The LWF launches a study on the shared theological heritage
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is launching a theological study on the ways in which spirituality shapes Lutheran identity and the church’s ability to engage with today’s world. The study will run from 2019 to 2022.
Photo caption:
An intergenerational discussion at the 2019 conference of leaders from the Latin American, Caribbean and North American regions, in Lima, Peru. Photo: LWF/ A. Danielsson
The 2019-2022 process began with a global consultation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together 70 representatives – theologians and young people from LWF member churches in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America.
The theme of the 23-27 October meeting was “We believe in the Holy Spirit: Global Perspectives on Lutheran Identities”. The meeting was organized by the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY). The LWF’s study processes offer an opportunity to foster a shared theological approach to identifying and addressing the current problems that LWF member churches have to face.
Participants listened to analyses of practical situations, short papers and addresses about the ways in which Lutheran identity(ies) are formed from faith, tradition and differing contexts.
The General Secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Rev. Dr. Kenneth Mtata, spoke about the Holy Spirit as gift and hope. In her paper, Prof. Jennifer Wasmuth, director of the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg, France, spoke about the Holy Spirit and the Word of God and baptism, while Prof. Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen of the University of Helsinki in Finland and Fuller Theological Seminary in California, USA, spoke about the calling of the priesthood of all believers. Guest speakers from other Christian traditions provided an ecumenical perspective. Among the many speakers giving short papers were five young leaders and theologians, who highlighted the experience of Lutheran youth within the LWF.
Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer, executive director of the Lutheran Theology and Practice program, who coordinates this LWF program, said that the planned consultation would give the global communion an opportunity to broaden its vision of what it means to be a Lutheran in today’s world. It will also create an opportunity to “deepen our ability to appreciate the ways in which our shared faith frees and prepares us for life and service in the church, in society and in the public space.”
We want to discover the wondrous diversity, celebrating the shared faith that prepares us for a creative and transformative witness in the world. – Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer, director of the LWF Lutheran Theology and Practice program
Rimmer continues, saying that churches in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Norway, Senegal or any other country are formed from different cultures and challenges. “To identify with Lutheranism means to affirm in faith that we are set free to imagine justice and peace, and to respond to God’s call to work so that all living creation may experience peace. We want to discover the wondrous diversity, celebrating the shared faith that prepares us for a creative and transformative witness in the world,” Rimmer adds.
Worship and spirituality play a critical role in shaping the self-understanding of the LWF as a communion of Lutheran churches. That is why the consultation will be rooted in the context of daily prayer and Bible study. On Sunday the delegates took part in worship services in the various EECMY congregations around Addis Ababa.
The results of this three-year process will contribute to the 13th Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation, which will take place in 2023 in Poland.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia / Geneva
21.10.2019
Photo: LWF/ A. Danielsson