Governance and Oversight

The member churches from our seven regions nominate representatives to our highest governing body, the Assembly.

The Assembly elects the LWF President and the Council which governs between Assemblies and approves the LWF Strategy which gives direction for the Communion's work. The LWF Communion Office carries out tasks mandated by our Council. 

Youth lead a climate march through the venue during the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly, held in Krakow, Poland on 13-19 September 2023 under the theme of ’One Body, One Spirit, One Hope’. Photo: LWF/Johanan Celine Valeriano

Youth lead a climate march through the venue during the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly, held in Krakow, Poland on 13-19 September 2023 under the theme of ’One Body, One Spirit, One Hope’. Photo: LWF/Johanan Celine Valeriano

The Assembly brings together delegates from all member churches of the communion. The Thirteenth Assembly took place in Poland in 2023

The new LWF President, Bishop Henrik Stubkjær of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

The new LWF President, Bishop Henrik Stubkjær of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

Bishop Henrik Stubkjær, our current President, is a Bishop of the Viborg Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark.

LWF President and vice presidents pictured at the first meeting of the LWF Council following the LWF Thirteenth Assembly, held in Krakow, Poland on 13-19 September 2023 under the theme of ’One Body, One Spirit, One Hope’. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

LWF President and vice presidents pictured at the first meeting of the LWF Council following the LWF Thirteenth Assembly, held in Krakow, Poland on 13-19 September 2023 under the theme of ’One Body, One Spirit, One Hope’. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

We have seven vice-presidents, each representing one of the seven LWF regions. They are elected by the Council from among its members, and may be ordained or lay. Furthermore, a due representation of women and men shall be observed

LWF Executive Committee members pictured at the first meeting of the LWF Council following the LWF Thirteenth Assembly, held in Krakow, Poland on 13-19 September 2023 under the theme of ’One Body, One Spirit, One Hope’. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

LWF Executive Committee members pictured at the first meeting of the LWF Council following the LWF Thirteenth Assembly, held in Krakow, Poland on 13-19 September 2023 under the theme of ’One Body, One Spirit, One Hope’. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

The Executive Committee oversees the proper functioning of the LWF between Council meetings. 

Council Members raise green cards to vote in favor of a motion as the newly LWF Council convenes for their first session following the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly, held in Krakow, Poland on 13-19 September 2023 under the theme of ’One Body, One Spirit, One Hope’. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

Council Members raise green cards to vote in favor of a motion as the newly LWF Council convenes for their first session following the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly, held in Krakow, Poland on 13-19 September 2023 under the theme of ’One Body, One Spirit, One Hope’. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

The Council has the responsibility to ensure that LWF is satisfactorily organized and run according to its defined purpose and in accordance with resolutions made by the Assembly. 

It also appoints from its membership committees and sub-committees to direct specific areas of work:

  • Council Committees
    • Finance Committee
    • Committee for Advocacy and Public Voice
    • Committee for Communications
    • Committee for Communion Relations
    • Committee for Ecumenical Relations
    • Committee for Theology Mission and Justice
    • Committee for World Service
    • Standing Committee for Constitution and Membership