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News

E.g., 2019-04-21

20 Apr
"God gives us a new perspective to seeing reality." Photo: Albin Hillert/LWF
Easter message: A time to reflect on new perspectives
Easter, Cross, LWF Vice-President, Easter Sunday
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On Easter Sunday, every time we remember Jesus’ blood and sacrifice, we remember that we are new creatures. Our tired souls are refreshed by his grace. Our old perspectives are renewed by his love. God does not promise a new world or new reality. Rather, God gives us a new perspective to seeing reality.
20 Apr
"God gives us a new perspective to seeing reality." Photo: Albin Hillert/LWF
Easter message: A time to reflect on new perspectives
Easter, Cross, LWF Vice-President, Easter Sunday
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On Easter Sunday, every time we remember Jesus’ blood and sacrifice, we remember that we are new creatures. Our tired souls are refreshed by his grace. Our old perspectives are renewed by his love...
18 Apr
"The empty cross at the grave reminds us that life triumphs over death." Photo: LWF/A. Danielsson
Good Friday message: Christ on the cross has also borne away our pain
Easter, Cross, LWF Vice-President, Good Friday
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We on Good Friday wait for the approaching Easter morning with the message of the Resurrected One: “I was dead, and see, I am alive forever and ever; and I have the keys of Death and of Hades”, says...
17 Apr
From left to right: Rev. Dr Hugo Adán Fernandez (Holy Trinity with St Matthew parish), Rev. Sarah Farrow (St Anne’s Lutheran Church), Dr Chris Asprey (l' Arche) and Rev. Dr Jaakko Rusama (Lutheran co-moderator, Anglican Lutheran Society). Photo: LWF/P. Bouwman
Anglican-Lutheran Society explores spirituality and living in diversity
Anglican-Lutheran relations, Roman Catholic
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Exploring spirituality and living in diversity were key topics of the 2019 general meeting of the Anglican-Lutheran Society in London.
15 Apr
Bishop Michael Bünker from the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Austria explains the church's position regarding Austrian parliament's Good Friday decision. Photo: ECACA/Uschmann
Public holiday on Good Friday abolished in Austria
Good Friday, Austria, Public Space, Theology, Public theology, ecumenism
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The Austrian parliament has abolished Good Friday as a public holiday, a decision which affects members of the Evangelical Churches of the Augsburg and Helvetic Confessions, the Old Catholic Church...
12 Apr
From left to right: Ordained pastors of the Mexican Lutheran Church; Karina Carmona, José Alcantara, Sofía Tenorio, Ángela Trejo, David Brondos, Roberto Trejo and Moisés Espino following the worship service celebrating 10 years of women’s ordination. Photo: L. Tenorio/ILM
Mexican church marks 10 years of women’s ordination
Women in Church and Society, Women, Women in Ordained Ministry, Gender Justice, Women Ordination, women in leadership
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The recent celebration of 10 years of women’s ordination in the Mexican Lutheran Church was an occasion to reaffirm the church’s commitment to empower and encourage both women and men to contribute...
12 Apr
Bishop Helga Haugland Byfuglien, Presiding Bishop, Church of Norway. Photo: Hege Flo Øfstaas/Church of Norway
Norway’s presiding bishop shares hopes and challenges
Easter, Women in Church and Society, women in leadership, Women in Ordained Ministry
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In the very early hours of Easter Sunday morning, the leader of the Church of Norway, Presiding Bishop Helga Haugland Byfuglien will be presiding at worship inside the medieval Cathedral of Trondheim...
11 Apr
Getting together: Scholarship holders of the GNC/LWF with Rev. Dionisie Arion, Scholarship Secretary of the GNC/LWF (left) and Rev. Norbert Denecke, General Secretary of the GNC/LWF. Photo: LWF/A.Weyermüller
Deepening communion, strengthening churches, encouraging people
Lutheran theology, Theology, Youth, Communion, Women, LWF member churches, Member Churches, Ecumenical, GNC
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Studying abroad, getting to know a different culture and language, taking up impulses from theology and church: every year about 35 students from member churches of the LWF make use this opportunity...
