14 SEP 2023

Keynote speaker Tomáš Halík says churches must transcend national, religious, cultural boundaries 

A new reformation for the 21st century must transcend “the current forms and boundaries of Christianity,” resist simplistic answers to contemporary challenges and contribute to uniting into ‘One Body’ all of humanity, together with all of creation.

On the second day of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly in Kraków, Poland, keynote speaker Monsignor Tomáš Halík urged participants from across the global Lutheran communion to be “witnesses to the ongoing resurrection of the Giver of Hope,” by working for a spiritual renewal that goes beyond national, religious, social or cultural boundaries.

A leading Catholic intellectual and author from the Czech Republic, Halík served as advisor to Václav Havel, the first Czech president following the fall of the Berlin wall and the end of the Cold War.  A professor of sociology and head of the Religious Studies Department at Prague’s Charles University, he is also the recipient of numerous awards for his work to promote human rights, religious freedom and interfaith dialogue.

Ecclesia semper reformanda 

In his keynote address to delegates attending the 13 to 19 September Assembly, Halík recalled that the church must be “ever reforming, […] especially in times of great change and crisis in our common world.” Reformation is necessary, he said, “where form hinders content, where it inhibits the dynamism of the living core.”  

Looking back to the Lutheran and Catholic Reformations of the 16th century, he noted that they “renewed and deepened Christianity, but they also divided it.” The 20th century, he said, “saw the beginning of two great parallel reformations – the global expansion of Pentecostal Christianity and the Second Vatican Council,” marking the Catholic church’s transition from “confessional closedness […] to universal ecumenical openness.”

But the ecumenism of the 21st century, he continued, must go much further than the ecumenism of the previous one. Just as St Paul had the courage to lead “Christianity out of the narrow confines of one of the Jewish sects and into the broader ecumene” during “the first reformation,” Halík  said, so Christianity today needs “to transcend existing mental and institutional, confessional, cultural and social boundaries in order to fulfil its universal mission.”

Faith and critical thinking

Reflecting on the “constant struggle between grace and sin, faith and unbelief, waged in every human heart,” he called for an “honest dialogue” between believers and unbelievers living together in pluralistic societies. “Faith and critical thinking need each other,” he insisted, adding that a “mature faith can live with the open questions of the time and resist the temptation of the too-simple answers offered by dangerous contemporary ideologies.”

Turning to questions of religious identity, he noted that “populists, nationalists and religious fundamentalists exploit this fear [of identity loss] for their own power and economic interests.” They exploit it, he said, “in the same way that the fear for the salvation of one’s soul was exploited when indulgences were for sale” in Luther’s days. Comparing Luther to the Catholic mystics of that era, he said, “I am convinced that Luther’s theology of the cross needs to be renewed, rethought and deepened today.”  

Part of the new reformation or “new evangelization,” Halík said, “is also a transformation of the way of mission. We cannot approach others as arrogant possessors of truth.” The goal of mission, he reflected, “is not to recruit new church members, to squeeze them into the existing mental and institutional boundaries of our churches but to go beyond” to create a “mutually enriching dialogue” with those of other beliefs and none.

Reconciliation and spiritual discernment

In central and eastern Europe, Halík said, where countries suffered “the dark night of communist persecution,” churches have an important role to play in the process of reconciliation. “Democracy cannot be established and sustained merely by changing political and economic conditions” he warned, but instead requires “a certain moral and spiritual climate.”  

Halík also warned that churches that become corrupted by political regimes, deprive themselves of a future. “When the church enters into culture wars with its secular environment, it always comes out of them defeated and deformed.”

The alternative to culture wars, he noted, “is not conformity and cheap accommodation, but a culture of spiritual discernment.” A renewed and newly understood Christian spirituality, he concluded, “can make a significant contribution to the spiritual culture of humanity today, even far beyond the churches.”

Responses from America and Tanzania

Responding to Halík's presentation, Kathryn Lohre, head of ecumenical and inter-religious relations and theological discernment for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, said she was encouraged by his emphasis on “Luther’s theology of the cross as the lens for the church’s discernment.” But “are we willing,” she asked, “to touch the wounds” of those suffering from gender-based violence, economic injustice, racism and white supremacy, polarization and ethnonationalism, all exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic?  

Prof. Halík's words, she said, remind us that "the unbearable intimacy we experience at the foot of the cross is also the crossroads of the entire cosmos," the place where “we can hear, if we listen closely, the groans of God’s good creation, of life emanating from death.”

