In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its prolonged impact, churches in all regions are facing increasing demands in their diaconal sectors. How does the social service work of the church respond to people's ongoing needs and at the same time address growing inequalities and injustices in their communities? In other words, how does diakonia defend human dignity and announce transformation? At this online workshop, diaconal workers from the Lutheran communion’s member churches in Africa will explore their churches’ diaconal activities and discuss case studies of LWF-supported projects in the region.

The workshop also includes biblical reflections, with the aim to deepen understanding of the theological and biblical basis of diakonia as a core component of the gospel and an essential part of discipleship. Discussions will include an emphasis on designing programs and activities that promote gender justice in the church and society.

Language: English with simultaneous interpretation into French and Portuguese

International launch of new short films on interfaith understanding produced by partners in Indonesia

There is growing concern over extremist voices and actions showing that hostility against the ‘religious others’ have worsened in different parts of the world. But there are also many positive examples of people of faith who demonstrate a different way of life by embracing inclusivity and dialogue.  

The goal of these interfaith short films from Indonesia is to showcase positive stories and realistic struggles from the grass roots, aiming to serve as lived examples and promote healthy interfaith relations.  

• Can such short documentary films contribute to inter-faith understanding and co-existence?   
• How can such films be used in education for inclusive citizenship?  

These are the main questions addressed at the film launch. The event includes the first online screening of four new short films produced by local organizations in Indonesia, brief interviews with directors and youth representatives and a panel discussion.

Speakers:

• Risdo Simangunsong, Interfaith Activist, (Jakatarub) Indonesia
• Fernando Sihotang, Human Rights and Advocacy Coordinator, National Committee of the Lutheran World Federation, Indonesia
• Dr. Ingvill Thorson Plesner, Researcher and Project Manager, Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies (HL-senteret), Inclusive Citizenship Project
• Samrawit Gougsa, Communications Officer at Minority Rights Group International, United Kingdom
• Putu Eka Guna Yasa, Director of BASAbali Wiki, Indonesia

Moderator:

• Rev. Dr. Sivin Kit, Program Executive for Public Theology and Interreligious Relations, The Lutheran World Federation, Switzerland

Organizers:

• The Lutheran World Federation
• Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies (HL-senteret) /Inclusive Citizenship Project 
• Minority Rights Group International

Living Together Interfaith Short Film Launch

Online Registration 

Languages: English with Bahasa Indonesia simultaneous interpretation

* The international film launch is organized as a part of a project on freedom of religion or belief and inter-faith understanding. The project is funded by NORAD (Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation). 

Reviewing Sustainable Development Goals 13 & 16 in Colombia, Indonesia and Namibia

The 2030 agenda encourages governments to assess their own progress on achieving the SDGs by submitting Voluntary National Reviews (VNR) These are a snapshot of where countries stand on implementation of the SDGs, undertaken by both developed and developing countries, and involving multiple stakeholders.

The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) meets annually under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to review these VNRs.

In 2021, the LWF, through partners in Colombia, Indonesia, and Namibia, have produced parallel reviews and shadow reports to showcase the value of faith-based organizations and civil society engagement. These reports include sharing good practices, key findings, and recommendations to governments for the implementation of the Agenda 2030 at a national level.

Join us in a conversation with faith actors from Africa, Asia, and Latin America as they reflect on updates, recommendations, and lessons arising from their work in producing these reports.

Opening Remarks:

• Rev Dr Martin Junge, General Secretary, the Lutheran World Federation
• Mr Ezra K. Yego, Project Lead (Global Networks) UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network

Moderators:

• Ms Marina Doelker, Program Executive for Diakonia and Development, the Lutheran World Federation
• Ms Dorcas Parsalaw, Head of Studies - Sustainability in the Church Context, Mission EineWelt

Speakers:

• Rev Eduardo Martinez, National Coordinator – Waking the Giant Colombia
• Mr Uhuru Dempers, Director, Desk for Social Development-Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN)
• Mr Fernando Sihotang, Human Rights and Advocacy Coordinator, the Lutheran World Federation's National Committee in Indonesia (KNLWF)

Closing Remarks:

• Ms Eva Ekelund, Director of Policy/Deputy International Director, International Department, Act Church of Sweden

Register

Languages: English (with simultaneous interpretation in Spanish and Indonesian)

Scholarships for Theology and Diakonia/Development

Every year, around 90 new Lutheran World Federation scholarships are awarded in the fields of theology and diakonia. The aim is to equip individuals with knowledge, skills and confidence in order to strengthen the churches’ capacities for holistic mission and prepare the next generation of leaders in the Lutheran communion.  

