wfn.org | LWF makes commitment on wide range of issues

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LWF makes commitment on variety of issues
97-HK-E31-CL

    Hong Kong, July 16 (lwi) - Delegates to the Ninth Assembly of the
Lutheran World Federation which met here July 8-16 received a report and
adopted commitments that will be sent to the 124 member churches around the
world for study and action.
    "We send this message out with the hope that it will be of use as we
all seek in Christ to respond to the call to witness,  said delegates to
the assembly which had as its theme "In Christ Called to Witness.
 
 Commitments of delegates and recommendations included:

  that the LWF foster dialogue with and among member churches;
  that the LWF encourage continued dialogue with other churches;
  that member churches that belong to the World Council of Churches
    search for a new vision for the WCC;
  that member churches continue implementing activities relating to
    actions from the Ecumenical Decade of Churches in Solidarity with Women;
  that member churches promote cultural sensitivity and the growth of
     inclusive and loving communities in congregations; 
  that member churches support development of contextual worship and
     Christian education;
  that member churches examine, study and promote gender awareness, as
    it impinges upon theology, education, economics and human sexuality (
    including sexual harassment, violence and abuse), and the sharing of power
    in church, community and family life;
  that greater opportunities are created for youth involvement in the
    life of the church.;
  that members commit themselves to strengthen missiological and
    missionary efforts and explore new ways of "sharing god's love  with people
    who do not yet or no longer know Christ as Lord and Savior ;
  that the LWF and member churches develop a comprehensive
    communications policy for the Lutheran communion, giving due consideration
    to ecumenical partners; 
  that the LWF explore new possibilities created by the Internet and
    develop a plan for using e-mail capabilities among LWF member churches
including
    advice, training and financial support;
  that the LWF support churches and countries who face environmental
    destruction caused by dominant powers;
  that member churches dialogue with other groups on local priorities
    for environmental action;
  that member churches investigate bioethical issues and offer pastoral
    care and counseling on bioethical problems;
  that Lutherans everywhere look at their stewardship of the gifts from
    God and that they give back a tenth of what God has given;
  that the LWF and member churches support the UN Decade of Indigenous
    People, give prophetic witness to national governments and strengthen the
    rights of indigenous people at the local level;
  that member churches and the ecumenical community redouble their
    efforts in promoting and defending religious freedom in their own societies
    and internationally, and
  that members commit themselves to see, listen and respond to those
    whose rights are violated; examine and educate church communities on human
    rights violations, and engage in political advocacy work to national and
    international bodies.

    "This Assembly has been varied and intense,  the report concludes.
"But we have done more than work; we have worshipe d together, studied the
Bible together, enjoyed the fellowship of the many-sided Lutheran
communion. We have enjoyed the hospitality and shared in various ways the
life of the churches of Hong Kong China and Asia.  We have experienced the
embrace of the arms of Christ portrayed before us.

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