Participants of the 27th Theological Seminar for Pastors in Wittenberg, Germany. Photo: LWF Center Wittenberg
Pastors’ seminar studying Luther and building communion
(LWI) – “Year after year, we have seen pastors from around the world moved, challenged, inspired, unsettled, and transformed by a close reading of Luther’s original texts,” said Prof. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky Wilson, who currently serves as Associate Pastor at Tokyo Lutheran Church. “I only wish more of our pastors had the opportunity and passion to return to our Reformation sources!”
Together with Prof. Dr Theodor Dieter, Hinlicky Wilson formed the academic team for The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) International Seminar for Pastors, held in Wittenberg, Germany, from 2 to 16 November. They have been a team since 2009, when they both served at the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg, France, making it their 15th seminar together.
Luther’s articulation of the gospel of Jesus Christ is as powerful as ever!
Prof. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky Wilson, member of the Wittenberg academic team
“My colleague Theodor Dieter and I started out wondering if Luther could still speak powerfully 500 years after the Reformation, across so many enormous historical changes, and to the whole span of human cultures,” she said. “To our amazement and delight, we discovered that Luther’s articulation of the gospel of Jesus Christ is as powerful as ever!”
Ongoing Reformation and communion building
Twenty-two pastors from all seven regions of the LWF joined the two-week journey discovering the “Basics of Lutheran Theology – Preaching the Word of God and Celebrating the Sacraments.” In addition to studying Luther’s writings and theology, the seminar comprised workshops and visits to local congregations and historic sites of the Reformation.
Returning to their churches, participants commended the opportunity “to learn about Lutheranism in other churches” and “the depth of the theological work.” Also, the fellowship and exchange of ideas and experiences among pastors from 16 countries strongly shaped the dynamics of the seminar as well as daily prayers and worship.
Prof. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky Wilson leading discussions during the seminar. Photo: LWF Center Wittenberg
Excursion to the Library for Reformation History in Wittenberg. Photo: LWF Center Wittenberg
Reception by the mayor of Wittenberg. Photo: LWF Center Wittenberg
“Hearing personally about the situations many of us are living in touched me deeply,” said Rev. Dr Florian Zobel from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria. “There is the colleague from Nicaragua who had to leave the country because a dictator suppressed the church. The one from Indonesia who brings together cheerful Christians despite an overwhelming Muslim dominance in the country. The simple life and even poverty characterizing villages in India and Africa. On the other hand, there is wealth in Europe, but also increasing secularization. So many differences – yet we are one in Christ, praying for one another.”
Rev. Septhian Tofler Sijabat from the LWF National Committee in Indonesia said that a visit to the city of the Reformation was a heartfelt dream come true. He appreciated the fresh theological perspectives and spiritual renewal and encouragement.
“It was a joy to experience this lively Lutheran communion,” said LWF Regional Secretary for Europe Rev. Dr Ireneusz Lukas, who met with the group in Wittenberg and presented the new LWF Strategy for the years 2025-2031.