The second response came from Presiding Bishop Dr Fredrick Onael Shoo, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. Speaking as leader of one of the world’s largest Lutheran churches with nearly 8 million members, he said “full churches equally challenge forms of service, like empty churches. We must confess and let go of the irresponsible euphoria and triumphalism accompanying growth,” he said, not claiming credit but rather “asking God for direction and guidance.”  

Shoo urged “sister churches in the West to raise a prophetic voice against the atrocities perpetrated by their nations.” Churches must stand clearly against all forms of injustice, like “production and trade in weapons of mass destruction, activities that contribute to environmental degradation and climate change, trade imbalance and all sorts of inhumane policies and actions,” he said.

14 SEP 2023

Keynote speaker Tomáš Halík says churches must transcend national, religious, cultural boundaries 

A new reformation for the 21st century must transcend “the current forms and boundaries of Christianity,” resist simplistic answers to contemporary challenges and contribute to uniting into ‘One Body’ all of humanity, together with all of creation.

On the second day of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly in Kraków, Poland, keynote speaker Monsignor Tomáš Halík urged participants from across the global Lutheran communion to be “witnesses to the ongoing resurrection of the Giver of Hope,” by working for a spiritual renewal that goes beyond national, religious, social or cultural boundaries.

A leading Catholic intellectual and author from the Czech Republic, Halík served as advisor to Václav Havel, the first Czech president following the fall of the Berlin wall and the end of the Cold War.  A professor of sociology and head of the Religious Studies Department at Prague’s Charles University, he is also the recipient of numerous awards for his work to promote human rights, religious freedom and interfaith dialogue.

Ecclesia semper reformanda 

In his keynote address to delegates attending the 13 to 19 September Assembly, Halík recalled that the church must be “ever reforming, […] especially in times of great change and crisis in our common world.” Reformation is necessary, he said, “where form hinders content, where it inhibits the dynamism of the living core.”  

Looking back to the Lutheran and Catholic Reformations of the 16th century, he noted that they “renewed and deepened Christianity, but they also divided it.” The 20th century, he said, “saw the beginning of two great parallel reformations – the global expansion of Pentecostal Christianity and the Second Vatican Council,” marking the Catholic church’s transition from “confessional closedness […] to universal ecumenical openness.”

But the ecumenism of the 21st century, he continued, must go much further than the ecumenism of the previous one. Just as St Paul had the courage to lead “Christianity out of the narrow confines of one of the Jewish sects and into the broader ecumene” during “the first reformation,” Halík  said, so Christianity today needs “to transcend existing mental and institutional, confessional, cultural and social boundaries in order to fulfil its universal mission.”

Faith and critical thinking

Reflecting on the “constant struggle between grace and sin, faith and unbelief, waged in every human heart,” he called for an “honest dialogue” between believers and unbelievers living together in pluralistic societies. “Faith and critical thinking need each other,” he insisted, adding that a “mature faith can live with the open questions of the time and resist the temptation of the too-simple answers offered by dangerous contemporary ideologies.”

Turning to questions of religious identity, he noted that “populists, nationalists and religious fundamentalists exploit this fear [of identity loss] for their own power and economic interests.” They exploit it, he said, “in the same way that the fear for the salvation of one’s soul was exploited when indulgences were for sale” in Luther’s days. Comparing Luther to the Catholic mystics of that era, he said, “I am convinced that Luther’s theology of the cross needs to be renewed, rethought and deepened today.”  

Part of the new reformation or “new evangelization,” Halík said, “is also a transformation of the way of mission. We cannot approach others as arrogant possessors of truth.” The goal of mission, he reflected, “is not to recruit new church members, to squeeze them into the existing mental and institutional boundaries of our churches but to go beyond” to create a “mutually enriching dialogue” with those of other beliefs and none.

Reconciliation and spiritual discernment

In central and eastern Europe, Halík said, where countries suffered “the dark night of communist persecution,” churches have an important role to play in the process of reconciliation. “Democracy cannot be established and sustained merely by changing political and economic conditions” he warned, but instead requires “a certain moral and spiritual climate.”  

Halík also warned that churches that become corrupted by political regimes, deprive themselves of a future. “When the church enters into culture wars with its secular environment, it always comes out of them defeated and deformed.”

The alternative to culture wars, he noted, “is not conformity and cheap accommodation, but a culture of spiritual discernment.” A renewed and newly understood Christian spirituality, he concluded, “can make a significant contribution to the spiritual culture of humanity today, even far beyond the churches.”

