wfn.org | Europe*s Development Pains Pose Challenges for Lutherans Worldwide

["Frank Imhoff" <Frank_Imhoff@elca.org>]

Europe's Development Pains Pose Challenges for Lutherans Worldwide
LWF General Secretary Noko: Communion an Example of Inclusion and Unity in a Fractured World 
   
LWF-Council Meeting, Geneva 1 - 7 September 2004 

PRESS RELEASE NO. 04-2004

GENEVA, 1 September 2004 (LWI) - The challenges faced by Europe as it grapples with the political, economic and social changes following the establishment of the European Union (EU) have implications for countries and organizations all over the world, according to the general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko. 

Describing Europe as a continent that has undergone "many transitions and transformations in its political and religious history," Noko said the establishment of the EU was forcing member countries to confront the challenges and controversies associated with their newfound unity. There had been difficulties and disagreements, Noko noted, but "Europe currently represents a political and social experiment of great importance." 

The continent is tackling fundamental questions regarding identity and relationships and the answers arrived at will carry important consequences for the future of the world. "Europe is actively and in concerted ways seeking a future where the rich complexity of faiths, languages and traditions can prosper * in peace and freedom * and where social networks are kept from disintegrating as a result of economic competition," the general secretary observed. 

Noko made these remarks in his Report to the 2004 LWF Council Meeting being held at Chavannes-de-Bogis near Geneva, September1-7. He challenged LWF member churches * in Europe, but also globally * to address some of the challenges raised by the EU development: "Are we witnessing clearly to the message and values of the Christian faith, while affirming also the values and legitimacy of other faiths? Are we as Lutherans contributing sufficiently to the ecumenical challenges emerging as Europe develops rapidly?" 

The Witness of Communion an Example of Inclusion and Unity in a Fractured World 

Reflecting on the LWF President's overview of the current global situation, Noko said that it is evident that the LWF faces the daunting prospect of setting priorities for mission in a world that is more globalized and at the same time more fractured than ever before. "There is a sharp contrast between those processes and technologies that have transformed the world into a global village, and those that have created valleys and erected walls among people," he observed. 

Noko argued that the concept of 'communion' speaks directly to the primary challenges of the global context. By acting to strengthen our communion, he said that we witness against the divisions of today's world. 

Evidence that the LWF is taking seriously the challenge to eradicate all forms of exclusion in church and society was provided when Noko described the communion's commitment to the liberation of the Dalits. Describing the Dalits as suffering under "probably one of the most extreme and violent expressions of exclusion", the general secretary told the Council that up 250 million people in India alone are affected. 

Noko also described the LWF's continuing struggle for the full integration and equality of women in the life of churches and communities. He commended those churches that have spoken out clearly against the social evils of violence against women and the trafficking of women. Likewise, he said, the continuing exclusion of youth in churches and societies is an issue that requires increased attention. The youth, he noted, do not only bear the hopes for the future, he said, but they will also "face the challenges of adapting to a constantly changing world, of finding jobs in the context of high unemployment, and of fighting the wars that our political leaders declare." Noko also cited the exclusion of Indigenous Peoples as a matter for more intense focus by the communion and its Secretariat. 

Inter-faith Dialogue and Cooperation a Major Challenge Today 

One of the challenges that churches must confront is that of inter-faith relations. "Today, the forces seeking to radicalize and divide us along religious lines are more powerful than ever," Noko said. If ever it were the case, inter-faith dialogue and cooperation ('diapraxis') can no longer be seen as purely an academic pursuit, but must now be regarded as "one of the primary challenges of our times." The general secretary stressed that, because of the negative heritage of some of Luther's writings, the Lutheran communion has a special responsibility to engage in inter-faith dialogue and cooperation with the Jewish and Muslim communities. He explained that the LWF, especially through its Department for Theology and Studies, maintains an ongoing focus on dialogue and cooperation with these and other faith communities. 

Noko explained to the Council how the LWF's commitment to inter-faith dialogue and cooperation for peace brought together representatives of all seven of the major faith traditions represented in Africa (Christianity, Islam, African Traditional Religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Baha'i and Judaism) in a process aimed at practical inter-faith engagement in the promotion of peace. 

The LWF's humanitarian work was another expression of inter-faith dialogue and cooperation, Noko said. "Our assistance is offered to people in need regardless of their religious or other affiliation." Many of the staff employed to deliver this assistance on behalf of the LWF belong to other faith traditions, in what the general secretary described as "a true expression of inter-faith 'diapraxis'." 

Churches Must Hold Governments Accountable, Speak Against 'Outrage' 

Churches must seek to hold governments accountable for their promises and obligations in relation to matters of social and economic justice, Noko argued. "Since its founding, the LWF has sought to provide care for refugees, whose plight is often due to the failure or refusal of their governments to provide the protection due to them." 

He pointed out that the LWF and its member churches were experiencing a rather difficult financial environment, and many churches were engaged in strategic planning processes leading to downsizing of staff and programs. "In an anticipatory manner we have tried to match the levels of expenditure and anticipated income by budgetary cuts - but this has now reached its limits," Noko said. He appealed to "every member of the Council" to take a lead in securing the minimum resources as required by the budget proposals that would be presented at this year's meeting. 

He asked the Council to consider a suggestion he had made in the past that its meetings be spaced between 12 and 18 months, as this would reduce the budget deficits by an amount equivalent to the expenses of one Council meeting. Another initiative was to consider ways to coordinate LWF Assemblies and those of the World Council of Churches and other major Christian world communions and regional bodies. (1,079 words) 

(Written for LWI by Linda Macqueen, Editor, The Lutheran, Australia. Macqueen is working with the LWF communication team at this year's Council meeting.) 

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There are around 100 church representatives including the 49-member Council attending this year's meeting at Chavannes-de-Bogis near Geneva. In addition there are 70 participants consisting of interpreters, invited guests, LWF staff persons and stewards. The Council is the LWF governing body between Assemblies, normally held every six years. The current Council was elected at the July 2003 LWF Tenth Assembly in Winnipeg, Canada, where it held its first meeting. The Council comprises the President, the Treasurer and ordained as well as lay persons drawn from the LWF member churches. The LWF currently has 136 member churches in 76 countries all over the world, representing 62.3 million of the estimated 66 million Lutherans worldwide. 

During the Council meeting, the LWF Office for Communication Services can be reached by telephone at +41 22 960 8282, or (mobile) +41 (0)76 396 2863. 

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