The Geneva-based Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) area desk of the Department for Mission and Development (DMD) accompanies LWF member churches in their holistic ministries through programs and projects that respond to particular concerns of church life in the region and specific priorities identified by the member churches in the region.
Latin America and the Caribbean Region | Member Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean
Strengthening Communion in the Region
The LAC member churches have been holding annual leadership conferences for the last 20 years to deepen relationships and develop concrete expressions of joint responsibility in mission.
The exchange of personnel, participation in assemblies and synods and assistance during periods of difficulty through visitation and mediation have been increasing steadily over the years.
Advocacy on Illegitimate External Debt
Upon request of the regional leadership conference, the LAC area desk designed a program that allows the churches to proactively engage in advocacy work related to external debt.
As a pilot project in decentralized programmatic work in the region, the program is based in Argentina and staffed by the region’s member churches. The focus has been on awareness raising, education and advocacy activities at the grassroots level in the churches.
Communion and Diakonia
A consultation organized by the regional network on diakonia brought together all regional diaconal projects relating to indigenous people. In addressing the right of self-determination for indigenous people, including their own spiritual and religious life, churches were encouraged to support the cause of indigenous people by adopting an inter-religious perspective in their work.
The regional coordination of responses to HIV and AIDS has been very active in promoting understanding among member churches about the pandemic and facilitating concrete initiatives to respond to the challenge of HIV. It is recognized that the Lutheran communion has a high responsibility in the region to develop religious language that is non-stigmatizing and liberating, when talking about HIV and AIDS.
Communion and Creative Collaboration
The LAC Desk assists member churches to identify and coordinate opportunities for cooperation, and promotes creative initiatives with partners. Through such efforts, bilateral relationships can unfold additional potential that will make a difference for the churches and the partners.
Sustainability in Mission
The LAC Desk is providing coordination, advice and coaching for a new regional program focused on sustainability in mission. A comprehensive approach, encompassing missiological and ecclesiological dimensions, structural and financial aspects, and the role of pastoral and lay leadership, will develop understanding and consider models. A regional core group, accountable to the leadership conference, will implement the program.
For further information please contact:
Rev. Dr Patricia Cuyatti, Area Secretary for Latin America and the Caribbean
Ms Margarita Thilby, Administrative Assistant
See Also
Department for Mission and Development | Faith in Action | Sustainability Blog of LAC Member Churches
