LWF Tribute to ‘Francophonie’ Ambassador of the Lutheran Communion

Former Communications Director Rev. Marc Chambron Dies

(LWI) – Rev. Marc Chambron, a former director of the Office for Communication of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) who died 2 November, was predestined for an ecumenical calling.

Chambron, who served in the top communications post twice, from 1976 to 1984 and again during a transition time in 1999, studied at the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey, Switzerland, in 1959 after graduating from the theological faculty at the University of Strasbourg, France.

LWF colleagues enjoyed Rev. Chambron’s wonderful witty spirit, which was full of joy and included an elegant sense of humor.

He considered himself an ambassador to the Francophonie within the Lutheran communion and colleagues recall how he always reminded them to affirm the membership of all French-speaking churches, especially in Africa, assuring them, “God speaks French.”

Former LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr André Appel first hired Chambron to work in Addis-Ababa at Radio Voice of the Gospel, where he served from 1966 to 1969, when the program closed due to political developments in Ethiopia at the time.

Chambron then moved to Geneva to staff the Department for Church Cooperation before heading the LWF communication team.

Always passionate about the vision and mission of the LWF, Chambron answered the call to return to LWF—although retired—to serve as the coordinator of the Office for Communication Services during a transition period in 1999.

During that time he directed the communications operation around the historic signing by the LWF and the Roman Catholic Church of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ) in Augsburg, Germany, on 31 October 1999.

In a condolence letter to Chambron’s spouse, LWF General Secretary Rev. Martin Junge assured the family that the LWF treasures “Marc’s life and service as it has also marked us in the LWF. His memory is dear to the LWF and we pray God’s abundant love will receive and surround him, while God’s Spirit consoles and sustains those who mourn his departure.”

Chambron, a husband, father and grandfather, aged 82, died on All Saints Sunday. The LWF understands that God has called him back as part of the cloud of witnesses that continue surrounding the church on earth.