September 12, 2004

GENEVA - The Council of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has affirmed the important role of Action by Churches Together (ACT) in responding ecumenically to global emergencies, and confirmed that the LWF shall maintain collective membership with regard to ACT. The LWF is a founding member of the Geneva-based ACT, a worldwide network of churches and their related agencies.

Acting on recommendations presented by the Program Committee for World Service, the Council at its September 1-7 meeting near Geneva, confirmed the principles and procedures that would form the basis of LWF input into discussions concerning modifications related to the ACT statutes and procedures related to membership. The Council underlined that the Act International statutes (Article 5) should include a definition of founding members and an elaboration of the understanding of collective membership. It further confirmed that those outside of the LWF membership (and World Council of Churches [WCC] - ACT co-founder) shall apply for membership directly to ACT.

Presenting the report of the Program Committee for World Service to the Council, committee chairperson Rev. Marie J. Barnett, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone, said the LWF acknowledged the integrity of the ACT governance structure. We are proud of ACT and value the opportunity to partner with WCC member churches and agencies around the world, she noted.

On procedures for affiliation to ACT, the Council said this must be confirmed by a registration process, that would be accomplished by completing a registration form (developed by ACT and the founding members) and submitting this to their respective umbrella organization - LWF or WCC.

It was also agreed that the LWF and WCC would take primary responsibility for the registration process, and would confirm the enlistment of the member churches. Members who wish to issue and implement appeals, would be expected to meet certain criteria, established by ACT, in consultation with the founding members and ACT governance, in order to ensure quality standards and accountability. ACT would provide the approval related to this level of participation.

In its discussions, the program committee had noted the LWF General Secretarys proposal in his report, that consideration be given to the establishment of a youth council in view of the inadequate support toward commitments made to youth participation in the LWFs deliberative and decision-making processes. Acting on a related recommendation from the world service committee, the Council agreed that relative to the youth representation on the LWF Council, the LWF ensure gender balance within the youth category, and that the establishment of a youth council would not be pursued at this time.

Under the title healing of memories the program committee had noted that 2004 marked the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan genocide. The Council acknowledged this tragic event through a minute of silence and prayer in solidarity with the families of the many victims.

The Council asked the LWF General Secretary to communicate to the family of the late Rev. Dr Tapio Saraneva (former Director of FinnChurchAid) appreciation for his contributions, including his passion and commitment to serving the needs of the poor around the world. Saraneva passed away in August 2003 following illness. Also remembered was Brazilian missionary Sister Doraci Edinger, Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil, who was murdered in Nampula, Mozambique in February this year.

The LWF Department for World Service (DWS) work worldwide includes emergency relief linked to disaster preparedness and sustainable development. With field offices in more than 30 countries, LWF/DWS focuses on meeting the needs of all people, irrespective of race, sex, creed, nationality or political conviction.

Lutheran World Information