Uniqueness of Pre-Assemblies Women's Gathering Paves Way for First LWF Assembly in 21st Century

November 17, 2002

MONTREUX, Switzerland – There is a new impetus about every Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Assembly, "but Winnipeg will not be unique unless the pre-assemblies are unique." The LWF General Secretary, Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko made these remarks when he addressed participants in the first gathering in preparation for the Federation's Tenth Assembly that will take place in Winnipeg, Canada, July 21-31, 2003.

The November 14-17 Pre-Assembly Women's Gathering, with around 60 representatives from member churches worldwide, is the first in a process of seven such gatherings that will include five regional pre-assemblies and one global youth conference.

An Assembly is a milestone in the Federation's life, Noko stressed and went on to highlight some concerns for the forthcoming assembly, the first in the 21st century. Assembly delegates from all LWF member churches will be meeting in the context of the World Council of Churches Decade to Overcome Violence (2001-2010), he said, and cited "LWF's humble contribution to this process" – the document "Churches Say ‘No' to Violence against Women," – produced by the desk for Women in Church and Society (WICAS) in the Department for Mission and Development (DMD). WICAS is hosting the women's pre-assembly.

Noko noted that the document has been widely shared not only among member churches, but also with ecumenical delegations and gatherings, and the wider public including some United Nations agencies. "The increasing violence in our communities – significantly affecting women, children and young people must be addressed with peace initiatives at all levels," he said.

Other issues include what it means to be an inclusive church, and women's ordination. The general secretary pointed out that although there is notable progress in the latter, about one-third of the 136 LWF member churches are not ordaining women. The partnership between men and women, and young and old is crucial, he said pointing out that Assembly delegates must include 50 percent men and women, and 20 percent youth. He was concerned that nomination of young adult delegates has so far not attained the required representation, but stressed the need to achieve this level.

Addressing the gathering, Rev. Dr Peri Rasolondraibe, DMD Director, explained the purpose of pre-assemblies – to prepare, equip and empower delegates for full participation and meaningful contribution to the Assembly. The department is responsible for all pre-assembly consultations.

Rasolondraibe described the women's pre-assembly as special in that it will have a chance to influence what will happen in Winnipeg. "This meeting does not end here. The Assembly begins here," he said. Each of the five regional pre-assemblies includes a day set aside for women delegates. "You will bring your experiences from here to the regions and Winnipeg," the DMD director said.

Speaking about women's participation in the LWF, WICAS Secretary, Ms Priscilla Singh cited the progress made since the Federation's founding 56 years ago, and the challenges that still lie ahead.

Although women's participation in the LWF was present through occasional conferences and declarations from 1947-1970, it was not until 1972 that the first staff person was appointed to develop women's programs in member churches. The first women's pre-assembly in 1976 resolved to create a forum for women from the member churches. Consequent issues at women's pre-assemblies included a plan to ensure representation in the 1997 Ninth Assembly in Hong Kong, China.

The last Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to open ways for women to enter the ordained ministry in all LWF member churches. It also resolved to promote economic literacy; and actively examine, study and promote gender awareness to ensure that gender issues are taken seriously.

Singh pointed out that there are 18 women bishops including one to-be-ordained early next year in LWF churches in Europe and North America. There are four women presidents heading churches in Latin America, Asia and Africa, and one church inspector in Europe. The number of women in leadership positions, she said, is expected to increase in Northern churches because 60 percent of theological students there are women.

The WICAS secretary reiterated gender main-streaming as a tool of analysis for better understanding that leads towards transformation in churches, families and communities.

Lutheran World Information