March 28, 2007

LUND, Sweden/GENEVA – The Council of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) endorsed the recommendations of an LWF Communication Audit that calls for investment in technical and visual improvement of the LWF Web sites, among other initiatives to enhance communication in the Federation.

Acting on recommendations of its Program Committee for Communication Services, the LWF Council received the communication audit in its entirety, and agreed to the implementation of its proposals, which also call for audience identification and targeting; regional involvement in production and distribution within financial limits; and the development and consistent use of a corporate graphic identity.

At its 2004 meeting, the Council had called for the secretariat-wide Communication Audit, led by the communications services unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the LWF Interdepartmental Committee on Publications. The process also involved participation of the LWF regions in a second phase.

At its meeting this year, the Council asked the general secretary to undertake a financial evaluation of the expenditure of all communication material in the LWF including the field offices of the Department for World Service (DWS).

In view of the small number of responses received from the member churches with regard to cooperation in translation, the Council requested the general secretary to intensify efforts to get clear commitments from member churches for translation pilot projects. The Council also requested the general secretary to ensure that all communication material of the LWF respect the inclusive language policy.

Call to Actively Participate in ACT Development

Acting on recommendations of the Program Committee for World Service, the Council endorsed the LWF's participation in ACT (Action by Churches Together) Development, and asked the LWF secretariat to continue its active involvement in the new global alliance for development. The governing body further encouraged the LWF member churches and development organizations to take part and actively engage in ACT Development.

ACT Development was officially established in February 2007, after two years of consultations and planning. The alliance comprises 55 churches and church-related organizations with programs in 157 countries with more than 14,000 staff and a combined budget of approximately USD 1 billion. The LWF is represented on its 12-seat Executive Committee comprising representation from Africa, Asia, Latin America, West and East Europe, and USA.

Among its objectives, the ACT Development alliance aims to increase the effectiveness of ecumenical work on poverty, injustice and human rights; provide a platform for sharing theological reflection and mutual learning; and enhance the visibility of the ecumenical family's development work. The new alliance will continue discussions with ACT International – the churches' global alliance for emergency response – to explore possibilities of a structural relationship.

Alongside the LWF secretariat-wide Strategic Plan, World Service has developed a Global Strategy for the period 2007-2010 which was approved by its Standing Committee in November 2006. The plan has as its motto "Uphold the Rights of the Poor and Oppressed (Psalm 82:3)."

The Council agreed that the mandate of the Standing Committee for World Service be amended to include the major functions of receiving financial reports from DWS, and advice DWS on all major financial issues, and that it be consulted by the general secretary in the appointment of the department's director.

The Program Committee for World Service informed the Council that the committee had received and adopted the Guidelines for Communication Procedures in Crisis Situations.

Rev. Marie J. Barnett (Sierra Leone) chairs the Program Committee for World Service.

An estimated 500 people including over 100 church leaders attended this year's Council meeting, church leadership consultation and the LWF 60th anniversary celebrations. Also present were officials from LWF partner organizations, invited guests, stewards, interpreters and translators, LWF staff and co-opted staff, accredited media, and participants in the three-year LWF international training program for young communicators.

The Council is the governing body meeting between Assemblies held every six years. The current Council was appointed at the July 2003 Tenth Assembly in Winnipeg, Canada. It comprises the President, Treasurer and 48 persons elected by the Assembly. Other members include advisors, lay and ordained persons, representing the different LWF regions.

Lutheran World Information