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  • Urgent Appeal: Myanmar Rats Disaster
    Dear MMF members and LWF member churches We would like to request you to seriously consider this urgent relief for Myanmar as soon as possible in the Name of Christ. This rats’ disaster started in Kanpalet Township since the month of January, 2010. Paddy, maize, pineapples and vegetable crops in the farms were destroyed and domestic animals killed. Nothing is left in the fields for the villages to harvest (see picture). The rats destroyed not only their farms but also their domestic animals such as chicken and ducks. Even household stuff like pillows and blankets were not spared. Urgent appeals requesting for...

  • Discontented U.S. Lutherans to form new church body
    New York (ENI). AUG 25 - Dissatisfied members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are forming a new church body they say will "uphold confessional principles" after disagreements on issues such as the ordination of clergy in committed same-sex relationships. The new body is to be called the North American Lutheran Church and is scheduled to be formed at a 26-27 August meeting in Grove City, Ohio. In 2009, the ELCA agreed to change its denominational rules to "open the ministry of the church to gay and lesbian pastors and other professional workers living in committed relationships". ...

  • ALN52 Released!
    Dear Readers ALN52 is a SPECIAL edition on the highlights of the LWF Eleventh Assembly in Stuttgart, Germany, July 20-27, 2010. Download for your reading pleasure by clicking on the newsletter (right). We will be printing this special issue in colour. If you are not on our mailing list for hard copy and would like one for this issue, please write to slk@lutheranworld.org View more photographs of the Assembly by clicking on "Photos" (left column of website)- for registered members only. ALN Team

  • LWF Provides Disaster Relief in Pakistan
    World Service Workers to Support ACT Alliance Response GENEVA, 18 August 2010 (LWI) – Two Lutheran World Federation (LWF) disaster relief specialists have been deployed to Pakistan to assist the ACT Alliance in providing emergency assistance to the victims of the flooding that has devastated the country in recent weeks. Bed Bahadur Thapa and Netra Prasad Subedi, currently working with the LWF Department for World Service (DWS) program in Nepal, will arrive in Pakistan soon, said Dr. Colette Bouka-Coula, DWS acting director. Accordingly to ACT Alliance, floods across Pakistan triggered by monsoon rain have killed 1,600 people, forced 2 million from their homes...

  • LWF Eleventh Assembly - Message & Actions
    The LWF Eleventh Assembly Message and Consolidated Report of Actions are now available under "Assembly Documents" at the LWF Assembly website: www.lwf-assembly.org Assembly Message: In a time of “grabbing and keeping,” we once again become aware that true humanity is found in receiving and sharing ...

  • LWF Vacancy Announcement: Area Secretary for Asia & the Middle East
    Position: Area Secretary for Asia and the Middle East, Department for Mission and Development (DMD) (Deadline for application extended to August 27) Reports to: Director for Mission and Development (DMD) Place of Assignment: Geneva, Switzerland Starting Date: 1 January 2011 Duration of contract: Initial contract of 4 years Required Qualifications: (click link)

  • LWF Eleventh Assembly concludes in joyful worship
    “We Recognize the Obligation of Feeding the World Physically and Spiritually” STUTTGART, Germany, 27 July 2010 – Participants in the Eleventh Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) celebrated the end of the meeting in a closing eucharistic service today in Stuttgart’s Stiftskirche. During the 20-27 July meeting of the highest decision-making body of the LWF, delegates discussed issues of concern in church and society under the theme, “Give Us Today Our Daily Bread.” The highlights are contained in the Assembly Message, in which delegates summarized the actions they intend to take as a result of their deliberations during the meeting. “The...

  • LWF General Secretary-Elect Addresses the Assembly
    “I learnt to hold on to values – justice, human dignity, non-violence, tolerance” TUTTGART, Germany, 26 July 2010 – Growing up in Chile under the rule of a military dictatorship and suffering the resulting losses of freedom “profoundly shaped” the values of the General Secretary-elect of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). In an address to the LWF Eleventh Assembly today, Rev. Martin Junge said that during his formative years, he “learnt to hold on to values – justice, human dignity, non-violence, tolerance – which the political and social contexts were belying almost daily.” Junge said that words from the pulpit affirmed these...

  • Young Leaders Offer Themselves as Gifts
    Youth Call on LWF to Address Issues of Sustainability, Gender Justice and LWF’s Visibility STUTTGART, Germany, 23 July 2010 – “We young people offer our enthusiasm, energy and networking skills to assist in raising the profile and visibility of the LWF,” declared youth delegates to the Eleventh Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Assembly as they concluded a creative, colorful and offered themselves as gifts to the communion. “We ask only for the opportunity and the forums to do this.” The presentation summarized the three issues identified as “important and urgent” by the LWF Pre-Assembly Youth Conference held in Dresden, Germany, 10-17 July 2010. Calling...