10 Apr
Workshop participants with local church staff in the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Malabon, Manila. All photos: LWF/Marina Dölker
Philippines church hosts workshop to support regional mission and development
Member Churches, Capacity development, Diakonia, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Scholarships
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Climate change, economic pressures and the challenges of operating in a minority church context were among the topics of discussion at a recent workshop, hosted by the Lutheran Church in the...
9 Apr
In Uganda, LWF’s humanitarian work includes support to people who have fled conflict in neighboring South Sudan and DRC. At the Rwamwanja refugee settlement, Congolese Zubert Masuku is now a highly skilled fashion designer, who also trains fellow youth for free. Photo: LWF/ S. Nalubega
Human Rights Council: Concern for conflict-affected populations and people with albinism
DRC, South Sudan, Myanmar, albinism, UNHRC, United Nations Human Rights Council, Rakhine Crisis, IDP, internally displaced people, gender-based violence, Human Rights
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The human rights situation in Myanmar, DRC and South Sudan, and access to justice for people living with albinism were key topics for the LWF through four oral statements and a side event at the 40th...
8 Apr
Participants in the ‘People on the Move’ workshop visit the ‘Augustanahof’ housing project and ecumenical center in Amsterdam. Photo: Holger Lux
Dutch church’s work on diversity and integration inspires LWF delegates from across Europe
Diakonia, Conviviality, Europe, Migration, capacity building
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Delegates representing member churches of the LWF in Europe gained new insights when they visited a revitalized church, that that has been turned into a social housing complex, and an ecumenical...
5 Apr
In Manica province, most of the people displaced by cyclone Idai are staying in holding centers, hoping to return to their homes once flood waters recede. Photo: LWF/Philip Wijmans
Cyclone Idai: LWF to provide clean water sources and shelter in Mozambique
emergency response, environment, Mozambique, floods, Zimbabwe, Malawi
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The LWF is working with its international and local partners in Mozambique to secure clean water sources, provide shelter construction materials, food, kitchen kits and beddings to families affected...
5 Apr
Caritas Secretary General Michel Roy and World Service Director Maria Immonen at LWF’s Geneva headquarters. Photo: S.Gallay/LWF
LWF and Caritas reaffirm shared commitment to serving the most vulnerable
Ecumenical, Caritas Internationalis, From Conflict to Communion, Diakonia, Advocacy
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Nearly three years on from the signing of a joint declaration on increased cooperation, the World Service department of the LWF and the global Catholic aid and development confederation, Caritas...
4 Apr
The Lutheran Church of Senegal in the West African country is visible through various church programs. All Photos: UEPAL
Senegal: A true spirit of partnership and generosity toward the church
Leadership, solidarity, sustainability
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The dynamic presence of the ELS in the West African country is visible through various church programs including diaconal initiatives, a vocational training center, student hostels and health clinics.
3 Apr
The representatives of five Christian World Communions --Anglicans, Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists and the Reformed-- at the Notre Dame Consultation. Photo: Steve Toepp / University of Notre Dame
Statement from Notre Dame Consultation: Visible Unity and Common Witness
JDDJ, Catholic, Ecumenical, ecumenical relations, Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, PCPCU, Anglican, reformed church, Lutheran-Roman Catholic dialogue, Methodist, Joint Statement, Statement
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Participants at a historic gathering of church leaders from five Christian World Communions have issued a statement recommitting themselves to communicating the biblical message of salvation in new...
