Youth in Church and Society Evaluation Process Culminates in Recommendations to LWF Council Representatives of LWF Member Churches Propose Renaming YICAS to "LWF *Youth"
VIENNA, Austria/GENEVA, 5 July 2006 (LWI) * Youth representatives from the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches have proposed that the LWF Youth in Church and Society (YICAS) desk be renamed "LWF-Youth."
In one of three major recommendations from the YICAS International Roundtable for Youth Leaders in Vienna, Austria, from 14 to 18 June, the 22 participants argued that the title "LWF-Youth" identifies better with young people in the Lutheran communion. Their proposals for a common mission and vision for YICAS, 2008-2012, will be presented to the LWF Council at its March 2007 meeting,
The roundtable also proposed that the primary role of YICAS, a desk of the LWF Department for Mission and Development (DMD), be adjusted to focus on advocacy and facilitation, undertaking less programmatic work in all the LWF departments and offices, and throughout the Lutheran communion. The representatives from 21 LWF member churches said such advocacy could be carried out through the establishment of thematic campaigns that would allow for local and regional contextualization of the relevant issues.
The youth also stressed the need for consistency and follow up, and suggested that YICAS build on, and where possible collaborate with the work being undertaken by other local, regional and global ecumenical organizations.
The Vienna meeting was the culmination of a two-year evaluation process on the future direction of the LWF youth desk. The recommendations were based on the review of a draft report by Rev. Mia Wrang, LWF/YICAS consultant.
Key to the strategic planning process was what it means to be a communion of churches. Though there were marked differences in ontological understanding and importance between regions, participants agreed that "to be in communion is to be a church for others. It is through faith that we are put in relationship with God and neighbor," they noted.
The participants, who were drawn from LWF member churches in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean and North America, regretfully acknowledged the absence of three youth, who were denied visas and were thus unable to attend the meeting.
Bishop Herwig Sturm of the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Austria, which hosted the event, greeted participants. The LWF/DMD Director, Rev. Dr Kjell Nordstokke, reminded the participants that the youth were not the church of the future, but rather the church of the present that will continue into the future. He encouraged them to "use your knowledge and use your wisdom" while recognizing that a youth voice is not limited to one opinion or one experience, but rather a variety of opinions and experiences shaped by people's contexts. During the five-day meeting, participants worshipped in local congregations and interacted with local youth.
The LWF/YICAS desk was established in 1981, to serve and work with young people aged 18-30 years old in the LWF member churches and their communities. Its main objectives include strengthening youth ministry through an international network that promotes holistic ministry by proclamation, advocacy and service. It also works toward increasing the participation of young people in the life and work of the Lutheran communion. (532 words)
(Reported for Lutheran World Information by Daranne Mills, representing the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada at the YICAS roundtable.)
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(The LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund, Sweden, the LWF currently has 140 member churches in 78 countries all over the world, with a total membership of 66.2 million. The LWF acts on behalf of its member churches in areas of common interest such as ecumenical and interfaith relations, theology, humanitarian assistance, human rights, communication, and the various aspects of mission and development work. Its secretariat is located in Geneva, Switzerland.)
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