Being church in times of transformation

First online Church Leadership Consultation takes place in Europe

(LWI) - “The transformation we are all going through also finds its expression when we come together as a communion of churches,” said Rev. Dr. Ireneusz Lukas, Regional Secretary for Europe, in anticipation of the European Church Leadership Consultation which starts today. For the first time, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) will host an online leadership consultation with about 100 participants from its member churches in Europe.

Originally planned as a meeting in Oxford, United Kingdom, the measures in place to curb the ongoing Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have forced the organizers to take a new approach. On 22 and 23 September, Council members, church leaders, and advisors from the three LWF regions Central and Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Nordic countries are meeting online to discuss the theme “Being church in times of transformation.”

“In this consultation bishops and church presidents of LWFs member churches in Europe will participate,” Lukas explained. “We have also invited lay leaders, women coordinators, youth leaders and coordinators of the communication network.” Lukas explains. “The need to foster communion and awareness of belonging to a bigger whole is one of the key aspects.”

LWF President Archbishop Dr. Panti Filibus Musa (The Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria) will present the opening address. The three vice presidents will contribute with inputs dealing with the specific perspective from their region. Archbishop Dr. Antje Jackelén (Church of Sweden) will provide insights into the Nordic region. Pröpstin Astrid Kleist (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany) speaks about Central and Western Europe, while Archbishop Urmas Viilma (Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church) focuses on Central and Eastern Europe.

“Small groups and informal meeting spaces will provide opportunities for close interaction among participants,” the Regional Secretary for Europe added.

European Church Leadership Consultation takes place in an online format on 22 and 23 September. Participants from the three European regions of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) – Central and Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Nordic countries – meet to reflect the theme of the conference “Being church in times of transformation”.