Burghardt: Solidarity and hope in times of crisis

LWF’s work, Burghardt insisted, “operates on a simple but profound understanding: lasting change can happen when we address immediate suffering and systemic causes at the same time.” This integrated approach, she said, “combining theological reflection, churches, service and advocacy, creates ripple effects that extend far beyond our direct reach.” 

The General Secretary went on to address the four strategic priorities which guide the work that the LWF does on behalf of its 150 member churches and country programs providing humanitarian and development support in 24 countries around the world. The first of these priorities, she said, is ‘Responsible Theology’ since “theological reflection is foundational to everything the LWF does.” In a world marked by fragmentation, exclusion and fear, she stressed, “theology must be a living, contextual and liberating force.” 

In particular, the LWF leader pointed to two study processes which were mandated by the last Assembly in Krakow, Poland in 2023: a study group on Theologies of the Cross for the 21^st century, which has already begun its work, and a second group, which will be appointed later this year, to explore the marking of the 500^th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession in 2030. 

Holistic mission, public voice, ecumenical engagement 

Burghardt also spoke about the focus on holistic mission, noting a recent Global Mission Consultation which took place in Taiwan, and the reopening of the LWF desk for liturgical Studies. Furthermore, she said, LWF is also working to strengthen the theological foundations for diakonia through regional workshops and the sharing of best practices.  

The role of the churches in the public space, particularly in the areas of gender justice and climate justice were also highlighted by the General Secretary, who underlined the way LWF’s advocacy work is “deeply rooted in responsible theology.”  

Theological education remains immensely important, she noted, pointing to the scholarships, networks and initiatives such as the Hélène Ralivao fund for Theology, Gender Justice and Leadership Education, which expanded beyond Africa to Asia this past year. 

Burghardt also spoke of LWF’s commitment to ecumenical engagement, highlighting the Sixth Phase of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic dialogue which will begin next February. She noted the LWF’s presence at both the funeral of Pope Francis and the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV’s ministry, noting his “very "Lutheran” sermon” at the inaugural Mass, “emphasizing the importance of grace.” She also pointed to recent developments with the Orthodox Church, the Anglican Communion, the Pentecostals and Reformed churches, underlining the commitment to deepening theological understanding, as well as practical cooperation and witness.  

A growing communion of thriving churches 

The LWF leader then spoke of the second priority of LWF’s work, that of supporting thriving churches, not measuring success by membership numbers, but “by their capacity to witness to the gospel with compassion and courage.” She recalled visits she has made recently to churches in Kenya, Slovenia and Japan, noting that in all those places, she sensed “the need to be connected and the importance for a small church to be part of a larger global family.” 

Burghardt noted that the Council will receive proposals for full LWF membership from two churches who have finished their two-year-interim period: the Lutheran Church in Cambodia and the Geraja Niha Keriso Protestan Church in Indonesia. In addition, two Indian churches that formally belonged to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Himalayan States are proposed for full membership and there is a new application from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Gambia.  

The General Secretary highlighted programs including the annual Retreat for Newly Elected Leaders and Lay Leader seminars, as well as new seminars for general secretaries and a leadership training program for scholarship holders, all aimed at promoting holistic leadership formation and promoting good governance. She pointed to recent progress towards the development of an Intergenerational Justice Policy, alongside the ‘Global Faith Unfiltered’ online series of reflections from young theologians, emphasizing LWF’s commitment to showcase youth insights and leadership skills. 

Justice and Peace, Service and Dignity 

Speaking of the third priority, advocacy for justice and peace, Burghardt outlined some of the key initiatives that the LWF has been involved in over the past year, starting with her own participation in both the UN Summit of the Future in New York last September and a March meeting in Geneva of the ecumenical network for a New International Financial and Economic Architecture (NIFEA). She noted that the LWF is launching a new Advocacy Framework at the Council, highlighting the priorities of protecting human rights, promoting gender justice, tackling the climate emergency, working for peace (including a new study group on peace and reconciliation in times of war and conflict), engaging in humanitarian advocacy and supporting the churches’ prophetic voice.  

The fourth priority of the LWF’s work, Service and Dignity, Burghardt continued, is carried out both through the diaconal work of member churches and through World Service country programs and emergency operations. In 2024, she noted, World Service programs were able to serve over two and a half million people, including refugees, internally displaced people, returnees, and those living in host communities.  

The LWF leader highlighted emergency support to vulnerable communities provided by the member churches through the Communion Solidarity Fund, as well as the response that World Service offers in several countries, for example, to more than 230 000 victims of the Sudan conflict in neighboring countries. In terms of enabling access to quality services, she spoke of the Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem, which has recently opened a new clinic in Ramallah to address travel restrictions for Palestinians. She also spoke about educational services that the LWF offers to vulnerable and displaced teenagers and young adults in Kenya, as well as the underground schools in nuclear shelters that have been opened in Kharkiv, Ukraine. She noted LWF’s support for indigenous communities, such as in Venezuela, where it provides meals and skills training to indigenous Warao communities facing extreme isolation and hardship. 

Finally, the General Secretary spoke of the LWF’s efforts to be efficient and sustainable in a climate of funding challenges and political instability. She noted initiatives to diversify fundraising and seek new partnerships, while at the same time, underlining the importance of membership fees as a way for churches to own the work of the LWF. She highlighted role of communications, particularly through a growing online presence, to tell the stories of the work that goes on around the communion.  

Burghardt concluded with a “call to action” to Council members to support these priorities, particularly through membership fees to guarantee sustainability, through support for theological training and sharing of LWF’s theological materials to counter misleading theologies, through the amplification of advocacy initiatives, and through concrete efforts to make the work of the LWF much more visible within their own countries and constituencies.