The LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund, Sweden, the LWF now has 145 member churches in 79 countries all over the world representing over 70 million Christians.
LWF regions | LWF member churches
What do we believe?
The Bible, the three Ecumenical Creeds and the confessions of the Lutheran Church form the LWF’s doctrinal basis.
LWF member churches confess the triune God, agree in the proclamation of the Word of God, and are united in pulpit and altar fellowship. The LWF confesses one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church and is resolved to serve Christian unity throughout the world.
Coming soon: Read more under Beliefs
What do we do?
The LWF strives to put its faith into action within and beyond the communion. This witness takes a variety of forms: communications, ecumenical and interfaith relations, capacity building, advocacy, humanitarian assistance, theology, mission, development and many others…
The LWF Council has named four priorities for the work of the LWF:
- Strengthening Lutheran identity as a communion of churches in mission
- Deepening ecumenical commitments and fostering interfaith relations
- Bearing witness in church and society to God’s healing, reconciliation and justice
- Enhancing communication, mutual accountability and sharing
What is the LWF secretariat and what programs does it oversee? | Find out about LWF ministries under Faith in Action
Why a “communion of churches”?
The LWF is much more than a mere network of churches sharing a confessional foundation. The LWF understands itself to be a communion: a worldwide community of churches joined in inclusive fellowship.
This means that the LWF:
- Embraces the rich diversity of the member churches in the communion. Each member enhances the web of relationships that is the LWF family and makes a unique contribution to its common purpose.
- Expresses this community in tangible ways by sharing material resources, giving spiritual support, worshipping together and walking with one another in difficult situations. The struggles and joys of one member become those of the whole communion.
- Works to strengthen the relationships between its members and increase the sense of interdependence, mutuality and accountability. The communion is committed to addressing tough questions in a spirit of respect and truth.
- Takes concrete steps of reconciliation, healing and justice to transform inhumane and oppressive situations so that all within the different regions of the communion can live in dignity.
- Considers itself a part of the wider, global church and faith community and is active in strengthening ecumenical and interreligious relationships.
- Serves in solidarity all people in need and strives to be an agent of God’s love, grace and community in the world.
