Highlights of LWF’s work in a unique year of COVID-19 solidarity

LWF Annual Report 2020 is available online

(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Annual Report 2020 is available online. Under the theme, “Leave no one behind” it gives an overview of the organization’s work in an unprecedented year marked mostly by the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the member churches and communities that LWF serves around the world.

“Only by coming together in global solidarity could we address COVID-19 [and] ensure no one is left behind,” LWF President Archbishop Dr Panti Filibus Musa and General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge write in the report’s introduction.

The report highlights LWF’s swift response to the pandemic including the setting up of two special funds to which member churches, related agencies and private donors contributed to assist people in more severely affected countries. The testimonies of local churches providing food and medical assistance, distributing face masks and sanitation items to prevent the spread of the virus, addressing escalating gender-based violence and many other activities, show the significance of this global solidarity.

It also features stories of how LWF’s international humanitarian and development arm—World Service adapted its activities to protect the people supported by its emergency and country programs and frontline staff. At the same time, the LWF sustained focus on emergencies that risked being overshadowed by COVID-19 such as tropical storms, internal displacement due to conflict or climate change impact, the plight of refugees, and advocating for the human rights of marginalized groups. Nearly 2.5 million people received assistance through LWF’s work in 27 countries.

Other areas of LWF’s work featured include shifting to online working modalities to strengthen communion relations, deepen understanding of Lutheran identity and ecumenical commitment, empower diaconal workers and youth, create education opportunities and advocate for justice and peace.

Preparations for the 2023 Thirteenth Assembly in Krakow, Poland, take up a section of the report, explaining the event’s theme, ‘One Body, One Spirit, One Hope’ and its visual identity.

An analysis is provided of how robust management of LWF’s financial resources offered timely adjustment of ongoing activities and response to emerging needs. It underlines the highly valued support of member churches and funding partners that resulted in a generous income of EUR 143 million.

Read more in the LWF Annual Report 2020