September 16, 2010

GENEVA, 16 September 2010 (LWI) – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has welcomed the appointment of former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet as head of the new United Nations agency, UN Women, saying it gives gender equality a high profile.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon named Bachelet to the post on 14 September. She was the first female president of Chile, and she is well known for her commitment to the pursuit of gender justice.

"The Lutheran World Federation welcomes your appointment, both because it shows what a high profile is being given to this newly created office, and because we are convinced of the high quality contribution you will bring toward the office's success," said Rev. Martin Junge, Acting LWF General Secretary, in a congratulatory letter sent today to Bachelet.

UN Women becomes operational in January, merging four UN offices and agencies: the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM); the Division for the Advancement of Women; the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women; and the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women.

Junge, a Chilean pastor, who is LWF General Secretary-elect reiterated the organization's support for UN Women's objectives. "Within our own Lutheran theological understanding, enhancing women's role and contribution in decision-making processes including leadership remains a key priority."

He pointed out that most of the LWF member churches around the world have ordained women as pastors, and many have women serving as bishops or presidents. "Our churches have been immeasurably blessed by our women pastors and leaders," added Junge, who assumes the position of general secretary on 1 November this year.

Still, the general secretary-elect acknowledged the significant challenges Lutherans face in their quest for gender equality, a fact highlighted by the organization's highest decision making body at its last meeting in Stuttgart, Germany. "We believe that in order to be a legitimate and credible voice for gender justice in society, the church must first achieve gender justice within its own structures and practices," said Junge, citing the Message of the Eleventh Assembly, held in July 2010 under the theme "Give Us Today Our Daily Bread."

His letter reiterated the LWF's commitment to overcoming the "sin of violence against women" and said it would try to learn from the experiences of churches like those in Chile, where they collaborate with government and civil society to protect women.

Junge underlined the LWF's commitment to working in partnership with UN Women, continuing close collaboration on efforts around the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the UN Commission on the Status for Women and the Millennium Development Goals.

"We at the LWF wish you and UN Women rich blessings and great success. Be assured of our prayers and ongoing support in advancing efforts to improve the lives of women and the communities they represent throughout the world," Junge concluded.

Lutheran World Information