Responses from America and Tanzania

Responding to Halík's presentation, Kathryn Lohre, head of ecumenical and inter-religious relations and theological discernment for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, said she was encouraged by his emphasis on “Luther’s theology of the cross as the lens for the church’s discernment.” But “are we willing,” she asked, “to touch the wounds” of those suffering from gender-based violence, economic injustice, racism and white supremacy, polarization and ethnonationalism, all exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic?  

Prof. Halík's words, she said, remind us that "the unbearable intimacy we experience at the foot of the cross is also the crossroads of the entire cosmos," the place where “we can hear, if we listen closely, the groans of God’s good creation, of life emanating from death.”

The second response came from Presiding Bishop Dr Fredrick Onael Shoo, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. Speaking as leader of one of the world’s largest Lutheran churches with nearly 8 million members, he said “full churches equally challenge forms of service, like empty churches. We must confess and let go of the irresponsible euphoria and triumphalism accompanying growth,” he said, not claiming credit but rather “asking God for direction and guidance.”  

Shoo urged “sister churches in the West to raise a prophetic voice against the atrocities perpetrated by their nations.” Churches must stand clearly against all forms of injustice, like “production and trade in weapons of mass destruction, activities that contribute to environmental degradation and climate change, trade imbalance and all sorts of inhumane policies and actions,” he said.

14 SEP 2023

Keynote speaker Tomáš Halík says churches must transcend national, religious, cultural boundaries 

A new reformation for the 21st century must transcend “the current forms and boundaries of Christianity,” resist simplistic answers to contemporary challenges and contribute to uniting into ‘One Body’ all of humanity, together with all of creation.

On the second day of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly in Kraków, Poland, keynote speaker Monsignor Tomáš Halík urged participants from across the global Lutheran communion to be “witnesses to the ongoing resurrection of the Giver of Hope,” by working for a spiritual renewal that goes beyond national, religious, social or cultural boundaries.

A leading Catholic intellectual and author from the Czech Republic, Halík served as advisor to Václav Havel, the first Czech president following the fall of the Berlin wall and the end of the Cold War.  A professor of sociology and head of the Religious Studies Department at Prague’s Charles University, he is also the recipient of numerous awards for his work to promote human rights, religious freedom and interfaith dialogue.

Ecclesia semper reformanda 

In his keynote address to delegates attending the 13 to 19 September Assembly, Halík recalled that the church must be “ever reforming, […] especially in times of great change and crisis in our common world.” Reformation is necessary, he said, “where form hinders content, where it inhibits the dynamism of the living core.”  

Looking back to the Lutheran and Catholic Reformations of the 16th century, he noted that they “renewed and deepened Christianity, but they also divided it.” The 20th century, he said, “saw the beginning of two great parallel reformations – the global expansion of Pentecostal Christianity and the Second Vatican Council,” marking the Catholic church’s transition from “confessional closedness […] to universal ecumenical openness.”

But the ecumenism of the 21st century, he continued, must go much further than the ecumenism of the previous one. Just as St Paul had the courage to lead “Christianity out of the narrow confines of one of the Jewish sects and into the broader ecumene” during “the first reformation,” Halík  said, so Christianity today needs “to transcend existing mental and institutional, confessional, cultural and social boundaries in order to fulfil its universal mission.”

Faith and critical thinking

Reflecting on the “constant struggle between grace and sin, faith and unbelief, waged in every human heart,” he called for an “honest dialogue” between believers and unbelievers living together in pluralistic societies. “Faith and critical thinking need each other,” he insisted, adding that a “mature faith can live with the open questions of the time and resist the temptation of the too-simple answers offered by dangerous contemporary ideologies.”

Turning to questions of religious identity, he noted that “populists, nationalists and religious fundamentalists exploit this fear [of identity loss] for their own power and economic interests.” They exploit it, he said, “in the same way that the fear for the salvation of one’s soul was exploited when indulgences were for sale” in Luther’s days. Comparing Luther to the Catholic mystics of that era, he said, “I am convinced that Luther’s theology of the cross needs to be renewed, rethought and deepened today.”  

Part of the new reformation or “new evangelization,” Halík said, “is also a transformation of the way of mission. We cannot approach others as arrogant possessors of truth.” The goal of mission, he reflected, “is not to recruit new church members, to squeeze them into the existing mental and institutional boundaries of our churches but to go beyond” to create a “mutually enriching dialogue” with those of other beliefs and none.

