Winnipeg to host Lutheran assembly

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 19/07/2003 (8329 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG is hosting the Tenth Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) from July 21-31.

About 1,000 people, delegates, translators, staff members and visitors are expected to arrive in Winnipeg for the event, most of which takes place at the Convention Centre.

“I expect to get to know many people and gain new insights at this, my first LWF Assembly,” said Bishop Nyiwe Thomas, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cameroon, one of the delegates.

“It’s important for Lutherans around the world to come to Winnipeg because one of the largest Lutheran churches has its headquarters here. It’s a joyous occasion to be with our Canadian brothers and sisters.”

Canada’s 166,000 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) are part of the Lutheran World Federation. Delegates representing 62 million church members in 75 countries will be in Winnipeg.

The assemblies are held every six years to review past actions, elect a president and council, and point the LWF in new directions for the next half-dozen years. It’s the first time the event has been held in Canada.

Every assembly has a theme and this time it is, “For the healing of the world.”

This assembly’s theme was suggested by the Revelation 22:2 vision of the river and trees of life: “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life… On each side of the river stood the tree of life… And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”

“It’s a matter of great pride for us to host this,” said Canada’s National Bishop Raymond Schultz.

“The experience and learning that go with it constitute a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

He is especially proud that the logo, symbolizing a cross and a tree atop a broken world, was designed by Richard Nostbakken and Eric Norbratten, a pair of Lutherans from Regina. Schultz expects the assembly to reach a consensus on strategies for major global issues, culminating in a concerted determination to work for increased Christian unity in the world as well as continued dialogue with people of other faiths.

“Anyone who reads the papers realizes we live in a terribly broken world, macro- as well as micro-cosmically,” said Schultz.

“The theme of healing does not merely denote health for individuals, but also taking environmental care as well as addressing political, economic and social systems nationally and internationally to propagate religious faith and life with a loving God.”

Others share Schultz’s sentiments.

“I am excited that we are having this opportunity to host the assembly in the city of Winnipeg,” said Rev. Heimo Bachmeyer, the bilingual German-English pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran on Walnut Avenue in Winnipeg.

“The international flavour is thrilling. What a wonderful way to open up and check out new approaches to ministry. The logo is a very timely one, and may stimulate our churches to do the work of healing in God’s world.”

The word “Lutheran” usually conjures up the stereotype of Christians of northern European origin. However, Lutherans from South America, Africa and Asia will also be attending.

Karin Achtelstetter, director, Office for Communication Services, at the LWF General Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, said the issues to be discussed include HIV/AIDS; exclusion and injustice; economic globalization; violence; reconciliation and healing; divisions in church and society; and interfaith relations.

One of the highlights will be an exhibit of Martin Luther memorabilia including books, paintings, manuscripts by Luther, a letter from his wife, a print of his famous 95 theses, and the first Bible printed by Johann Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press. The exhibition is open to the public from July 22-31 at the Convention Centre.

The effects of globalization may be examined as well. The Rev. Angel F. Furlan, president of Argentina’s United Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELU), said that globalization, which can contribute to humanity, has fallen into the hands of major First World political-military powers. The United States, he says, has imposed a new form of economic liberalism on poor countries, using the foreign debt issue.

— with files from R.D. Lowe and Canadian Press