Asia: Stand in solidarity and share hope

Asia Church Leadership Conference concludes with a pledge to strengthen ties and support those who suffer

(LWI) - “Hope is a shared language in our uncertain world,” affirmed over 100 participants in the Asia Church Leadership Conference (ACLC) which took place in Hong Kong from 7 to 12 November. At the conclusion of their meeting, they highlighted the importance of standing in solidarity with all who suffer, as well as strengthening regional collaboration “to share God’s love and hope” with all.

The meeting, which brought together leaders of churches in 14 countries across Asia, was organized by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and hosted by the Hong Kong Lutheran Federation. In a concluding message, delegates stressed the need to accompany, through prayer and practical solidarity, those suffering from conflict or oppression, especially in Myanmar, the Holy Land, India and elsewhere.

Lamenting “the devastating death toll” in Gaza and “harassment of Palestinian women, men and children,” they called on churches to advocate for a ceasefire and “for humanitarian aid to be allowed [in] without delay or limits.” The Asian leaders decried the abuse of theology which undermines “voices of the people of Palestine and Israel - Christians, Muslims and Jews – who seek peace.” They also said they “grieve over the suffering of the people in Myanmar” where civilians have been killed, arrested, tortured or intimidated and they called for “a restoration of civilian democratic rule.”

Regional relationships and global connections

“This ACLC has been an important moment for our church leaders to hear from one another the reality of what is happening on the ground in their different countries and to reflect on the ways we can support each other," said Rev. Dr Rospita Siahaan, LWF Regional Secretary for Asia. “There has been a strong commitment to strengthening both regional relationships, sharing resources and expertise, as well as building closer connections to the worldwide Lutheran communion,” she added.

In their message, participants affirmed the new LWF Strategy, noting that although they come from very diverse geographical, cultural and ethnic contexts, “we share in the One Hope of Christ in all that we do.” Underlining the importance of youth empowerment and achieving meaningful participation of women in the life of their churches, they welcomed the appointments of women to church leadership positions in Taiwan, Malaysia and Cambodia, as well as the recent decision by the General Synod of the Lutheran Church of Australia to enable the ordination of women as pastors.

During their meeting, participants joined three local congregations for Sunday services and held daily worship led by members of different churches throughout the region. They also visited Saint John’s Anglican Cathedral and the Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where they were warmly welcomed by leaders of those communities. Anglican Archbishop Andrew Chan Au-ming and Catholic Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan underlined the importance of shared worship and work for unity and cooperation as “a vital witness in times of declining trust” in the world.

LWF Vice-President for Asia, Rev. Ben Chun-Wa Chang, a former bishop of The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hong Kong, reflected on the significance of the meeting for churches throughout the region: “I believe that ACLC participants were called here to this city to find renewed energy to continue their mission and ministry in their countries.”

“I am grateful that God has guided us through our meetings, our shared worship, our ecumenical visits to the Anglican and Catholic churches in Hong Kong, our excursions and our meals together, creating a really joyful atmosphere,” he said. “I deeply hope that joy will continue to fill the hearts of all our guests and inspire them with new strength to bring God’s love and hope to the hearts of others.”