Reconciliation and spiritual discernment

In central and eastern Europe, Halík said, where countries suffered “the dark night of communist persecution,” churches have an important role to play in the process of reconciliation. “Democracy cannot be established and sustained merely by changing political and economic conditions” he warned, but instead requires “a certain moral and spiritual climate.”  

Halík also warned that churches that become corrupted by political regimes, deprive themselves of a future. “When the church enters into culture wars with its secular environment, it always comes out of them defeated and deformed.”

The alternative to culture wars, he noted, “is not conformity and cheap accommodation, but a culture of spiritual discernment.” A renewed and newly understood Christian spirituality, he concluded, “can make a significant contribution to the spiritual culture of humanity today, even far beyond the churches.”

Responses from America and Tanzania

Responding to Halík's presentation, Kathryn Lohre, head of ecumenical and inter-religious relations and theological discernment for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, said she was encouraged by his emphasis on “Luther’s theology of the cross as the lens for the church’s discernment.” But “are we willing,” she asked, “to touch the wounds” of those suffering from gender-based violence, economic injustice, racism and white supremacy, polarization and ethnonationalism, all exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic?  

Prof. Halík's words, she said, remind us that "the unbearable intimacy we experience at the foot of the cross is also the crossroads of the entire cosmos," the place where “we can hear, if we listen closely, the groans of God’s good creation, of life emanating from death.”

The second response came from Presiding Bishop Dr Fredrick Onael Shoo, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. Speaking as leader of one of the world’s largest Lutheran churches with nearly 8 million members, he said “full churches equally challenge forms of service, like empty churches. We must confess and let go of the irresponsible euphoria and triumphalism accompanying growth,” he said, not claiming credit but rather “asking God for direction and guidance.”  

Shoo urged “sister churches in the West to raise a prophetic voice against the atrocities perpetrated by their nations.” Churches must stand clearly against all forms of injustice, like “production and trade in weapons of mass destruction, activities that contribute to environmental degradation and climate change, trade imbalance and all sorts of inhumane policies and actions,” he said.

14 SEP 2023

Finance Committee Chairperson Oberkirchenrat Mirgeler presents positive report to Assembly

In his report to The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly, the chairperson of the organization’s finance committee, Oberkirchenrat Olaf Johannes Mirgeler said income has increased over the six-year period since the last LWF Assembly in 2017.

“At a time when many churches and church-related organizations were faced with financial challenges, we can look back with gratitude for the growth in LWF’s resources,” Mirgeler said. This growth, he noted, is an important contribution toward the stability and sustainability of the LWF.

His report to LWF’s highest decision-making body gave a comprehensive overview of financial results between 2017 and 2022 and a preliminary projection on 2023.

Mirgeler, a church leader in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany, underlined the unwavering support of LWF’s member churches, related organizations, ecumenical and institutional partners for making it possible for the Lutheran communion to fulfill its mission. They are important not only as financial contributors but also in their shared common purpose, vision, and objectives of “providing joint support to program initiatives and addressing crises across the globe.”

Data highlighted in the report show that overall revenues increased despite declining income from some traditional donors, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, currency exchange fluctuations, and stress on global economies. The finance chairperson particularly expressed gratitude for the sustained support during the global health crisis.

During the 2017 – 2022 period, income ranged from EUR 166 million to EUR 178 million. At the same time, the annual expenditure ranged from EUR 142 million in 2016 to EUR 176 million in 2022. The planned budget for 2023 is EUR 190 million.

LWF’s overall reserves increased from EUR 50 million in 2017 to EUR 88 million in 2022. The general reserves increased from EUR 9.9 million to EUR 15.7 million. Growth in the reserves is attributed primarily to the operational surpluses of the Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) in East Jerusalem.  

Membership fees

The report points to the importance of membership fees from LWF member churches in sustaining theological and ecumenical work. During the period 2017-2022, membership fee contributions totaled EUR 19 million, compared to EUR 16.8 million in the previous Assembly period. Membership fees are calculated based on a fair membership principle, taking into account the wealth of each church relative to other member churches, and factors such as size and the country's wealth index.

“Realizing the goals outlined in the fair membership policy requires ongoing commitment from our member churches and the advocacy of the LWF Council, particularly the regional vice-presidents and other church leaders,” the finance committee chairperson stated.

Assembly budget

The Thirteenth Assembly was budgeted at EUR 3.2 million. Increased cost of travel due to COVID-19, as well as global inflation have had a direct impact on the anticipated budget. To date, LWF has received financial pledges totaling EUR 2.8 million, which covers 88 percent of the budget. The finance chairperson expressed his conviction that “with your support” the Communion Office leadership would ensure that the Assembly expenses are fully covered.

