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The Lutheran World Federation
Lutheran World Information |
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| 20.12.2005 |
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| LWF Invites International Lutheran Council Observer to Biblical Study Process |
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2005 Joint ILC-LWF Meeting Discusses 500th Reformation Anniversary
GENEVA, 20 December 2005 (LWI) – A representative of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) will be invited as an observer to the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) study processes on the authority of the Bible and biblical hermeneutics. This was agreed at the December 8-10 meeting between representatives of both Lutheran world bodies, hosted by the LWF in Geneva, Switzerland.
The decision to invite an ILC observer to such study processes follows an agreement of the 2003 joint meeting that both church bodies invite observers to each other’s official meetings and consultations. At this month’s meeting, the challenges related to biblical hermeneutics concerning such matters as anthropology, human sexuality and homosexuality were discussed. Currently a study process conducted by the LWF Department for Theology and Studies, probes, among other issues, how meaningful communication can occur within a communion of churches despite the different ways of understanding the Bible.
Representatives at this year’s meeting were informed about preparations for the 2017 events regarding the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s nailing of 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, effectively starting the Lutheran Reformation and its wider ramifications. The need was expressed for information sharing between the ILC and LWF and their respective member churches on planning these events.
Co-chairperson, LWF General Secretary, Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko responded to questions about the handling of the issue of homosexuality in the LWF and its member churches. Other concerns included relations between the LWF and World Council of Churches, and the September 2005 Council decision to hold the LWF Eleventh Assembly in Stuttgart, Germany in 2010.
Co-chairperson, ILC Executive Secretary, Rev. Dr Samuel H. Nafzger, drew attention to the ILC’s development from an ad hoc confessional Lutheran gathering into an International Lutheran Conference (1973) and the current ILC in 1993. The ILC does not aim at becoming a tightly organized global body or communion of churches, rather it works to nurture Lutheran confessional theology and relationships, he explained.
It was underlined during discussions that although the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS), with 2.5 million members is the largest ILC member church, the individual ILC member churches are all autonomous bodies and should not be regarded as extended arms of the LCMS.
The ILC comprises 29 Lutheran churches with a total membership of some 3.3 million people. The LWF has 140 member churches in 78 countries, representing nearly 66 million of the world’s 69 million Lutherans. Ten churches have membership both in the LWF and ILC.
The ILC and LWF have maintained official forms of contact for two decades. Major joint meetings were held in 2002 in Geneva and in 2003 in Järvenpää, Finland where reports were provided on the life and relations of member churches in different parts of the world, and theological issues were discussed. A March 2005 “Memorandum of Understanding” endorses annual joint meetings with the aim to increase mutual understanding between the two Lutheran world bodies and their member churches. (509 words)
The full text of the statement of the joint ILC and LWF meeting in Geneva follows:
Meeting between representatives
of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) and
the Lutheran World Federation (LWF)
Geneva, Switzerland, 8-10 December 2005
Representatives of the International Lutheran Council (ILC) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) met in Geneva, Switzerland 8-10 December 2005 as proposed by the “Memorandum of Understanding” approved by both organizations in March 2005. These meetings are to be held on an annual basis, with a view to increased mutual understanding between the two Lutheran world bodies and their member churches. When relevant, the meetings shall receive and discuss reports on issues of tension perceived to result from activities, statements or policies of member churches of either of the two organizations or agencies related to them.
The meeting was co-chaired by Rev. Dr Samuel H. Nafzger (Executive Secretary, ILC) and Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko (General Secretary, LWF). Other participants from the ILC were: Rev. Dr Ralph E. Mayan (Canada), and Bishop Dr Diethardt Roth (Germany). Other participants from the LWF: Archbishop Nemuel A. Babba (Nigeria), Rev. Dr Risto Cantell (Finland), Bishop Maria Jepsen (Germany) and Rev. Dr Randall Lee (USA). Rev. Sven Oppegaard (LWF) attended as staff.
In addition, Rev. Dr Reinhard Böttcher (LWF) attended a part of the meeting for a discussion of his article, soon to be published, on the history of ILC-LWF relations. This contribution was much appreciated, and further perspectives were provided.
Reports were presented on current developments pertaining to the life and the relations of the two organizations and their member churches.
Dr Nafzger drew attention to the development of the ILC from an ad hoc confessional Lutheran gathering into an International Lutheran Conference (1973) and the International Lutheran Council (1993). The ILC does not, however, have as its goal to become a tightly organized global body or a communion of churches. Its purpose is to nurture Lutheran confessional theology and relationships. Full communion is not a requirement for membership. To date, the ILC has not issued position papers on theological topics. The recent ILC Conference held in Berlin, Germany, centered on the Book of Concord. In the context of this study, the visit to Wittenberg was significant and meaningful for participants.
In the course of the conversation, it was underlined that although the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) is the largest church in the ILC, the individual ILC member churches are all autonomous bodies and should not be regarded as extended arms of the LCMS. It was noted at the same time that the LCMS and its related agencies exercise significant influence around the world, through the dissemination of theological literature and relational work. Questions were raised regarding the handling of homosexuality in the LWF and its member churches, relations between the LWF and the World Council of Churches, and preparations for the 2017 marking of the 500th anniversary of Luther’s 95 theses.
Dr Noko drew attention to the structure and nature of the LWF as a Communion of Churches and the importance of being in altar and pulpit fellowship. He pointed to the decision by the LWF Council to hold its next Assembly in Stuttgart, Germany, in 2010, with the vision of subsequently joining into larger ecumenical forms of assemblies where the WCC, as a multilateral body, would be expected to have a leading role. The discussion process on “Family, Marriage and Sexuality” in the LWF focuses on a broad set of issues, with, as its main purpose, to provide communication within the communion in an important and sensitive area. Concerning planned events in 2017, a proposed overarching theme is “The Reformation then and now.” It was the common desire that information on proposed “celebrations” and “commemorations” be shared between the two bodies and their member churches.
The meeting paid attention to challenges related to biblical hermeneutics concerning such matters as anthropology, human sexuality and homosexuality. What are the ways in which the will of God can be clearly discerned, and biblically based guidance be provided? It was agreed that the LWF would invite an ILC observer to LWF study processes on the authority of the Bible and biblical hermeneutics.
Reports from the different parts of the world were received and discussed openly and constructively. There was recognition that it is helpful to keep one another informed about developments in areas of the world where both organizations have member churches and concerns are raised. The participants made arrangements for a future meeting, 17-18 November 2006.
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