The LWF delegation with the board of the VELKD, which brings together all of The Lutheran churches in Germany. The VELKD is led by Bishop Ralf Meister. Photo: VELKD
LWF leaders visit Germany, meet member churches and partners
(LWI) – Being churches locally and globally, the upcoming 500th anniversary of the Augsburg confession and the urgent need for humanitarian and development work during turbulent times, were among the key topics discussed when leadership from the LWF Communion Office visited member churches and partners in Germany earlier this month.
“We traveled by train from Geneva to Munich, Stuttgart, Hannover and Berlin. This was an opportunity to learn more about member churches and partners, meet leaders, reflect on our shared mission and express our gratitude for their strong commitment to the global Lutheran communion,” said LWF General Secretary Anne Burghardt.
Confessing our faith in the 21st century
Engaging with youth is a key focus for the The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria, said Bishop Christian Kopp, who welcomed the delegation to Munich. He added that he wanted the church to be seen as a good place for people who are seeking purpose, meaning, and engagement in society increasingly characterized by loneliness and fragmentation.
The LWF delegation in Munich, with Bishop Christian Kopp. In the photo are also Rev. Stefan Blumtritt, Rev. Michael Martin, Rev. Dr Maria Stettner. Photo: LWF
The visit to Germany concluded with meetings in Berlin with Brot für die Welt and Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe. Photo: LWF
A discussion with the Ecumenical Committee of the Regional Synod of the ELKW was an opportunity to reflect together on the new LWF strategy which is titled “Sharing Hope”. Photo: LWF
Another topic of discussion was the upcoming 500th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession in 2030. “Marking that anniversary is not only about looking backwards to our history,” said General Secretary Burghardt, "but to discern what confessing our faith means in today's complex world. What impulses do we find in The Augsburg Confession and how can they enrich our understanding of being church in the 21st century?”
Together in witness, locally and globally
In Stuttgart, the delegation was welcomed by Bishop Ernst-Wilhelm Gohl of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Württemberg. A lunch-meeting on development work was an opportunity to introduce the LWF’s work in Burundi, where LWF World Service has a country program, offering vital support. “There are long-standing ties between the state of Württemberg and Burundi and we were glad to be able to introduce our work to them. We hope there will be opportunities for stronger collaboration,” said Maria Immonen, director of LWF World Service.
LWF General Secretary Burghardt with Bishop Ernst-Wilhelm Gohl. Photo: LWF
LWF General Secretary Burghardt with Bishop Christian Kopp. Photo: LWF
LWF General Secretary Burghardt with Bishop Kristina-Kühnbaum Schmidt, LWF Vice-President for Central Western Europe and Chair of the German National Committee of the LWF, and Astrid Kleist, General Secretary of the GNC/LWF. Photo: LWF
Bishop Gohl's words at the end of the meeting resonated deeply, when he said in reference to the church in Württemberg that “we are all The Lutheran World Federation,” affirming how Lutheran identity transcends national and cultural boundaries.
Committed to working together
In Hannover, Bishop Ralf Meister, presiding bishop of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany (VELKD) and Bishop Kristina Kühnbaum-Schmidt, chair of the German National Committee of the LWF (GNC/LWF) welcomed the delegation. One topic on the agenda was the importance of multilateralism and collaboration.
“When multilateralism in politics and secular spaces diminishes, churches must offer an alternative witness through our commitment to global communion," said General Secretary Burghardt.
We must always remember that our connections are not merely institutional, they are rooted in our shared faith, our commitment to the dignity of all, and our understanding of the church as the body of Christ.
Rev. Dr. Anne BURGHARDT, LWF General Secretary
“And we must always remember that our connections are not merely institutional, they are rooted in our shared faith, our commitment to the dignity of all, and our understanding of the church as the body of Christ."
Supporting those who are most vulnerable
The visit concluded in Berlin with meetings with Brot für die Welt and Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe, the development and humanitarian agencies of the German churches. Discussions focused on the state of humanitarian and development work across the world, where needs are increasing while funding is becoming increasingly challenging. The global political landscape and the hopeful witness of the churches was also discussed.
“Our faith is always expressed in service. Serving people in need was a core commitment when the Lutheran churches came together to found the LWF after the Second World War,” said the LWF General Secretary. These needs remain and we continue this work with our partners, offering the most vulnerable hope and a future, she added. “We had very good conversations and are grateful for the strong relations and commitment of the Lutheran churches in Germany. Together, we are called to build bridges of hope.”
In addition to General Secretary Burghardt, the LWF delegation included Rev. Dr Sivin Kit, director for theology mission and justice; Maria Immonen, director for World Service; Prof Dr Dirk Lange, assistant general secretary for ecumenical relations; Rev. Arni Danielsson, head of communications; and Rev. Astrid Kleist, General Secretary of the GNC/LWF.