Ensuring a sustainable future

In 1999, the LWF established an Endowment Fund to secure the organization’s financial sustainability. By 2022, contributions to the fund had reached CHF 14.8 million. The fund’s annual investment is distributed toward LWF’s programmatic work, which amounted to CHF 3.6 million during the 2017 – 2022 period.

Mirgeler told the Assembly the Endowment Fund board has embarked on a campaign to support LWF’s long-term sustainability. The objective is to generate a consistent income stream through a diversified portfolio that manages risk and strategic asset allocation while respecting the organization’s investment principles.

In his report, he highlighted the measures implemented by the LWF over the past six years to strengthen its financial management practices in response to global economic challenges. These include improvements to operating systems that ensure timely and accurate reporting.

In looking to the future, a comprehensive sustainability direction has been established to address income generation, sustainable programming, treasury management, cost management, and opportunities to increase unrestricted funds. At the same time, the LWF has developed a risk management framework to mitigate operational risks, including those associated with cash flow concerning the AVH.

Mirgeler concluded his report by commending the Communion Office leadership for having ensured that the LWF maintained a balanced budget and established sufficient cash reserves to guarantee uninterrupted operations.

“While challenges lie ahead, particularly in the area of sustainability, the LWF has positioned itself well to address these challenges,” the finance committee chairperson said in his closing remarks.

14 SEP 2023

Finance Committee Chairperson Oberkirchenrat Mirgeler presents positive report to Assembly

In his report to The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly, the chairperson of the organization’s finance committee, Oberkirchenrat Olaf Johannes Mirgeler said income has increased over the six-year period since the last LWF Assembly in 2017.

“At a time when many churches and church-related organizations were faced with financial challenges, we can look back with gratitude for the growth in LWF’s resources,” Mirgeler said. This growth, he noted, is an important contribution toward the stability and sustainability of the LWF.

His report to LWF’s highest decision-making body gave a comprehensive overview of financial results between 2017 and 2022 and a preliminary projection on 2023.

Mirgeler, a church leader in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany, underlined the unwavering support of LWF’s member churches, related organizations, ecumenical and institutional partners for making it possible for the Lutheran communion to fulfill its mission. They are important not only as financial contributors but also in their shared common purpose, vision, and objectives of “providing joint support to program initiatives and addressing crises across the globe.”

Data highlighted in the report show that overall revenues increased despite declining income from some traditional donors, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, currency exchange fluctuations, and stress on global economies. The finance chairperson particularly expressed gratitude for the sustained support during the global health crisis.

During the 2017 – 2022 period, income ranged from EUR 166 million to EUR 178 million. At the same time, the annual expenditure ranged from EUR 142 million in 2016 to EUR 176 million in 2022. The planned budget for 2023 is EUR 190 million.

LWF’s overall reserves increased from EUR 50 million in 2017 to EUR 88 million in 2022. The general reserves increased from EUR 9.9 million to EUR 15.7 million. Growth in the reserves is attributed primarily to the operational surpluses of the Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) in East Jerusalem.  

Membership fees

The report points to the importance of membership fees from LWF member churches in sustaining theological and ecumenical work. During the period 2017-2022, membership fee contributions totaled EUR 19 million, compared to EUR 16.8 million in the previous Assembly period. Membership fees are calculated based on a fair membership principle, taking into account the wealth of each church relative to other member churches, and factors such as size and the country's wealth index.

“Realizing the goals outlined in the fair membership policy requires ongoing commitment from our member churches and the advocacy of the LWF Council, particularly the regional vice-presidents and other church leaders,” the finance committee chairperson stated.

Assembly budget

The Thirteenth Assembly was budgeted at EUR 3.2 million. Increased cost of travel due to COVID-19, as well as global inflation have had a direct impact on the anticipated budget. To date, LWF has received financial pledges totaling EUR 2.8 million, which covers 88 percent of the budget. The finance chairperson expressed his conviction that “with your support” the Communion Office leadership would ensure that the Assembly expenses are fully covered.

Ensuring a sustainable future

In 1999, the LWF established an Endowment Fund to secure the organization’s financial sustainability. By 2022, contributions to the fund had reached CHF 14.8 million. The fund’s annual investment is distributed toward LWF’s programmatic work, which amounted to CHF 3.6 million during the 2017 – 2022 period.

Mirgeler told the Assembly the Endowment Fund board has embarked on a campaign to support LWF’s long-term sustainability. The objective is to generate a consistent income stream through a diversified portfolio that manages risk and strategic asset allocation while respecting the organization’s investment principles.

In his report, he highlighted the measures implemented by the LWF over the past six years to strengthen its financial management practices in response to global economic challenges. These include improvements to operating systems that ensure timely and accurate reporting.

In looking to the future, a comprehensive sustainability direction has been established to address income generation, sustainable programming, treasury management, cost management, and opportunities to increase unrestricted funds. At the same time, the LWF has developed a risk management framework to mitigate operational risks, including those associated with cash flow concerning the AVH.

Mirgeler concluded his report by commending the Communion Office leadership for having ensured that the LWF maintained a balanced budget and established sufficient cash reserves to guarantee uninterrupted operations.

“While challenges lie ahead, particularly in the area of sustainability, the LWF has positioned itself well to address these challenges,” the finance committee chairperson said in his closing remarks.

14 SEP 2023

Finance Committee Chairperson Oberkirchenrat Mirgeler presents positive report to Assembly

In his report to The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly, the chairperson of the organization’s finance committee, Oberkirchenrat Olaf Johannes Mirgeler said income has increased over the six-year period since the last LWF Assembly in 2017.

“At a time when many churches and church-related organizations were faced with financial challenges, we can look back with gratitude for the growth in LWF’s resources,” Mirgeler said. This growth, he noted, is an important contribution toward the stability and sustainability of the LWF.

His report to LWF’s highest decision-making body gave a comprehensive overview of financial results between 2017 and 2022 and a preliminary projection on 2023.

Mirgeler, a church leader in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany, underlined the unwavering support of LWF’s member churches, related organizations, ecumenical and institutional partners for making it possible for the Lutheran communion to fulfill its mission. They are important not only as financial contributors but also in their shared common purpose, vision, and objectives of “providing joint support to program initiatives and addressing crises across the globe.”

Data highlighted in the report show that overall revenues increased despite declining income from some traditional donors, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, currency exchange fluctuations, and stress on global economies. The finance chairperson particularly expressed gratitude for the sustained support during the global health crisis.

During the 2017 – 2022 period, income ranged from EUR 166 million to EUR 178 million. At the same time, the annual expenditure ranged from EUR 142 million in 2016 to EUR 176 million in 2022. The planned budget for 2023 is EUR 190 million.

LWF’s overall reserves increased from EUR 50 million in 2017 to EUR 88 million in 2022. The general reserves increased from EUR 9.9 million to EUR 15.7 million. Growth in the reserves is attributed primarily to the operational surpluses of the Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) in East Jerusalem.  

Membership fees

The report points to the importance of membership fees from LWF member churches in sustaining theological and ecumenical work. During the period 2017-2022, membership fee contributions totaled EUR 19 million, compared to EUR 16.8 million in the previous Assembly period. Membership fees are calculated based on a fair membership principle, taking into account the wealth of each church relative to other member churches, and factors such as size and the country's wealth index.

“Realizing the goals outlined in the fair membership policy requires ongoing commitment from our member churches and the advocacy of the LWF Council, particularly the regional vice-presidents and other church leaders,” the finance committee chairperson stated.

Assembly budget

The Thirteenth Assembly was budgeted at EUR 3.2 million. Increased cost of travel due to COVID-19, as well as global inflation have had a direct impact on the anticipated budget. To date, LWF has received financial pledges totaling EUR 2.8 million, which covers 88 percent of the budget. The finance chairperson expressed his conviction that “with your support” the Communion Office leadership would ensure that the Assembly expenses are fully covered.

Ensuring a sustainable future

In 1999, the LWF established an Endowment Fund to secure the organization’s financial sustainability. By 2022, contributions to the fund had reached CHF 14.8 million. The fund’s annual investment is distributed toward LWF’s programmatic work, which amounted to CHF 3.6 million during the 2017 – 2022 period.

Mirgeler told the Assembly the Endowment Fund board has embarked on a campaign to support LWF’s long-term sustainability. The objective is to generate a consistent income stream through a diversified portfolio that manages risk and strategic asset allocation while respecting the organization’s investment principles.

In his report, he highlighted the measures implemented by the LWF over the past six years to strengthen its financial management practices in response to global economic challenges. These include improvements to operating systems that ensure timely and accurate reporting.

In looking to the future, a comprehensive sustainability direction has been established to address income generation, sustainable programming, treasury management, cost management, and opportunities to increase unrestricted funds. At the same time, the LWF has developed a risk management framework to mitigate operational risks, including those associated with cash flow concerning the AVH.

