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The Lutheran World Federation
Lutheran World Information |
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| 01.07.2008 |
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| LWF Council Calls for More Engagement in Zimbabwe |
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Support for Ongoing Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations
ARUSHA, Tanzania, 1 July 2008 (LWI) - The Council of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) urged its President to write a pastoral letter to heads of churches in Zimbabwe, expressing the LWF’s hope and trust that God cares for and would save the suffering people of Zimbabwe.
The LWF governing body also urged the General Secretary to write letters to the African Union chairperson, African government heads, and the ecumenical community in Africa, encouraging regional action to protect Zimbabwe’s suffering people, and promote return to genuine democracy.
The Council’s recommendations were made during the approval of proposals from its Program Committee for International Affairs and Human rights at the end of the 25- 30 June meeting in Arusha, Tanzania.
“We express particular concern for the situation of Zimbabweans who have fled the country as refugees, and gratitude for the hospitality of those neighboring countries that have received them,” the Council stated on 30 June.
“The Council asks the General Secretary to undertake appropriate advocacy actions on behalf of Zimbabwean refugees in situations where they lack recognition or adequate support,” it stated.
The LWF governing body called on the LWF/Department for World Service (DWS) to consider possible action to better support Zimbabwean refugees in South Africa and in other host countries where DWS has a presence or as an associate program.
The Council adopted a public statement on Zimbabwe, which it issued on 26 June. The statement had called for urgent establishment of a peace building process in Zimbabwe, incorporating all national actors, regional organizations and the international community.
“The policies and practices of the current government have undermined the most basic political, economic and social rights of the people of Zimbabwe,” the Council stated.
Israel - Palestine
The LWF Council applauded the current ongoing negotiations between the Israeli government and Palestinian authority, and encouraged the two leaderships to aim at reaching a final status agreement to a two-state solution and a shared Jerusalem.
“The Council calls upon the member churches to remind their members of the long-standing support of the LWF and World Council of Churches for an all inclusive, shared Jerusalem, as also reflected in the statement of the heads of Churches in Jerusalem in 2006,” the Council stated.
The LWF governing body rejected any armed struggle to solve political divisions and encourage the Palestinian people to overcome their divisions, and pursue a unified strategy for justice, rule of law and a pluralistic state.
The council reiterated its strong support for the ecclesiastical, educational and diaconal work of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and Holy Land in the face of grave challenges. (448 words)
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Around 170 participants attended this year’s Council meeting including church leaders, officials from LWF partner organizations, invited guests, stewards, interpreters and translators, LWF staff and co-opted staff and accredited media.
The Council is the LWF’s 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, lay and ordained persons, representing the different LWF regions.
LUTHERAN WORLD INFORMATION
Tel.: +41/22-791 63 69
Fax: +41/22-791 66 30
Editor’s E-Mail: pmu@lutheranworld.org
Media contact in Arusha: +255 782 321 852
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