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Pathway for a Common Spiritual Journey

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Bishop Dr Milos Klátik, Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in the Slovak Republic, listens to remarks about the proposed LWF Strategy 2012-2017. © LWF/H.Putsman Penet

LWF Strategic Plan 2012-2017 Considered by Council

LWI Council Press Release No. 07/2011 | GENEVA, 10 June 2011 (LWI) – Theology, mutual accompaniment and service remain central to The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) as it approaches the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation in 2017, a proposed strategic plan for the communion says.

The draft LWF Strategy 2012-2017 is being considered by the global organization’s Council at its meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, 9 to 14 June, following intensive consultation with member churches and partners.

“This global strategy of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) lays out a vision and pathway for our common spiritual journey as a communion of churches, and for our service to people and the world,” the draft strategy states.

Founded in 1947 as a federation of Lutheran churches, the LWF’s growing understanding of itself as a communion of churches with a deep sense of mutual accountability characterizes the proposed strategy.

The draft names three priorities:

-        that the LWF be strengthened in worship and ongoing theological discernment, ecumenical dialogue and interfaith collaboration;

-        that member churches grow in capacity for holistic mission and deepen their relationships with each other;

-        that effective and empowering diakonia (church social service) address human suffering, injustice and emergencies.

The document notes that theological reflection, advocacy and public witness, and gender justice are critical to support the priorities, while effective communication and financial sustainability are important to building the LWF’s sustainability and effectiveness.

The LWF embarked on the strategic renewal as a communion of 145 member churches with 70 million members worldwide, rich in theological traditions and committed to a continuing reformation, according to the plan.

“To be Lutheran is to be freed by grace to love and serve the neighbor. Our service in the world, and our care for creation, are integral to our Lutheran identity.”

Lutherans serve in a world characterized by increased connectivity and interdependence but widening economic and technological gaps, the proposed strategy states.

“Because globalization is built on neo-liberal doctrines of individualism, idolatry of markets, and acquisition of wealth, it has led to a growing divide between rich and poor people.”

Migration, climate change and shifts in the religious landscape will also shape the work of the LWF, the draft strategy maintains.

Still, theology should remain a core activity for all levels of the global Lutheran Communion and it should be enriched by the understandings gained from churches engaged with the suffering of the world.

“The anniversary of the Reformation in 2017 provides a powerful focal point for further formation as a communion and the reaffirmation of our ecumenical commitment,” the proposed strategy says.

It calls for member churches to work together, share resources, learn from each other and be accountable to one another as they meet the mission challenges in their various contexts.

The plan commits to developing the capacity of member churches, encouraging interchurch relationships and networks, and the cultivation of future leaders, including women and youth.

Diakonia continues to be an essential calling of the Lutheran Communion, the draft adds, stating that alongside its ecumenical and interfaith partners the LWF must continue to work with communities to counter injustice, exclusion and the ravages of conflict and natural disasters.

“Diakonia is central to what it means to be church. Christians are called by God to live out diakonia in their daily lives and in what they do.”

The proposed strategic plan calls for member churches to be better equipped to respond to human suffering and for the LWF to be an effective voice for justice, peace and human rights. It urges that LWF’s global humanitarian and development programs focus on marginalized and vulnerable people.

It commits to supporting the role of member churches in their local diakonia efforts, further developing the LWF’s global humanitarian and development programs and partnerships with the World Council of Churches, the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, the ACT Alliance and the YWCA.

The LWF should remain well governed, supported by a communion office that is financially sustainable, professional and accountable. The organization must have a clear mission and direction, adequate human and financial resources, strong leadership and adaptable communications.

“Balancing intentions with resources and institutional capacity will be key to being effective in a given year and to the LWF’s ongoing sustainability,” the plan states. It calls for quality governance structures that reflect the rich diversity of the communion.

The proposed strategy urges increased visibility for the LWF and its work and for communication efforts to support communion relationships and fundraising, using technologies that help connect members to the communion. (757 words)

Council 2011 News | Photos | Documents

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