An overview of the life and work of the communion
(LWI) - "In 2022, LWF marked its 75th anniversary, looking back at decades of passionate service for church and for the world.” With these words, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt introduces the 2022 Annual Report of the LWF.
The year was marked by the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant that in-person meetings could resume. At the same time, war in Europe, and the LWF’s response to it, brought back memories to the years when LWF was founded. Finally, 2022 saw an acceleration of preparations for the Thirteenth LWF Assembly, to be held in Kraków, Poland – now neighboring a war zone.
Effects of COVID-19
On 54 pages, the annual report highlights the work and the witness of LWF during an eventful year. It features events such as the “Welcoming the Stranger” conference on World Refugee Day, which over two days brought together faith actors in the refugee response, and highlights milestones in Ecumenical relations such as the dialogue with the Pentecostal World Communion.
In many working areas, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still visible. A conference on theological education focused on the learnings for teaching remotely, but also on aspects of pastoral care and the theological questions attached to online ministry. The Communion Solidarity Fund will continue to support churches in need, as a follow-up of the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund.
The World Service Annual Report 2022 also gives credit to close to 8000 staff, most of whom come from and live in the communities they serve through World Service country programs. The achievements highlighted in this report are the “result of a collective effort of competent and dedicated staff teams, working from more than 40 countries” the report concludes.
The report is available online and as a print copy.