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The Lutheran World Federation
Lutheran World Information |
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| 07.09.2005 |
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| LWF Council Meeting Was a Sign of Solidarity with Christians in the Holy Land |
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LWF Council Meeting in Jerusalem/Bethlehem,
31 August – 6 September 2005
Israeli-Palestinian Political Dimension Important
PRESS RELEASE N0. 13-2005
JERUSALEM/BETHLEHEM, 7 September 2005 (LWI) – The President of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Bishop Mark S. Hanson, said the 2005 meeting of the LWF Council meeting was significant especially because of its location.
Addressing journalists at the end of the 31 August – September 6 gathering hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), Hanson said it was important for representatives of LWF churches to be in the Holy Land and to stand in solidarity with the ELCJHL which hosted the event. Solidarity means “to be present here, accompanying one another, learning from one another while standing shoulder to shoulder in the context of the other,” he noted.
The theme of the Council meeting was “The Church: Called to a Ministry of Reconciliation.”
LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko said coming to the Holy Land also meant putting oneself in the situation and taking risks. “We saw the checkpoints and the humiliation that people who live here must experience daily,” he stressed. Seeing with one’s own eyes the separation wall between Israel and Palestinian territories was very important. When participants in the Council meeting return to their respective home countries, they would be able to read news about the region more critically, he observed.
The political dimension of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was an important aspect for the LWF governing body. During the week-long meeting, LWF leaders held meetings with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli President Moshe Katsav, as well as with other senior government officials and religious representatives.
ELCJHL Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan, spoke of the impact of the LWF Council for the witness of Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land especially for the cause of justice. “Our people will never forget the experience they had here,” he said, and expressed hope that there would be more of such meetings in the region.
Next LWF Council in Geneva in 2006
The Council decided to hold its next meeting, 27 August – 2 September 2006 in Geneva. At this year’s meeting, Council members agreed to the LWF general secretary’s proposal that the frequency of the governing body’s meetings be changed from every 12 months to a flexible period of between 12 to 18 months. A wider spacing would provide more time for the implementation of resolutions and decisions of the Council and related committees, and provide sufficient time to accomplish follow-up work.
Amendment to By-laws on Election of LWF General Secretary
At its meeting in Jerusalem/Bethlehem, the Council amended Section 8.1 of the LWF By-laws concerning the election the General Secretary and his/her tenure in office. The governing body agreed that the General Secretary, whose term is limited to seven years, “shall be eligible for re-election once.” Until now no limit had been set for re-election with the by-law stating the position holder could “be eligible for re-election.” By-laws become effective one year after their adoption.
Concerning the rules of procedure for the Search Committee for an LWF General Secretary, the Council agreed that “in due time before the end of the General Secretary’s term of office,” the Council shall appoint a Search Committee for this position consisting of seven persons, four of whom shall be members of the Council. The Search Committee’s Rules of Procedure shall be defined by the Council. The previous by-laws indicate the search committee would be appointed “one year before the end of the General Secretary’s term.”
The Council also agreed that the Search Committee would also have the mandate to consider other candidates other than those nominated by the member churches. It would submit all nominations together with its recommendation to the Council. Prior to this change, only member churches would be invited to nominate candidates for the position of General Secretary. (646 words)
*Around 170 participants attended this year’s Council meeting, including representatives from the LWF member churches on the 49-member governing body. Also attending were officials from LWF partner organizations, invited guests, stewards, interpreters and translators, and LWF staff. The Council is the annual governing body meeting between Assemblies held every six years. The current Council was appointed at the July 2003 Tenth Assembly in Winnipeg, Canada. It comprises the President, Treasurer and 48 persons elected by the Assembly. Other members include advisors, who are ordained and lay persons representing the different LWF regions.
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