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

With Passion for the Church and for the World

The overarching framework for our ongoing witness is provided by the calling of LWF member churches to live and work together as a communion of churches in ongoing need of reformation.

We are passionate about the churches holistically witnessing to Christ in their contexts. We seek to equip and resource each other to witness to the liberating grace of God

Out of faith convictions and theological reflections, we are committed to uphold human dignity and work for justice and peace. As a communion we also support people in need, including refugees, internally displaced people and host communities

"Liberated by God’s grace, a communion in Christ, living and working together for a just, peaceful, and reconciled world."

Dignity and Justice
Compassion and Commitment
Respect for Diversity
Inclusion and Participation
Transparency and Accountability
149
Member Churches
Our churches represent over 77 million people from the Lutheran tradition
99
Countries
The LWF covers seven geographic regions and a diverse array of contexts
48
Council Members
Elected by the Assembly, representing our Member Churches
7
Areas of Work
Promoting justice, peace, reconciliation and dignity for individuals and communities.

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.

LWF President Archbishop Dr Panti Filibus Musa. Photo: LWF
President

Dr Panti Filibus Musa

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

LWF Council in 2019, Geneva (Switzerland). Photo: LWF
Council

Council

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

LWF General Secretary Rev. Anne Burghardt. Photo: LWF
General Secretary

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

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.

LWF Annual Report 2021 - Income by Source
LWF Annual Report 2021 - Expenditure

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.