wfn.org | Lutheran council should replace church leaders' consultation

[FRANK_IMHOFF.parti@ecunet.org (FRANK IMHOFF)]

NAIROBI, Kenya/GENEVA, 23 November 1998 (lwi) - The Lutheran World
Federation (LWF) general secretary, Ishmael Noko has proposed the
establishment of a Lutheran council in Africa to replace the current Pan
African Lutheran Church Leaders' Consultation. These regular
consultations, held since 1955, have taken hundreds of resolutions but
members were not obliged to implement them. However, many good things have
happened as a result of these consultations and meetings which have
contributed immensely over the years to the strengthening and deepening of
the bonds of friendship and fellowship, Noko said before the Panafrica
Church Leaders' Conference held in Nairobi from 17-20 November.

"Should we not consider moving beyond this stage and status to, say, a
Lutheran Council in Africa to replace the current Pan African Lutheran
Church Leaders Consultation?" he asked.

In his speech Noko also emphasized that counseling and mediation be used
to resolve conflicts within and between churches. Mediators must be
non-partisan and be accepted by all the parties in conflict. Such
mediation efforts should not be seen or interpreted as interference in the
internal affairs of the other church. According to Noko, counseling and
accompaniment are an integral part of the Apostolic tradition.

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Lutheran World Information
Assistant Editor, English: Pauline Mumia
E-mail: jbn@lutheranworld.org
http://www.lutheranworld.org/