Stubkjær: A call to serve boldly and witness clearly

Reflecting on the wars and conflict which continue to cause suffering and devastation in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, Ethiopia and beyond, the LWF leader recalled the example of Martin Luther who, in his day, “showed us that to be a witness to the world demands that we speak truth to power, whatever the cost.” As a communion of churches, he said, “we cannot look away” from suffering and injustice. “Indifference is not an option. Our witness must be clear, compassionate and courageous,” he insisted.

President Stubkjær highlighted the many different ways in which churches engage in holistic mission, bearing witness through proclamation, advocacy and service to communities in need. He also spoke about the work of LWF’s World Service programs in Africa, Latin America, Europe and Asia, mentioning in particular the Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem which continues to provide vital cancer care for Palestinians “under extremely challenging conditions.”

He also noted the new challenges facing the whole humanitarian and development sector through funding cuts, rising nationalism and ideological pushback, which “threaten not just budgets, but the very principles of impartiality and humanity,” he said. The LWF, he insisted, must “affirm the importance of multilateral approaches and stand with those on the frontlines of diaconal and humanitarian witness. We must also be vigilant in defending the space for civil society and faith-based organisations to operate with integrity and purpose.”

Bound together by a shared hope

The LWF leader looked back at his visits to member churches over the past months, when he was able to experience at close quarters the witness of Lutheran communities in Greenland, Brazil, Hong Kong, Nigeria and Austria. He spoke of his first official visit as president to the church in Ethiopia, where he said he was “inspired by the depth of faith, the theological vision and the commitment to serve the whole person.” Noting that the EECMY is one of the largest Lutheran churches, he praised its work in the fields of education, economic sustainability and climate resilience, adding that “your mission work is an inspiration for all of us.”

Stubkjær also recalled his visit to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis last June and again in April of this year to attend the funeral of the former Roman Catholic leader. He welcomed the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, praying that he too would be “a bridge-builder and a servant of unity.” Giving thanks to all Lutherans “who are taking part in ecumenical dialogues in our churches,” he also noted this year’s 1,700^th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, inviting churches “to hold joint services, to reflect on the gift of creedal faith and to renew our commitment to unity.”

The LWF leader concluded with a preview of some upcoming visits and key events in the life of the Lutheran communion, including a visit to the Holy Land, the participation of young theologians and advocates at the COP30 conference in Brazil and the Nicaea commemoration, which will take place in Egypt in October. Thanking all those who are committed to the LWF’s work, he said: “As a communion of churches, we are bound together by a shared hope [which] calls us to serve boldly and witness clearly.” He added: “May our communion continue to be the sign of unity and service that Christ desires for the world.”