to us in Christ.”
Praying for a successful meeting on behalf of the worldwide Lutheran family, General Secretary Junge said: “This is a good time to be church,” using the gifts entrusted to us in order to make “the message of God’s liberating grace” known throughout the world.
Photo caption: LWF General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Martin Junge addresses the Executive Committee of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC). Photo: WCRC/P. Tanis
Source: Lutheran World Federation