3 Apr
Panelists at the 27 March event in the Bundestag. From left to right: Lisa Binder (Bread for the World), Sabine Minninger (Policy Advisor on Climate Change, Bread for the World), Maina Talia (Panelist from Tuvalu), Claudia Roth (German Green Party politician and Bundestag Vice President), Dr. Julia Duchrow (Human Rights Expert, Bread for the World), Sophie Gebreyes (LWF Country Representative in Ethiopia). Photo: Sabine Mininger/BftW
Industrialized nations must ‘honor moral responsibility’ to mitigate effects of climate change in Ethiopia
Diakonia, DWS Ethiopia, Climate, IDP, internally displaced people, Climate Change, drought relief
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The devastating effects of climate change and conflict on rural communities in Ethiopia were under the spotlight at the German Parliament during a recent presentation by the LWF representative in...
2 Apr
In Rakhine State, Myanmar, residents fleeing recurring fighting in Kyauktaw township have sought refuge in Ponnagyun township. The LWF and the Department of Disaster Management recently distributed non-food items including kitchen utensils, clothes, mats, water filters and mosquito nets to displaced families. Photo: LWF Myanmar
International NGOs in Myanmar reiterate humanitarian obligation to protect civilians in Rakhine
DWS Myanmar, Peace, peacebuilding, Rakhine Crisis, Displaced Persons, internally displaced people
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The LWF has joined INGOs renewing calls for protection of civilians amid continuing fighting between two armed sides in Myanmar’s Rakhine province.
1 Apr
Rev. Dr Hoyce Jacob Lyimo-Mbowe was one of the lecturers at the 19th International Seminar for pastors in Wittenberg, Germany. Photo: LWF/A. Weyermüller
Wittenberg: A Lutheran perspective on translating the Bible
LWB-Zentrum Wittenberg, theological formation, Deeening Faith, Martin Luther, Lutheran Theological Seminary, Theology, Women
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Lyimo-Mbowe, participant of the 19th International theological seminar at the LWF Center Wittenberg in Germany, spoke with LWI on the connection between topics discussed at the seminar titled “...
29 Mar
A facsimile of the Official Common Statement of the JDDJ. Photo: LWF/S. Gallay
From Conflict to Communion: The future of Christians together in the world
JDDJ, Catholic, Ecumenical, ecumenical relations, Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, PCPCU, Anglican, reformed church, Lutheran-Roman Catholic dialogue, Methodist
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Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Anglicans and Reformed discern further steps towards deeper ecclesial communion and common witness
29 Mar
Bishop Antonio Alfredo Barros, Western Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Angola. Photo. S. Gallay
Angola: A growing church making a mark in education
Voices from the Communion, Leadership, Angola, Communion, Education, Lutheranism
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Bishop Antonio Alfredo Barros, from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Angola, speaks about his enthusiasm to see every church member experience the freedom of discovering the Bible and knowing that...
28 Mar
Participants of the 19th International Seminar for pastors during an excursion in Wittenberg, Germany. Photo: LWF/A. Weyermüller
The whole world in one room
LWB-Zentrum Wittenberg, theological formation, Deeening Faith, Martin Luther, Lutheran Theological Seminary
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Irrespective of their home countries, the participants of the 19th International theological seminar at the LWF Center Wittenberg in Germany agreed that this was an enriching and valuable experience...
27 Mar
Attending the service as guests of honor: WMC President Rev. Dr JC Park; LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge; Kurt Cardinal Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (Roman Catholic Church); Very Rev. Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, Dean of St Davids Cathedral in Wales (Anglican Communion); and WCRC General Secretary Rev. Dr Chris Ferguson. Photo: Peter Ringenberg/University of Notre Dame
Ecumenical prayer service on opening day of JDDJ consultation
JDDJ, Catholic, Ecumenical, ecumenical relations, Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, PCPCU, Anglican, reformed church, Lutheran-Roman Catholic dialogue, Methodist
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An ecumenical prayer service in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, United States, marked the opening of a three-day consultation of five Christian World...
26 Mar
Rev. José Pilar Álvarez Cabrera, President of the Guatemala Lutheran Church. Photo: Craig Foster
Guatemala: Church concern over setback in fight against impunity
Human Rights, human rights defender, Guatemala, Advocacy, Peace
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In January 2019, the Guatemalan government rescinded an agreement with the CICG, effectively disbanding the work of the commission which was set up in 2006 with support from the UN.