  • Women Delegation Asks Assembly to Address Injustices
    Women Identify Human Trafficking, Women in Leadership, and Poverty as Issues for Attention STUTTGART, Germany, 23 July 2010 – Human trafficking, leadership by women in churches and society, and unequal food distribution have emerged as key issues for women around the world, according to the presentation on behalf of women at the Eleventh Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). These issues were identified in the Women’s Pre-Assembly meeting and regional meetings as requiring action by the LWF. Human Trafficking Rev. Selma Chen of The Lutheran Church of Taiwan told the Assembly that at least 27 million people — women, men, and children...

  • LWF Vice President for Asia is Ms Eun-hae Kwon, South Korea
    New LWF Council Holds its First Meeting STUTTGART, Germany/GENEVA, 30 July 2010 (LWI) – A new treasurer and seven vice presidents for The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) were elected by the LWF Council meeting in Stuttgart (Germany) 28-29 July, two days after the LWF Eleventh Assembly closed its business. The LWF council, also newly-elected at the Assembly, was led by Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. The bishop was elected LWF President at the Assembly. Click to see the full list + Council members from the various regions ...

  • Lutherans Take Historic Step in Asking for Forgiveness from Mennonites
    Assembly Participates in Powerful Service of Repentance STUTTGART, Germany, 22 July 2010 – In what Bishop Mark S. Hanson, President of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), described as possibly “the most significant legacy this Assembly will leave,” the Eleventh Assembly of the LWF today took the historic step of asking the Mennonites for forgiveness for past persecutions. Delegates unanimously approved a statement calling Lutherans to express their regret and sorrow for past wrongdoings towards Anabaptists and asking for forgiveness. Hanson described the act of repentance and reconciliation as “communion building and communion defining. “We will not just look back; we will also...

  • Palestinian Bishop Elected President of the Lutheran World Federation
    Bishop Munib A. Younan is a Passionate Campaigner for Peace and Inter-Faith Dialogue in the Middle East STUTTGART, Germany, 24 July 2010 – Bishop Munib A. Younan of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) has been elected President of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) by the Eleventh Assembly here, a gathering of 418 delegates and others from the LWF member churches.

  • Five Churches in Asia Join LWF
    Membership Reaches 145 Churches and 70.1 Million Members STUTTGART, Germany, 21 July 2010 – Five new churches, all of them in Asia, have joined the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). The LWF Council approved their admission at its meeting 18-20 July. Three of the new churches are from Myanmar: the Lutheran Church of Myanmar, founded in 1995 with 1,620 members; the Myanmar Lutheran Church, founded in 1998, with 2,150 members; and The Mara Evangelical Church, founded in 1984, with 21,573 members. Also joining the LWF membership were the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in India, founded in 2007, with 15,400 members; and the Northern Evangelical...

  • Ecumenical Greetings
    “Lutherans and Catholics Can No Longer Afford Our Differences” Walter Cardinal Kasper said that “Lutheran-Catholic relations have been since the beginning of our international dialogue … in my heart and will remain in my heart.” He said that the 1999 signing of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification was “a milestone of the ecumenical movement.”

  • “It is Time to Restructure”
    Good Stewardship Demands Secretariat Changes: LWF Treasurer STUTTGART, Germany, 21 July 2010 (LWI) – There has been a positive development in the Lutheran World Federation’s (LWF) membership fees, LWF Treasurer Mr Peter Stoll said in his report to the Eleventh Assembly. Since the 2003Assembly in Winnipeg, Canada, fees have increased from USD 2.6 million to USD 3.2 million in 2009. Nevertheless, there are still churches “in the North as well as in the South” that do not pay their membership fees, Stoll said. Although the financial situation of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is stable, efforts must be increased in order to...

  • “In Fellowship and Care For One Another, We Recognize the Face of God”
    General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko Relates “Daily Bread” to Caring for the World STUTTGART, Germany, 21 July 2010 – A changing world, a more inclusive communion of Lutheran churches, closer ecumenical relations and the challenge of serving others are some of the issues the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) will address in the years ahead, said General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko in his report to the LWF Eleventh Assembly. Referring to the Assembly theme, Noko said that “daily bread” had strong “spiritual significance.” It was in the act of breaking bread that the risen Lord Jesus was revealed to the travellers...

