16.06.2005
Lutheran Churches in Europe Declare They Will Strengthen Communion Globally
Mutual Debate on Potentially Church-Dividing IssuesREYKHOLT, Iceland/GENEVA, 16 June 2005 (LWI) - Delegates attending a Lutheran World Federation (LWF) regional church leadership consultation have committed themselves to strengthening the Lutheran communion on a global level.
"The partnership between our churches has developed into one based more on equality and spiritual communion; but there is still a demand for solidarity," participants from 45 Lutheran churches represented at the June 8-13 European Church Leadership Consultation said in a final message. The conference focused on ecumenical challenges for Lutheran churches in the region's changing context.
Participants however, observed that there were still significant differences between Lutheran churches in Europe, especially between "large" and "small" churches, and between those in the east and west.
It was also possible for delegates to discuss potentially church-dividing subjects such as women's ordination, and homosexuality "in an atmosphere of mutual respect." Participants emphasized the European churches' responsibility in strengthening the role of women in positions of church leadership. Young people, they noted, should be more actively involved in church committees with decision-making powers.
The church leaders underlined migration as one of the major challenges for European societies, particularly in view of the continent's current social situation. They stressed the need for a system that would safeguard basic inviolable rights for all people, regardless of their legal status. At the same time, they pointed out: "If we actively open our doors to the brothers and sisters in our midst, we go on a path to become welcoming and hospitable churches."
In their final message, delegates affirmed the regional leadership consultation as a platform to facilitate exchange between the different forms and levels of church leadership.
The next European Church Leadership Consultation will be held in 2007. Bishop Dr Hans-Jürgen Abromeit, Evangelical Church of Pomerania, Germany, suggested an invitation to Greifswald. A committee established to organize this meeting will start its work next year. (324 words)
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