The Twelfth Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation, gathers in Windhoek, Namibia, on 10-16 May 2017. Photo by LWF/Brenda Platero
Support for those working to alleviate suffering and those working for peace
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has adopted a resolution on the war in Syria and appealed for peace. The resolution was adopted by the 10-16 May Twelfth Assembly, in Windhoek, Namibia.
“The devastating war in Syria has resulted in more than 320,000 deaths, more than 6.3 million internally displaced persons, more than 5 million refugees, and tens of millions in need of humanitarian aid,” the statement says. “The Assembly expresses its deep appreciation for all those involved in providing assistance to those affected throughout the region” and ”commends, in particular, the efforts of LWF World Service for their work with Syrian refugees.”
The Assembly, “calls upon the member churches and their related agencies to sustain and enhance the work of the LWF in response to the Syrian crisis, in order to meet the needs of those suffering and those forcibly displaced.” It “regrets that the United Nations Security Council has been unable to bring the war to an end.”
LWF’s highest decision-making body “appeals to all parties -- within or outside Syria -- to seek a negotiated, peaceful resolution of the situation which recognizes and respects the pluralistic, multi-ethnic and multi-religious reality of Syrian society. ” The Assembly commends the ”UN Special Envoy for Syria, Mr Staffan de Mistura, for his tireless efforts to bring the parties to the negotiating table […] as well as his Special Advisor, Mr Jan Egeland, who is working with the Task Force on Humanitarian Access.”
