The leaders of the Lutheran World Federation emphasise the significant role entrusted to congregations to condemn and reject xenophobia (fear of strangers), violence, injustice and inequality that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to light.
In a letter to the member churches, LWF President Archbishop Dr Panti Filibus Musa and General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge urge congregations around the world to continue to follow their governments’ guidance on restrictions to limit the spread of infection. The LWF leaders give thanks for the many truly inspiring examples of remaining faithful to the Gospel.
At a time when many are living in fear and anxiety, the Lutheran leaders say: “By celebrating Christ’s resurrection from the dead, we are strengthened in faith.” The LWF leaders give thanks to all the member churches that were able to mobilise and find new ways to pray and praise God, to serve their neighbours in their needs, and to stand up for justice and peace, while at the same time observing physical distancing.
Stand with those who suffer
Acknowledging that many people are unable to earn a living and are experiencing hunger because of national lockdowns, Musa and Junge emphasise that “congregations, as first responders, have an essential role” in situations where there is pain and suffering. They call for donations to the LWF Covid-19 rapid response fund, and also call for prayerful support for the more than 9,000 World Service staff who continue to “work in extreme conditions” to serve refugees, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable communities.
The Lutheran leaders express their shock and sorrow at reports of xenophobia and violence against foreigners, students, migrants, refugees and other groups, including nurses and doctors who have experienced attacks out of fear that they might carry the infection. The leaders call on churches to “courageously stand against xenophobia”, emphasising that “where negative profiling and even hate speech are tolerated, violence flourishes”.
Violence against women must be rejected
In connection with the alarming rise in the killing of women and in violence against women living in abusive relationships, the LWF leaders urge the member churches to reject and confront these crimes. The first step is to begin calling things by their proper names – violence against women. That is a step towards overcoming such violence, the LWF leaders insist. Musa and Junge call on churches and congregations to publicise helpline numbers, as well as to continue educational work, provide resources and raise public awareness of ways to overcome such violence and abuse.
“We do not fully know what the future will bring in these difficult times,” the two LWF leaders conclude in their letter, “but we do know to whom the future belongs”. They urge churches to hold firm in their witness and to continue serving God’s mission through proclamation, service and standing up for justice and peace in the world.
The text of the letter in English
The text of the letter in German
Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert