Communion self-understanding and the 2017 Assembly and Reformation anniversary are among key discussions that will feature at The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Council meeting in Geneva, 18-22 June. LWF President Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan will deliver his address on this year’s thematic focus, “Hope does not disappoint.”
The report of the General Secretary Rev. Martin Junge will offer highlights of the work carried out by the Communion Office since last year's Council meeting in Medan, Indonesia. He will introduce a study document, The Self-Understanding of the Lutheran Communion, and a comprehensive concept towards a sustainable LWF.
Christina Jackson-Skelton, chairperson of the Finance Committee, will provide an overview of the 2014 financial results and other matters related to the organization’s financial decisions and projections.
With just two years before the Twelfth Assembly, this year’s Council will receive the final report of the Assembly Planning Committee and its recommendations. These include a draft program for LWF’s highest decision-making body, which will meet 10-16 May 2017 in Windhoek, Namibia, coinciding with the Reformation anniversary commemorations.
This year’s Council will continue follow up discussions on a joint Lutheran-Catholic commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, building on the document From Conflict to Communion, by both partners.
Worship life is a central feature of LWF meetings, and this year’s Council opening service will be held at the Ecumenical Center chapel on 18 June. The remaining days will include morning prayers and Bible studies, evening devotions and Sunday worship at the St Pierre Cathedral in Geneva.
The 49-member LWF Council and advisers represent lay and ordained men, women and youth from the LWF member churches across the world. The LWF observes a quota representation of 40 percent women, 40 percent men and 20 percent youth.
As LWF President, Younan, who is bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, chairs the Council meeting. Staff from the respective LWF departments and invited guests also participate.
Source: Lutheran World Federation
