LWF Strategic Planning Process to Continue with Regular Reports to Governing Bodies
SPP Terms of Reference to also Include Focus on LWF’s Renewal
JERUSALEM/BETHLEHEM, 15 September 2005 (LWI) – The Council of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) at its August 31-September 6 meeting, requested the General Secretary to continue with the Strategic Planning Process (SPP) initiated by the governing body in September 2004.
The SPP is considered an essential tool in helping the LWF adapt to new challenges that include reduced staff and financial resources and at the same time provide a realistic, relevant and sustainable work plan for the Secretariat. All Program Committees discussed the report on this process and made recommendations on which the Council actions were based.
The Council asked the General Secretary to report on the progress of the SPP and results to the forthcoming Executive Committee and Council meetings until its completion and to address implications for staffing and budget as stated in the SPP Terms of Reference.
The LWF governing body also called for the expansion of the SPP terms of reference so as to intentionally invite the identification of matters pertinent to the LWF’s renewal and ecumenical reconfiguration and “contextual analysis” of the global situation facing the communion. (cf. Report of the General Secretary to the Council at http://www.lutheranworld.org/LWF_Documents/2005-Council/Gen_Sec-Report-2005-EN.pdf)
It also approved suggestions for an LWF language policy with regard to translation and interpretation within the secretariat and the LWF governing bodies that would take into account the financial aspects, possibilities to contribute to the interpretation and translation challenges, and identifying what documents needed to be translated.
On decentralization of LWF’s work, the Council requested the General Secretary to ensure the coordination of the entire programmatic work of the LWF, and develop proposals for decentralization of work as raised by the LWF Executive Committee in February 2005. An advisory group consisting of one Council member from each region would be established to address the question of decentralization and to report to the Executive Committee at its next meeting. The Council decided that the issue of the secretariat’s location be included in the wider discussion relating to the reconfiguration of the LWF.
Concerning the financing of theology and ecumenism, the Council requested the General Secretary to challenge LWF member churches and related theological institutions and faculties to build into their ongoing budgets funding for collaborative theological work with the LWF. Theologians would also be encouraged to increase their participation and contribution. Particular attention to theological and ecumenical work was emphasized as essential to the identity of the LWF.
Issues considered in the SPP include the role of the LWF secretariat in view of emerging new opportunities such as increased interaction with global movements, changing relationships including multi-faith cooperation and global alliances, new fund-raising possibilities, and information technology developments. Application of a SWOT analysis [Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats] is explained. Other items are decentralization of work, cooperation with ecumenical partners, the question as to whether certain programs should be discontinued, the secretariat’s location and spacing of Council meetings. (cf. Council action http://www.lutheranworld.org/News/LWI/EN/1736.EN.html)
The LWF Tenth Assembly in 2003 expressed its vision of the LWF’s future direction in several actions that have later been allocated to four priority areas namely, Strengthen the Communion of Lutheran Churches in Mission; Deepen Ecumenical Commitment and Foster Inter-faith Relations; Bear Witness in Church and Society to God’s Healing, Reconciliation and Justice; and Enhance Communication, Mutual Accountability and Sharing. (567 words)
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