Working together for justice, peace and reconciliation
LWF publishes 2019 Annual Report
(LWI) – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Annual Report for the work carried out in 2019 is now available. The report highlights the Communion Office collaboration with churches as they witness in their local and global contexts, and their work together for justice, peace and reconciliation in the world.
The report’s theme—“Because we know God’s voice”—framed discussions of the LWF Council at its June meeting.
Structured around LWF’s three strategic priorities, the report demonstrates how communion relations are nurtured as churches in the different regions come together to learn from each, share common concerns and identify solutions to various challenges. It includes celebrations of the 20th anniversary of an ecumenical milestone, shows how innovative theological approaches can bring about transformation, and describes the church’s role in strengthening the public space to be safe, participatory and inclusive.
The goal to empower youth for bold action is elaborated, as is the commitment to hold churches and the international community accountable for women’s rights and leadership.
The report features how LWF’s intensified local and global advocacy can influence policy regarding the inalienable rights of vulnerable individuals and communities. It also highlights the significant contribution of churches’ diaconal work to implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
An overview is provided of LWF’s international diaconal arm—World Service—whose humanitarian and development support reached more than 2.25 million vulnerable people in 29 countries worldwide, over 50 percent of who had been forcibly displaced by conflict. This includes response to crises in collaboration with the member churches in countries such as Mozambique and Colombia. Examples and case studies are also provided of the three strategic priorities--livelihood, quality services and protection and social cohesion. The 2019 World Service Annual Report (link to resource) offers a detailed analysis of the work carried out by LWF’s 25 country programs and response to emergencies.
Under the finance section, which summarizes the audited income and expenditure in 2019, it is indicated that the LWF’s total income was EUR 168 million. The organization spent 91 percent of its operating expenses on initiatives that directly benefited people affected by humanitarian need, and in strengthening the churches’ capacity for holistic mission.