The scholarships are therefore a means of empowering churches for sustainable growth and development within the churches and in the wider community. 

Only candidates who fulfill the following criteria are eligible to apply for an LWF scholarship:

• Church affiliation of the candidate: Only applications from active members of LWF member churches are considered. No applications submitted by individuals will be considered.
• Nationality of the candidate: Only candidates from developing countries are eligible for scholarships in fields of diakonia/development. The theological scholarships are open to candidates from all regions and countries.
• Age limits: The following age limits are in place, depending on the pursued degree and with certain exceptions, particularly for female applicants*:
  
  

  Degree	Maximum age at the time of application*
  Bachelor degrees	35
  Master degrees	40
  Doctorate	45
  Post-doctoral/research	50
  *Special considerations: For candidates who are church employees at the time of application, these age limits may be exceeded upon special request. Relatively higher consideration is made for female candidates who exceed the age limits due to social and cultural factors which cause them to pursue studies later.

How to apply: The LWF scholarship application process will be completed online, through the LWF Scholarship portal. The link to the online portal will be sent to each member church by email. 

Languages: English, French, German, Spanish 

Opening: 1 August 2021

Deadline:  15 October 2021

Related Materials

General information about LWF Scholarships

2022 LWF scholarships’ application phase is now open

Communicating member churches’ vibrant witness in the world

A listening and sharing event.

The LWF Regional Communication Gathering: Latin America and the Caribbean is a time to reunite the LWF Office for Communication with LWF member church communicators after the Coronavirus pandemic caused isolation and restrictions limiting in person contact with communicators.  Using online platforms, the gathering serves to express solidarity and cohesion, sharing and supporting the work of regional member church communicators.

1. How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed how we do communications?  
2. Share updates, changes in the region and at the Communion Office.
3. Share communication best practices and tips.
4. See familiar faces and welcome new communicators.

Registration

Language: English and Spanish

Communicating member churches’ vibrant witness in the world

A listening and sharing event.

The LWF Regional Communication Gathering: North America is a time to reunite the LWF Office for Communication with LWF member church communicators after the Coronavirus pandemic caused isolation and restrictions limiting in person contact with communicators.  Using online platforms, the gathering serves to express solidarity and cohesion, sharing and supporting the work of regional member church communicators.

1. How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed how we do communications?  
2. Share updates, changes in the region and at the Communion Office.
3. Share communication best practices and tips.
4. See familiar faces and welcome new communicators.

Registration

Language: English

Communicating member churches’ vibrant witness in the world

A listening and sharing event.

The LWF Regional Communication Gathering: Africa is a time to reunite the LWF Office for Communication with LWF member church communicators after the Coronavirus pandemic caused isolation and restrictions limiting in person contact with communicators.  Using online platforms, the gathering serves to express solidarity and cohesion, sharing and supporting the work of regional member church communicators.

1. How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed how we do communications?  
2. Share updates, changes in the region and at the Communion Office.
3. Share communication best practices and tips.
4. See familiar faces and welcome new communicators.

Registration

Language: English

Communicating member churches’ vibrant witness in the world

A listening and sharing event.

The LWF Regional Communication Gathering: Asia is a time to reunite the LWF Office for Communication with LWF member church communicators after the Coronavirus pandemic caused isolation and restrictions limiting in person contact with communicators.  Using online platforms, the gathering serves to express solidarity and cohesion, sharing and supporting the work of regional member church communicators.

1. How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed how we do communications?  
2. Share updates, changes in the region and at the Communion Office.
3. Share communication best practices and tips.
4. See familiar faces and welcome new communicators.

Registration

Language: English

Communicating member churches’ vibrant witness in the world

A listening and sharing event.

The LWF Regional Communication Gathering: Europe is a time to reunite the LWF Office for Communication with LWF member church communicators after the Coronavirus pandemic caused isolation and restrictions limiting in person contact with communicators.  Using online platforms, the gathering serves to express solidarity and cohesion, sharing and supporting the work of regional member church communicators.

1. How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed how we do communications?  
2. Share updates, changes in the region and at the Communion Office.
3. Share communication best practices and tips.
4. See familiar faces and welcome new communicators.

Registration

Language: English

Every year, the LWF awards scholarships for students and church workers in different fields of diaconal work. The goal is to strengthen the capacity of member churches as they carry out their mission.

The meeting will gather LWF scholars in diakonia and provide a space where scholarship holders can be connected and mutually empowered as members of the global Lutheran communion. The new platform opens possibilities for deeper interaction and encourages students to support each other and learn from the mutual sharing of resources and experiences.

zoom meeting