History of the LWF

The LWF was established in 1947 as a Federation of Lutheran churches.

The LWF was founded in the wake of the Second World War, at a time when Lutheran churches aspired for greater fellowship and solidarity among themselves. It relies on four pillars:

  1. Rescue the needy
  2. Common initiatives in mission
  3. Joints efforts in theology
  4. A common response to the ecumenical challenge.
Lutheran World Federation meeting, 1947, Lund, Sweden. Sister Anna Ebert and Miss Johns (India). Photo: LWF

Lutheran World Federation meeting, 1947, Lund, Sweden. Sister Anna Ebert and Miss Johns (India). Photo: LWF

Prof. Abdel Ross Wentz vice President Lutheran World Convention and LWF and Rev. Dr Carl E- Lund-Qvist, in charge of press relations at the First Assembly (1947). Photo: LWF

Prof. Abdel Ross Wentz vice President Lutheran World Convention and LWF and Rev. Dr Carl E- Lund-Qvist, in charge of press relations at the First Assembly (1947). Photo: LWF

LWF historical highlights

In 2017 the LWF celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The LWF helped connect the over 72 million members of the LWF communion around issues exploring the theological significance of the Reformation for Lutheran existence as a church.

The LWF Archives, housed at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, preserve the records of the Lutheran World Convention, the Lutheran World Federation, and the Christian World Communions. The digitalization process ensures long-term access, for future generations, to this unique and invaluable heritage consisting of milestone moments of the Lutheran World Federation.

View the LWF Photo Gallery on Flickr