(Front row) Former LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge (right) received the St Erik award from Church of Sweden Archbishop Dr Martin Modéus (left). Photo: Fredrik Lidé
Church of Sweden honors Martin Junge’s leadership in ecumenical relations, gender justice and church engagement in public space
(LWI) - The Church of Sweden recently awarded former General Secretary of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Rev. Dr Martin Junge, with the Plaque of St Erik for his leadership of LWF’s work in ecumenical relations, gender justice and encouragement to churches to participate in the public space.
Archbishop Dr Martin Modéus presented the award on 4 March in Uppsala. The citation reads: “Former General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, is awarded The Plaque of St Erik for his efforts for ecumenical relations, ensuring an ecumenical approach to the 500-year reformation anniversary and deepening the relationships between the signatories of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification [JDDJ], for leading the process that adopted the LWF Gender Justice Policy, for guiding the LWF in a way both affirming and challenging the member churches, and for encouraging churches to take part in the public space.”
Deepening of ecumenical relationships and humanitarian work
Chilean theologian Martin Junge served as the Lutheran communion’s General Secretary from 2010 to 2021. During his tenure, LWF’s engagement in ecumenical relations was particularly marked by a deepening of relationships between the five JDDJ signatories - Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Anglicans and the Reformed. This included international and regional initiatives highlighting an ecumenical approach to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.
Highlighting LWF’s adoption of its Gender Justice Policy in 2013, Church of Sweden noted that this document has since been translated into many languages. Junge’s strong contribution to LWF’s journey from Federation to Communion is underlined, including his discernment together with the member churches in strengthening relationships within the Lutheran communion, even in challenging times. His leadership is recognized in overseeing a major expansion of LWF’s humanitarian work and ensuring churches’ engagement as active partners in the public space including theological reflection, and with the United Nations and governments.
The Church of Sweden Archbishop presents the St Erik award to church leaders and others who have made an impact through their work for the unity of the church, humanitarian assistance and support to Swedes living abroad. Awarded since 1996, it also recognizes engagement for peace, gender justice and fighting against discrimination.
Junge is an ordained pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile.
