LWF Active Engagement Sought in Achieving Broader Ecumenical Assembly
Consultation on LWF Future in the Context of Ecumenical Reconfiguration
GENEVA, 13 June 2005 (LWI) – Participants in a Lutheran World Federation (LWF) international consultation at Chavannes-de-Bogis near here, proposed that the LWF work actively toward the goal of holding a broad ecumenical assembly where Christian World Communions (CWCs) could “have their specific space.” They declared: “Our vision for ecumenical work is to be visibly united for the sake of participating in the Triune God’s mission for the healing of the world.”
The consultation held June 1-3, brought together representatives from some of the LWF member churches, national committees, regional expressions, and major partner organizations for mission and humanitarian relief and development. It was organized under the theme “The Future of the LWF in the Context of Ecumenical Reconfiguration.” Its objectives included exploring how more effective coordination might occur within the Lutheran communion and ecumenically, and clarifying tensions and aspects of the present pattern of cooperation.
After considerable discussion to correct some previous impressions, it became clear to participants that “bilateral and multilateral” ways of working to serve human need “both contribute to the vitality of the LWF and should be seen as complementary” rather than in competition with each other. As a communion of churches, the LWF includes diaconal and mission organizations, as well as other partners, who are called to relate to each other “in a spirit of mutual recognition and accountability,” participants observed.
A report on the consultation cites the need to secure the faith-based identity and visibility of the LWF Department for World Service (DWS), as well as a clear mandate with the necessary freedom corresponding to the work it carries out. The theological basis of diakonia must be upheld “in ways that affirm who we are as a communion of churches, and that effectively engage the contextual needs and affirm the dignity of the people and communities that diakonia serves.”
The participants also recommended that the LWF continue its active engagement in shaping the proposed ecumenical alliance for development, with particular attention to DWS’ special contributions to global ecumenical humanitarian efforts. The proposed alliance, they insisted, needs to be inclusive of all regions and to engage all partners of the LWF communion in addressing its objectives.
The consultation’s perspectives were also intended to contribute toward the ongoing discussions of ecumenical reconfiguration. The LWF was encouraged to participate in these discussions actively, and to “seek more concrete ways of collaborating especially with the WCC, and to demonstrate the crucial contributions CWCs play in the ecumenical movement.” It was noted that efforts should also be made to include churches and families of churches that currently were not members of ecumenical organizations.
Participants noted that further strategic planning in the LWF, as requested by the LWF Council in 2004, should involve a broader array of stakeholders. The report from this consultation will become part of the strategic planning report that the General Secretary will bring to the September 2005 LWF Council meeting for consideration. (504 words)
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