Who We Are
We are a global communion of churches in the Lutheran tradition, living and working together for a just, peaceful, and reconciled world
We strive to put our Christian faith into action through humanitarian and development work, advocacy, shared witness, and dialogue
"Liberated by God’s grace, a communion in Christ, living and working together for a just, peaceful, and reconciled world."
Our identity as Lutherans is rooted in the Bible and our history. Our member church contexts continue to shape our faith, theology and understanding of God’s mission.
The Assembly elects the LWF President and the Council which governs between Assemblies and approves the LWF Strategy which gives direction for the Communion's work. The LWF Communion Office carries out tasks mandated by our Council.

Dr Panti Filibus Musa
Nigerian Archbishop Dr Panti Filibus Musa, serves as the LWF president since 2017.

Council
The 48 members of the Council are elected by the Assembly, representing the seven regions and churches of the communion

Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt
Our General Secretary, Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt, is the first woman and first person from Central Eastern Europe to hold this office

The LWF Communion Office comprises staff who are based in Geneva and worldwide.
Department for Planning and Coordination
Department for Theology, Mission and Justice
Department for World Service
Office of the General Secretary
LWF is committed to transparency in our aims, processes, decisions, and use of resources and to being accountable to the people we serve, our member churches, partners, and donors.


The LWF was founded in the wake of the Second World War, at a time when Lutheran churches aspired for greater fellowship and solidarity among themselves. It relies on four pillars:
- Rescue the needy
- Common initiatives in mission
- Joints efforts in theology
- A common response to the ecumenical challenge.
Read more information about our key Facts and Figures.