Local and Regional Church Leaders Thank Lutheran Communion

Greetings to LWF Council Emphasize Church’s Role in Nurturing Hope

Council Press Release No. 13/2012 – During its meeting in the Colombian capital, Bogotá, 15-20 June, the Council of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) received greetings from local and regional church leaders who thanked the global Lutheran body for its solidarity with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO).

In his greeting, IELCO Bishop Eduardo Martínez said it was a privilege to host the LWF governing body in a country where the people’s “yearning for justice, peace and reconciliation nourishes hope.” Meeting there was an encouragement to the small Lutheran community of 2,000 members, as it faces a challenging reality, which includes drugs trade, internal conflict and violence, he said.

Welcoming the representatives of Lutheran churches from around the world, Bishop Francisco Duque of the Episcopal Church of Colombia noted the Council theme—“Together for a just, peaceful and reconciled world”—was appropriate for the country’s situation.

Duque said the presence of the LWF “in this place today is not only a sign of communion but also a gesture of support for a church, which is clearly committed to facing the challenging reality in Colombia.” It was also a sign of confidence in a country that was resisting definition by “such sad realities” as drugs and internal conflict out of which there were numerous victims, he emphasized.

He noted that while IELCO was a small church that was not widely known in the country, it “brings a message of faith and hope to our people in humility and simplicity” and with concrete acts of service to the community.

For his part Rev. Pedro Mercado Cepeda, vice-secretary for church and state relations for the Roman Catholic Church, welcomed the fact that the LWF meeting was tackling issues concerning peace, justice and reconciliation.

“The quest for peace is a joint task for all the disciples of Christ,” Cepeda said. “Ecumenical dialogue and action are the real priority. Together we must work for peace and the dignity of every human being. We have one firm desire—to open up ways to peace.”

Rev. Edgar Castaño, president of the Evangelical Council of Colombia (CEDECOL), to which IELCO belongs, called the LWF Council meeting “a very important moment.” He noted that while modern communication technology offers electronic mail correspondence and web conferences, direct personal contact among Christians from around the world remains important. “It is crucial to be able to share time together,” he said.

“The presence of the worldwide Lutheran church in Colombia is very valuable. It should leave us suggestions so that we can all continue working for truth, reconciliation and justice,” Castaño added.

The Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI) General Secretary Rev. Nilton Giese expressed his joy at being able to participate in the LWF gathering, hosted by the CLAI member church IELCO.

He emphasized that CLAI’s mission was to sensitize, promote, accompany and engage churches in processes of social change while at the same time serving as a link in promoting democracy and peace with justice.

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