June 15, 2005

GENEVA – A consultation of women bishops, presidents and women leaders with the ministry of oversight from member churches of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) begins on Thursday, June 16 at the LWF Geneva secretariat. The women will explore together appropriate leadership models in addressing challenges faced by churches in their respective contexts and globally.

The Women in Church and Society desk of the LWF Department for Mission Development is organizing the three-day meeting.

The conference is aimed at also facilitating a forum for LWF women bishops and presidents to learn and share experiences and good practices. The 14 participants will receive an update on the current focus of the Geneva-based church organizations, and discuss how these concerns impact on the life of the churches. This conference is also designed as a platform to reflect on what it means to be church in today's context.

LWF General Secretary, Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko will address the consultation. Some of the topics to be discussed include value-based leadership, church tradition and church renewal, Episcopal ministry within the apostolicity of the church, and justice concerns as a mission of the church.

The bishops and presidents represent LWF member churches in Canada, Germany, India, Netherlands, Sweden, South Africa and the United States of America. There will also be a representative each from Ethiopia, and Central Eastern Europe where there are no Lutheran women yet at the highest level of church leadership.

Lutheran World Information