  • A World in ‘Pain’ But Lutherans Gather in ‘Confident Hope’
    LWF President Calls Churches Attention to Celebrating Their Common Heritage STUTTGART, Germany/21 July 2010 – Lutherans gather in Stuttgart, Germany, for their international assembly at a time when “the world is in pain,” said Bishop Mark S. Hanson, President of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) when he presented his address to the once-every-six years gathering, taking place in this southern city of Germany. “Wars rage, the creation groans under the weight of our consumption, refugees wander in search of shelter, illness and death come to those who lack access to clean water and health care,” said Hanson, who is also Presiding Bishop...

  • A Soul-Searching Assembly
    The theme for the LWF Eleventh Assembly LWF is based on the fourth petition of the Lord’s Prayer, “Give Us Today Our Daily Bread.” The LWF Council chose these familiar words as a point of orientation for all that we say and do. Thus, a rich variety of experiences is anticipated during those seven days in July 2010 in Stuttgart, Germany. It will be a time of celebration, for God does indeed give daily bread, even “without our prayer,” as Luther explains in the Small and Large Catechism. More than that, God regularly provides not only the necessities, but also the...

  • Hunger is Not God’s fault, It’s Our Fault
    LWF Eleventh Assembly to Focus on Alleviating Hunger in all Forms STUTTGART, Germany, 19 July 2010 (LWI) – “Hunger is not God’s fault; it’s our fault,” said The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) President Bishop Mark S. Hanson at the opening press conference of the federation’s Eleventh Assembly. Introducing the Assembly’s theme, “Give Us Today Our Daily Bread,” the president said, “If people lack what they need for daily life, it is because we have failed to ensure that the good things of God’s creation are justly and equitably distributed to all.” Follow what's happening from the Assembly website: www.lwf-assembly.org

  • Lutherans Meet in Germany for LWF Eleventh Assembly
    Archbishop of Canterbury to Deliver Keynote Address in Stuttgart GENEVA, 14 July 2010 (LWI) – In about a week’s time, Lutherans from around the world will meet in Stuttgart, Germany, for the Eleventh Assembly of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF). "Give Us Today Our Daily Bread" is the theme of the 20-27 July event, hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wuerttemberg. The LWF comprises 140 member churches in 79 countries, representing more than 70 million Christians. An estimated 1,000 people, including 418 delegates from the member churches will participate in the assembly, held mainly in the Liederhalle cultural and congress center....

  • Opening & Dedication of Sabah Theological Seminary Multi-purpose Education Centre
    Construction of the multi-purpose 6-storey Education Centre which started in May 2008 was finally completed in early 2010 and on 1st May 2010 the Dedication Service for the Centre was conducted successfully. The Celebration was well attended by about 1,000 people from far and near. All Glory is due to our Lord! It was also a time of wonderful fellowship with friends and we are truly touched by the outpouring of love, care and concern. Thank you for your prayers and kind words. The Centre covers a built-up area of 64,024 square feet and the complex comprises of a 900-capacity...

  • LWF Youth Holds LWF Pre-Assembly in Dresden
    Over 120 Participants Expected GENEVA, 28 June 2010 (LWI) - Over 120 young Lutherans from the 140 member churches of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) will gather from 11 to 17 July in Dresden, Germany, to prepare for the LWF Eleventh Assembly convening the following week. The Assembly is the organization's highest decision-making body, meeting every six years. The Pre-Assembly Youth Conference (PAYC) will take up the Assembly theme "Give Us Today Our Daily Bread." This concerns not only the question of food security but also broad religious and social issues such as HIV and AIDS, illegitimate debt and climate change.

  • ALN51 Released!
    Dear readers We are pleased to announce the release of ALN51. Just click on the newsletter on the right. As promised, this issue brings you a special feature in honour of the late Rev Dr Kunchala Rajaratnam of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church. Several Lutheran partners of the Mekong Mission Forum (MMF) had also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for mission and ministry cooperation in Cambodia. Do you know there are more than one Lutheran church in Myanmar? The Chinese Rhenish Church Hong Kong Synod had also just ordained their first woman pastor. Read all these and more in this...

  • Consultation on Contextual Theological Education in Mekong Region
    Dr Hope Antone, Joint Executive Secretary of Faith, Mission and Unity (FMU) delivered the keynote address of the Consultation on Contextual Theological Education in the Mekong Region from June 17-20, 2010, held at the Myanmar Institute of Theology, Yangon, Myamnar. This is the 5th joint consultation organized by the Mekong Mission Forum (MMF), Association of Theological Education in Myanmar (ATEM) and Judson Research Center of Myanmar Institute of Theology (JRC-MIT). Previous consultations had tackled the topics of Ethnic Minority (2006); Dialogue (2007); Identity (2008); Mission and Development (2009).