Participants in the Lutheran identity workshop held in Kathmandu, Nepal. Photo: LWF Nepal/Dipendra Lamsal
Participants explored Lutheran theological foundations and identity
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is committed to walking alongside its member churches, enabling them to strengthen their Lutheran identity and build a global communion where every church—whether a longtime member or newly welcomed—feels seen, valued, and connected.
That commitment was at the heart of a 7-11 February LWF workshop in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu, hosted by the Nepal Evangelical Lutheran Church (NELC).
The 45 participants represented LWF member churches in the South Asia sub-region: NELC, and two churches in India that joined the LWF in 2025: the Bodo Evangelical Lutheran Church (BELC) and Manipur Evangelical Lutheran Church (MELC) of India.
The workshop focused on foundational elements of Lutheran theology and identity. “In addition to deepening our understanding of Lutheran identity, this seminar also reflected strong collaboration among three LWF departments, the Office of the General Secretary; Department for Theology, Mission and Justice; and World Service, working together in unity and shared commitment,” said Rev. Dr Rospita Siahaan, LWF Regional Secretary for Asia.
Close accompaniment on Lutheran Identity
The workshop embodied the LWF's commitment to deepening Lutheran identity through shared theological reflection—a practice the LWF has engaged in throughout its history. Rev. Dr Songram Basumatary, Principal of Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute in Chennai, India, highlighted that as Lutherans, “we are united in our common confession” and saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
“And it is through this liberating power of love that we are freed to serve others,” said Rev. Dr Joshuva Peter, Executive Secretary of the United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India (UELCI). These fundamental Lutheran values of freedom, love, and service took on renewed significance in Kathmandu, offering a counter-witness to the discrimination, exclusion, and injustice present in many societies today.
Participants also reflected on the dynamic nature of Lutheran identity, exploring how a shared Lutheran tradition is embodied through a diversity of languages, cultures, forms of worship, spirituality, service, and expressions of public witness.
Rev. Shusila Murmu, Nepal Evangelical Lutheran Church, addressing the workshop. Photo: LWF Nepal/Dipendra Lamsal
Rev. Dr Joshuva Peter, Executive Secretary, United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India. Photo: LWF Nepal/Dipendra Lamsal
Worship during the Lutheran identity workshop in Kathmandu, Nepal. Photo: LWF Nepal/Dipendra Lamsal
A vision for grassroots transformation
As one of the newest among LWF’s 154 member churches, BELC has embarked on an exciting journey of connecting with the global Lutheran family. Attending the seminar with his team, Bishop Isahak Mosahari expressed deep gratitude to the LWF, saying the experience proved invaluable, equipping his staff with knowledge and resources to strengthen Lutheran identity throughout their church communities.
Mosahari said he returns home with a clear and ambitious vision: to bring teachings on Lutheran identity to every level of church life, from families to pastors to congregations.
Central to this vision is the Small Catechism, which he is eager to introduce into homes and churches throughout their region. “We will use it with all our pastors in the life and ministry of the church,” the bishop shared.
NELC pastor Rev. Shusila Murmu said: "What we’ve learned here must shape how we live, serve and relate to one another. As we return to our countries, may we carry this spirit forward - not only in our thoughts, but also in our actions."
May we carry this spirit forward - not only in our thoughts, but also in our actions.
NELC pastor Rev. Shusila Murmu
On of the initiatives emerging from the workshop was a commitment by BELC to mark 16 June as an annual LWF Membership Day, dedicating the entire church to pray for and celebrate their connection to Lutheran communities around the world.
“This workshop reminds us that our communion is strongest when we truly walk alongside one another, learning together, growing together, and equipping one another for faithful witness in our diverse contexts,”, reflected Rev. Katariina Kiilunen, LWF Program Executive for Transformative Leadership. “These days together have been a golden opportunity to learn from one another and reflect on what it means to be Lutheran,” she added.
