Participants in the WESALUC conference in New Delhi. Photo: LWF/JC Valeriano
Affirming resilience and hope against challenges
(LWI) – In a time marked by social unrest, political tension, and the marginalization of religious minorities, Lutheran church leaders from across Asia gathered in New Delhi from 5-8 April 2025 to reflect on theology as a public force for hope, unity, and justice.
The leadership conference, which was convened by The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), brought together more than 35 participants, including bishops, moderators, women and youth leaders from the West and South Asian Lutheran Communion (WESALUC) sub-region. Council members from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Nepal also took part, along with staff from the LWF Communion Office in Geneva.
Faith rooted in resilience
Opening the conference, Rev. Bachan Soreng of the Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church (GELC) recalled the early history of Christianity in India, when believers were forced into hiding in forests, yet remained steadfast in faith. Referring to 1 Peter 4:12–19, he spoke of suffering not as defeat, but as discipleship. “Suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope,” he said, echoing the conference theme: “Abound in Hope: Responsible Theology in Action.”
Moderator of the GELC, Rev. Marshal Kerketta, welcomed the participants, expressing hope that the conference would be a space for spiritual growth and deeper connection. “Your presence is a testament to our shared faith,” he said.
An opening Worship Service commences as delegates from LWF member churches gather. Photo: LWF/JC Valeriano
A participant reads from the Bible. Photo: LWF/JC Valeriano
Young people from the church lead singing. Photo: LWF/JC Valeriano
A theology that unites
In her opening remarks, Rev. Dr. Rospita Siahaan, LWF Regional Secretary for Asia, celebrated the opportunity to gather in person and emphasized the urgency of the theme. She expressed her hope that the discussions would strengthen a shared theological understanding and engagement. She also invited participants to observe a moment of silence for the victims of the recent earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, calling for solidarity in prayer and action.
Speaking on behalf of LWF Asia Vice-President Rev. Ben Chang Chun Wa, Bishop Steven Lawrence of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia issued a challenge: “Our calling is to love our neighbor as ourselves, embodying the active and passive righteousness central to Lutheran theology.” He emphasized the importance of being united. “If we Asian leaders remain divided, we will struggle to experience responsible theology in action, and without unity, there can be no hope.”
Bishop Lawrence urged leaders to resist external agendas that fragment their witness. “We must amplify our collective voices on issues that matter to our Asian churches,” he said.
Dr Ee Yan Tan, Lecturer at Seminari Theoloji Malaysia in Seremban, Malaysia. Photo: LWF/JC Valeriano
Rev. Dr Songram Basumatary, Principal of Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute in Chennai, India. Photo: LWF/JC Valeriano
Responsible theology in an Asian context
The theme of conference builds on the LWF Strategy 2025–2031, which identifies Responsible Theology as one of four strategic priorities. Rooted in the gospel, the theology of the cross, and the Lutheran understanding that Christ is at the center of Scripture, it provides a framework for churches to raise their voices in the public square and engage with matters of justice and peace.
In today’s world that is rife with economic challenges, demographic shifts, conflicts, migration, authoritarian regimes, uncertainty and hate against minorities, said Professor Ee Yan Tan from the Malaysian Theological Seminary, “Responsible Theology has a role to play in helping us engage with the world to give people hope.”
She added: “As people of God, we are called to engage with the world, just as our incarnational Christ did. Our understanding of the cross should shape our identity, our faith and spirituality and thereby our actions and ethics in the world.” As theologians of the cross, she said, “we should usher in hope,” knowing that “our hope is rooted in the promise and commitment of God
Rev. Dr. Songram Basumatary, Principal of Gurukul Lutheran Theological College, reflected on how we can “abound in hope” in a world of war, violence, destruction, death, and despair. He referred to Japanese theologian Kosuke Koyama, who used the term “barefoot discipleship,” urging all Christians to transform the world by becoming “bearers of hope” through selfless love and service.
The challenge for the Asian theologians and church leaders, he said, was to engage in servant leadership, carrying the weight of suffering people while bearing the light of Christ’s hope. They need to be leaders of humility, integrity and simplicity, he said, “walking at the pace of the poor, understanding their pain; willing to live simple lives and serve the lowly,” rather than prioritizing success, wealth, appearance and influence.
Workshops and discussions allowed the leaders to share examples of theology in action, from grassroots work to interfaith dialogue. The agenda also included updates from the LWF Communion Office, reflections on the “Theology of the Cross,” and group sessions assessing how each church is contributing to implementing the new strategy.
