28.01.2004
Call for Strengthened Partnership between Lutherans and Orthodox
Noko: LWF and Ecumenical Patriarchate Share Similar Concerns on Peace BuildingISTANBUL, Turkey/GENEVA, 28 January 2004 (LWI) - "The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) wishes to strengthen its partnership with Orthodox sisters and brothers in all places and in all ways," stressed LWF General Secretary, Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko during a meeting with His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, January 28.
A strengthened partnership, said Noko, would contribute, "to the accomplishment of our efforts in all areas where churches struggle with serious challenges in the world."
The LWF and the Ecumenical Patriarchate shared similar concerns and commitments with regard to conflict resolution and peace building, Noko noted. He underlined the Patriarch's "strong dedication to the cause of protecting God's creation as it has been entrusted to us for good stewardship, with respect for all life and its environment."
The LWF general secretary also recalled the establishment of the Lutheran-Orthodox Joint Commission, of which the first meeting took place in Espoo, Finland, in 1981. The Ecumenical Patriarch described the Lutheran-Orthodox dialogue as "a blessing for both families," an expression of hope as well as a place to share knowledge and experience. He called upon the LWF delegation to join spiritual forces to face contemporary challenges worldwide.
The LWF general secretary was accompanied by Co-President of the Lutheran-Orthodox Joint Commission, Archbishop Dr Georg Kretschmar (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Russia and Other States), and Director of the LWF Office for Communication Services, Ms Karin Achtelstetter. (245 words)
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