25 Mar
Members of the VELKD Bishops' Conference, ecumenical guests and staff of the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg. Photo: VELKD
Helping to shape Europe as a peace project
Institute for Ecumenical Research, ecumenism, Europe, European, reconciliation, racism, Peace, LWF member churches
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Bishops from German Lutheran churches have reaffirmed the commitment to promoting the spirit of Europe as a community of countries.
22 Mar
Children lead the way to the dry riverbed near Burka Dare site for internally displaced people, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. All photos: LWF/Albin Hillert
Water, peace, and long-term commitment
World Water Day, Ethiopia, drought relief, drought, IDP, internally displaced people
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As World Water day is marked around the world today, 22 March, we feature the LWF work in Ethiopia’s Oromia regional state, where pastoral communities pushed out of their homes by severe recurring...
21 Mar
The University of Notre Dame in the U.S. state of Indiana where the consultation on the future of the JDDJ will take place. Photo: University of Notre Dame/Barbara Johnston
Ecumenical meeting in U.S. to follow up on Joint Declaration on Doctrine of Justification
JDDJ, Catholic, Ecumenical, ecumenical relations, Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, PCPCU, Anglican, reformed church, Lutheran-Roman Catholic dialogue
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Leaders of five Christian World Communions meet at the Catholic University of Notre Dame in the United States next week to discuss the significance of the JDDJ and its impact on their search for full...
20 Mar
Prof. Dr Ľubomír Batka was one of the two lecturers at the 19th International theological seminar held at the LWF Center Wittenberg. Photo: LWF/A. Weyermüller
Critically reflecting about Luther for the 21st century
Women in Church and Society, Women in Ordained Ministry, Lutheran Theological Seminary, LWB-Zentrum Wittenberg, theological formation, Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland
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Prof. Dr Ľubomír Batka from Slovakia assisted to the 19th International Seminar for theologians at the LWF Center in Wittenberg. He spoke with LWI about the importance of these seminars and Luther’s...
20 Mar
Aerial view of flooding caused by cyclone Idai in Mozambique. Photo: Lutheran Media Forum
Churches in southern Africa respond to devastation of Cyclone Idai
floods, Mozambique, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi (ELCM), Zimbabwe, environment
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Churches in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe are calling for support and prayers in response to the crisis provoked by Cyclone Idai which has battered the southern African region over recent days.
19 Mar
Faustina Nillan, national director for women and children in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. Photo: Doug Hostetter
UN side event highlights churches’ successes in furthering Sustainable Development Goals
Waking the Giant, SDG, SDGs, North America, Colombia, Liberia, Tanzania, United Nations, Event, Peace, advocacy training, Education, Peace-building, hunger, Women, LWF member churches, Advocacy, Diakonia, Ecumenical
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At a side event on 12 March, organized during the 63rd session of the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women, participants gave an overview of the LWF’s “Waking the Giant” initiative, which aims to...
18 Mar
Participants attending the Colloquium at the Paris Institute for Advanced Studies in Ecumenism listen to LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge giving his keynote address. Photo: Ivan Karageorgiev/Unité des Chrétiens
Paris conference marks 20 years of Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification
Catholic, Ecumenical, ecumenical relations, Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, JDDJ, PCPCU, Anglican, reformed church, Lutheran-Roman Catholic dialogue
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To mark the 20th anniversary of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification by the LWF and the Roman Catholic Church, an ecumenical gathering in Paris examined its role in inter-church...
18 Mar
Vigil candles. Photo: LWF/A.S. Danielsson
Solidarity following mosque attacks in Christchurch
Terrorism, General Secretary Martin Junge, Muslim, LWF member churches
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Following the mass shootings in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, local Lutheran churches have expressed solidarity with the country’s Muslim community.