Mirgeler concluded his report by commending the Communion Office leadership for having ensured that the LWF maintained a balanced budget and established sufficient cash reserves to guarantee uninterrupted operations.

“While challenges lie ahead, particularly in the area of sustainability, the LWF has positioned itself well to address these challenges,” the finance committee chairperson said in his closing remarks.

14 SEP 2023

Finance Committee Chairperson Oberkirchenrat Mirgeler presents positive report to Assembly

In his report to The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly, the chairperson of the organization’s finance committee, Oberkirchenrat Olaf Johannes Mirgeler said income has increased over the six-year period since the last LWF Assembly in 2017.

“At a time when many churches and church-related organizations were faced with financial challenges, we can look back with gratitude for the growth in LWF’s resources,” Mirgeler said. This growth, he noted, is an important contribution toward the stability and sustainability of the LWF.

His report to LWF’s highest decision-making body gave a comprehensive overview of financial results between 2017 and 2022 and a preliminary projection on 2023.

Mirgeler, a church leader in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany, underlined the unwavering support of LWF’s member churches, related organizations, ecumenical and institutional partners for making it possible for the Lutheran communion to fulfill its mission. They are important not only as financial contributors but also in their shared common purpose, vision, and objectives of “providing joint support to program initiatives and addressing crises across the globe.”

Data highlighted in the report show that overall revenues increased despite declining income from some traditional donors, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, currency exchange fluctuations, and stress on global economies. The finance chairperson particularly expressed gratitude for the sustained support during the global health crisis.

During the 2017 – 2022 period, income ranged from EUR 166 million to EUR 178 million. At the same time, the annual expenditure ranged from EUR 142 million in 2016 to EUR 176 million in 2022. The planned budget for 2023 is EUR 190 million.

LWF’s overall reserves increased from EUR 50 million in 2017 to EUR 88 million in 2022. The general reserves increased from EUR 9.9 million to EUR 15.7 million. Growth in the reserves is attributed primarily to the operational surpluses of the Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) in East Jerusalem.  

Membership fees

The report points to the importance of membership fees from LWF member churches in sustaining theological and ecumenical work. During the period 2017-2022, membership fee contributions totaled EUR 19 million, compared to EUR 16.8 million in the previous Assembly period. Membership fees are calculated based on a fair membership principle, taking into account the wealth of each church relative to other member churches, and factors such as size and the country's wealth index.

“Realizing the goals outlined in the fair membership policy requires ongoing commitment from our member churches and the advocacy of the LWF Council, particularly the regional vice-presidents and other church leaders,” the finance committee chairperson stated.

Assembly budget

The Thirteenth Assembly was budgeted at EUR 3.2 million. Increased cost of travel due to COVID-19, as well as global inflation have had a direct impact on the anticipated budget. To date, LWF has received financial pledges totaling EUR 2.8 million, which covers 88 percent of the budget. The finance chairperson expressed his conviction that “with your support” the Communion Office leadership would ensure that the Assembly expenses are fully covered.

Ensuring a sustainable future

In 1999, the LWF established an Endowment Fund to secure the organization’s financial sustainability. By 2022, contributions to the fund had reached CHF 14.8 million. The fund’s annual investment is distributed toward LWF’s programmatic work, which amounted to CHF 3.6 million during the 2017 – 2022 period.

Mirgeler told the Assembly the Endowment Fund board has embarked on a campaign to support LWF’s long-term sustainability. The objective is to generate a consistent income stream through a diversified portfolio that manages risk and strategic asset allocation while respecting the organization’s investment principles.

In his report, he highlighted the measures implemented by the LWF over the past six years to strengthen its financial management practices in response to global economic challenges. These include improvements to operating systems that ensure timely and accurate reporting.

In looking to the future, a comprehensive sustainability direction has been established to address income generation, sustainable programming, treasury management, cost management, and opportunities to increase unrestricted funds. At the same time, the LWF has developed a risk management framework to mitigate operational risks, including those associated with cash flow concerning the AVH.

Mirgeler concluded his report by commending the Communion Office leadership for having ensured that the LWF maintained a balanced budget and established sufficient cash reserves to guarantee uninterrupted operations.

“While challenges lie ahead, particularly in the area of sustainability, the LWF has positioned itself well to address these challenges,” the finance committee chairperson said in his closing remarks.

