Participants at the ILCâLWF meeting in Wittenberg. Photo: Gijsbertus van Hattem
Global Lutheran Organizations Meet in Wittenberg
(LWI) - Representatives of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the International Lutheran Council (ILC) have agreed to encourage the 11 churches belonging to both organizations to act as “a bridge of understanding” between the two bodies.
In a communiqué following their meeting, 12-13 November, in Wittenberg, Germany, the two organizations said that future joint meetings of representatives of the LWF and the ILC will continue to reflect on the question of dual membership.
With reference to issues of controversy between the two organizations, “The LWF and ILC explained to each other the processes, contexts, and background regarding situations where there is no current agreement,” the communiqué stated. “The LWF and ILC discussed areas where conflict emerged and how future conflict might be addressed in a way that is mutually respectful.”
The LWF and ILC engaged in theological discussions regarding their respective positions, agreeing that future theological discussion could be beneficial. They will continue to share plans for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017 and consider the possibility of joint action.
Representatives of the two organizations said they were “deeply touched” by the disaster in the Philippines and urged their constituents to contribute to the relief efforts and pray for the victims of the Typhoon Haiyan.
The ILC and the LWF met under the auspices of a 2005 “Memorandum of Understanding,” by which they agreed to regular gatherings in order to increase mutual understanding between the two bodies and their member churches. LWF General Secretary Rev. Martin Junge and ILC chairperson Bishop Hans-Jörg Voigt co-chaired the Wittenberg meeting.
The ILC was established in 1958 as an association of confessional Lutheran church bodies that support one another and study theological issues together. Founded in 1947, the LWF currently has 142 member churches.
“Both the LWF and ILC thanked one another and appreciated the frank conversation and transparency shown in the discussion. Both agreed that the conversation was valuable and look forward to the next opportunity to gather. A desire was expressed to meet annually,” the communiqué noted.
The next meeting will be hosted by the LWF in Geneva on 14 January 2015.
