Photo: Maria Immonen
Roland Schlott served with the Lutheran World Federation from September 2009 to January 2020, where he made an outstanding and lasting contribution to humanitarian work across Africa, the Middle East and Asia. As Regional Program Coordinator and later Global Humanitarian Coordinator, he played a key role in strengthening emergency response and in starting and sustaining operations in some of the world’s most challenging contexts. Through his work and decisive action during his tenure, he shaped and significantly enhanced and expanded the reach and scope of inclusive humanitarian preparedness and response in LWF World Service. His dedication went far beyond words - he was always ready to act, stepping in wherever needed, often at short notice and without hesitation, regardless of the effort or risk.
Roland was not only a highly respected colleague, but also a dear friend to many. He will be remembered for his warm heart, his sense of humor, and his unwavering dedication to the poor and oppressed. He brought humanity, integrity, and compassion to everything he did and touched many lives along the way. Even throughout his long illness, he showed remarkable strength and dignity.
We give thanks for Roland’s life and for the many ways he touched ours, and we entrust him to God’s peace.
He will be fondly remembered by all of us who had the privilege to know and work with him.