15 SEP 2023

Indonesian theologian urges Assembly delegates to promote unity by practicing hospitality

(LWI) - As a communion of churches, we are called “to keep the Body together, be it the unity of churches, [or] be it defending human bodies from violence and dominance.” In the first of three plenary sessions exploring the theme of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly, “One Body, One Spirit, One Hope,” Indonesian theologian Rev. Dr Benny Sinaga spoke about the many ways in which human bodies are broken and suffer from hunger, conflict, discrimination, and oppression.

Speaking on day three of the 13 to 19 September Assembly, Sinaga, a New Testament scholar and President of the Sekolah Tinggi Biblevrouw theological seminary for women in North Sumatra, reflected on what it means for the churches to be called into the one, undivided body of Christ through the work of the one Holy Spirit. “The Spirit of God is one; the church, therefore, must also be one; it is unthinkable that it could be divided,” she said.

Yet, every day, she continued, “we find and experience brokenness through war, injustice, violence, polarization, discrimination, hate, hunger.” She pointed to the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial and museum, which Assembly participants are visiting, but also to contemporary horrors such as the conflict in neighboring Ukraine.

If some parts of this world are hungry, then the world be sick.

Rev. Dr Benny Sinaga, President of the Sekolah Tinggi Biblevrouw seminary in North Sumatra, Indonesia

Child malnutrition and hunger in countries such as Chad, Congo, Haiti, Madagascar or Yemen are also scourges afflicting so many bodies, causing sickness and suffering in poorer parts of the world today, Sinaga said. “If some parts of this world are hungry, then the world will be sick,” she warned.

Speaking of the COVID-19 pandemic, she recalled the way in which the virus “tortures the spirit, the breath, the lungs,” and has killed millions of people, leaving families and churches bereaved and crying. From this experience, she said, “we understand more how to value the air which is inhaled and exhaled every second of the life in the body, to value the meaning of the family and the church worshipping together as the fellowship in one body, and to value those who are always taking care of us.”

Building equality, inclusion, unity

Sinaga also noted the way people continue to be excluded and suffer discrimination on grounds of skin color, economic status, education and gender. In her own country, Indonesia, she said “some women (and also men) prefer buying skincare whitening” because they worry about being rejected or looked down upon. She urged delegates from the 99 countries where LWF is present to greet and get to know each other, to build and strengthen relationships, not just during the Assembly in Krakow, but also afterwards when “we fall back into our regular or usual tasks.”

As a young female pastor, Sinaga pointed to the way women continue to suffer from violence, discrimination, subordination, lack of access to healthcare or participation in political life. But she also noted the progress achieved in her church, the Protestant Christian Batak Church (HKBP), founded by German missionaries in the 1860s. At her seminary, women are trained as preachers and leaders, while the church ordained its first female Batak pastors in 1986. More than two thousand women have now been ordained to various ministries including pastors, preachers, deaconesses, evangelists and elders.

Sinaga urged participants to promote equality, inclusion and to build up the unity of the body of Christ by practicing “hospitality as a virtue to welcome others.” Recalling the way “Jesus welcomes every sinner to have a banquet at His table,” she said, “the cross is the self-giving of the one for many.” She concluded: “Unity of the body is a fruit of Christ’s self-sacrifice which breaks down enmity, discrimination, rejection, polarization, war, inequality, hate and injustice.”

Responses from South Africa and Germany

Responding to this first thematic presentation, South African Bishop Naledzani Josephine Sikhwari of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA) talked about the many different ethnicities and languages that make up her church. “ELCSA is diverse due to culture, language, ethnic groups, as well as the background of the missionaries who brought the gospel to Southern Africa,” she said. “Unity is not easy within ELCSA but in diversity we strive for the gospel,” she added. Working for unity in one body, she stressed, requires “inclusivity,” “integrity” and “treating each other with dignity.”

German Professor Dr Bernd Oberdorfer from the University of Augsburg also offered a response, reflecting on the Shoah, during which the bodies of Jewish men, women and children were burnt “to extinguish any traces of their existence.” Though the Shoah was not initiated or conducted by the church, he noted, the antisemitism of the Nazis was built “on a long history of Christian anti-Judaism which was still widespread in the Christian congregations of the early 20^th century.

Thus the “deliberate exclusion of our Jewish brothers and sisters from the people of God had an important impact on the exclusion, discrimination and persecution” of the Jewish people,” he said, weakening the willingness of Christians to defend the civic and human rights of Jews. Oberdorfer welcomed the recent LWF educational resource on “renewing Jewish-Christian relations” which was an important part of preparations for the Krakow Assembly and culminated in the recently published document Hope for the Future.