“Bringing about change makes the church great”
(Lutheran World Information Centre) – Churches flourish where people are together on the journey of life, worship God and listen to one another, “coming together and walking in the name of Christ,” said the General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Rev. Dr. Martin Junge.
Addressing the 2019 national convention of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) on 12 July in Regina, Saskatchewan, the General Secretary said that in an era “marked by deep change” affecting churches belonging to the LWF, as well as the LWF communion as a whole, we must focus on the present and the future, seeking ways to be church.
“The church has a past, but it does not belong to the past. It belongs to the present, and it has a future – because of God. God continues to make all things new even today, sustaining and guiding God’s people as they live out their baptismal calling in everyday life.”
Called to journey through life together
The theme of the ELCIC national convention, which gathered at the University of Regina, was “Called to Journey Together – the Ministry of Reconciliation.”
Commenting on this theme, Junge said that faith is “deeply dialogical,” flourishing only when people are on a shared journey. Junge expressed his appreciation for the ELCIC’s continued participation in and support of the LWF. “We in the LWF are deeply grateful for the ELCIC’s active, ongoing and significant participation in the life of the Lutheran communion.”
Reminding the delegates from across Canada that the LWF comprises 148 churches in 99 countries with more than 75 million members, the LWF General Secretary noted that God’s mission has never been about numbers alone.
Junge added that this is especially important to remember, because some churches are growing rapidly while others are experiencing numerical decline.
“The church does not have to be great in order to bring about change; but by bringing about change, the church becomes great,” LWF General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Martin Junge.
“Instead, it has been about a wondrous story of liberation and transformation, as well as about the promise of new life. No, dear friends, the church does not have to be great in order to bring about change; but by bringing about change, the church becomes great,” Junge said.
Referring to the journey that community churches travel, he called for “growing into a new reality in which each church will always and at all times understand itself as one that both gives and receives, learns from one another and increases one another’s worth.”
The LWF’s original callings, articulated in the aftermath of the Second World War – diakonia, mission, theology and unity – still shape the worldwide Lutheran communion. Yet new insights and new commitments have deepened the communion’s path, Junge emphasised.
Women in ordained ministry
The General Secretary recalled the communion’s commitment to move forward together “with respect, but resolutely toward the goal – the ordination of women in the ministry of the church.” He emphasised the importance of this commitment in the context of ecumenical dialogue. “The question of the ordination of women is not open for negotiation; it is not on the table; but ordained women will be at the table when we discuss issues and debate with our dialogue partners. It is a gift that we are able to share.”
Listening to young people when we plan for the future
An important commitment of the LWF is the use of quotas in governance structures, ensuring that the voices of women and young people can be better heard. “I consider quotas a true blessing,” he said. Referring to the 20% participation of young people in the LWF’s governance structures, he asserted that it was because of the participation of young people that the LWF made the decision in 2015 not to invest in fossil fuels.
Encouraging the Canadian church to keep engaging young people, he added: “No church may plan for the future without involving those who will inherit it – the young people who are getting involved in churches today.”
Regina, Canada / Geneva
16.07.2019.
Source: Lutheran World Federation news
Photo: ELCIC Communications