April 11, 2003

NAIROBI, Kenya - The 29 Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches in Africa plan to contribute USD 20,000 to the LWF Foundation - Endowment Fund over the next four years.

The decision was made by church representatives attending the March 23-26 Africa Pre-Assembly Consultation in Nairobi, Kenya.

It was agreed that churches with membership exceeding one million contribute USD 400 annually to the Fund, USD 300 for churches with between 500,000 and one million members, USD 200 for 100,000 to 499,999 members, USD 100 for those with between 1,000 and 99,999 members and USD 50 for membership below 1,000. The church representatives proposed that smaller churches and those that are unable to raise the expected amounts should be assisted by other LWF churches in the region. The churches on the continent represent a total membership of 11.9 million people in 21 countries.

After adopting this decision, the African church leaders dedicated to the LWF fund, a total of USD 460, raised from spontaneous contributions by delegates and from the collection at the African PAC closing worship service.

Established in 1996, the Endowment Fund is intended to strengthen and supplement, through capital returns, financial support for the LWF's work. Swiss authorities approved the establishment of the foundation in the Canton of Geneva in 1998 where it was registered in 1999. The LWF Board of Trustees in an honorary capacity, directs the foundation and reports to the LWF Council annually. The fund's target by 2004 is USD 10 million. The long-term goal is USD 50 million.

Lutheran World Information