March 26, 2007

The "strong relationship" between the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the World Council of Churches (WCC) has been characterized "not only by mutual accountability and reciprocity on the journey towards unity, but by the common witness of the member churches in the service of all humanity" says a message addressed to the LWF on its 60th anniversary by the WCC.

The WCC congratulates the Federation for "60 years of growth in communion and witness," and evokes its "tireless efforts" to foster "a Lutheran identity that is ecumenically committed and open to sharing generously its gifts of spirit and resources."

The message was delivered on 24 March by WCC central committee moderator Rev. Dr Walter Altmann during a LWF Council meeting in Lund, Sweden.

It anticipates "a future of even closer collaboration" in responding to the "changing ecclesial and ecumenical contexts of our time," as well as to "urgent issues facing churches today" – including "globalization and economic injustice, HIV and AIDS, violence and the violation of human rights," and in the area of ecumenical formation.

Some 44 Lutheran churches organized at the national level in as many countries around the world are members of the WCC.

The full text of the WCC message is available on the WCC website at: http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=3451.

World Council of Churches