LWF leaders speak about gratitude, support, and theology as Lent begins
The President of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Archbishop Dr. Panti Filibus Musa, and General Secretary Dr. Martin Junge write a letter full of gratitude and reflection to church leaders at the beginning of Lent.
In view of the many challenges that congregations around the world have faced since the start of COVID-19, as well as the quarantine measures imposed by health authorities, the two Lutheran leaders state that they “are grateful and do not lose heart” as they look at the ways in which the churches have responded. “Please pass on our gratitude,” they say, “to all those in your church who bear witness to hope and are a testimony of compassion to the people they serve.”
Acknowledging the “many lives taken by the virus” over the past year, they also urge people to “remain vigilant and attentive, following the advice of the state authorities”. Noting the “many narratives of suspicion, if not conspiracy,” associated with the development of vaccines, they ask church leaders “not to keep silent about these questions and concerns, and to offer support so that people can find correct and accurate information”.
Until everyone is safe, no one is safe
In their letters, the two Lutheran leaders express “deep concern” about the unequal access to vaccines, noting that COVID-19 has exposed and exacerbated “some of the deepest structural injustices in the world”. “The LWF offers ongoing advocacy at the global level so that everyone may have fair and just access to vaccines” and urges church leaders to do the same, noting that “until everyone is safe, no one is safe”.
In gratitude to the member churches for their contributions to the LWF Rapid Response Fund, Archbishop Musa and Rev. Junge note that the funds have supported the implementation of 109 projects, “bringing hope and relief to local communities.” Emphasizing that many vulnerable individuals, families, and communities continue to suffer as a result of the pandemic, they urge church leaders to continue to remember and support those most in need of help.
Together with their letter, the two Lutheran leaders include a theological resource on Holy Communion for this time, which prevents congregations from gathering and celebrating it in person. The resource, they note, is “not a prescriptive text”, but rather “a resource for your ongoing theological and pastoral reflection”.
Solidarity and mutual engagement are powerful weapons for facing these challenging times in the church and the world. LWF President Archbishop Dr. Panti Filibus Musa and General Secretary Rev. Dr. Martin Junge
In closing, Archbishop Musa and Rev. Junge called on the churches to continue to pray for and support one another “as companions in God’s mission”. “Solidarity and mutual engagement are powerful weapons for facing these challenging times in the church and the world,” they emphasize.
Read the letter
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GENEVA, Switzerland
17.02.2021.