LWF Youth lead global Reformation prayer

In this time of physical distancing, the Lutheran World Federation will gather online to unite in prayer on Reformation Day 2020. LWF Youth from around the world will lead our liturgy that focuses on baptism, which reconciles us to God and all creation. By water and Word, the one Spirit unites us through time and space into one body of Christ, and enlightens us with one hope to live our vocation in trust and courage. We will hear messages of hope from around the world and dance to music by Grupo Anima, theology students at Faculdades EST, Brazil.

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Event languages: English, Spanish, French, German

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Read more As Lutherans worldwide mark the Reformation, LWF offers resources including prayers, publications and a webinar on faith and media literacy

Reformation Day 2020

Youth from around the globe are making inspiring strides toward advancing interreligious solidarity and cooperation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Young leaders and youth-led organizations have taken an active role in ensuring communities receive accurate information about the virus while simultaneously striving to dispel harmful narratives, especially on virtual platforms. 

Thanks to their technological adeptness and growing interconnectedness, young people are uniquely placed to bring innovative approaches to understanding marginalization and violence in the society. Their participation in advancing interfaith solidarity is imperative.  

This interactive webinar will focus on the role of youth as agents of change. It will also encourage those engaged as peacemakers to evaluate how to increase youth capacity and participation.   

Speakers: 

• Mr Fernando Sihotang, The Lutheran World Federation National Committee, Indonesia. 
• Ms Kosar Mahmoodi, Muslim Youth Forum, Finland, 
• Ms Merylene Chitharai, Religions for Peace Youth Media Team, South Africa.

Moderators:  

• Ms Jessica Roland, Senior Specialist on Inclusive Peace, The Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers 
• Rev. Dr Sivin Kit, Program Executive for Public Theology and Interreligious Relations, The Lutheran World Federation.  

Organizers: 

• The Lutheran World Federation
• The Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers 
• World Council of Churches

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Participants share how youth-inspired projects contribute to ongoing reformation in the church

In its second phase, the LWF Global Young Reformers Network (GYRN) provides a platform for youth in the member churches to work around focus areas identified at the Twelfth LWF Assembly. These include three priorities namely, revival of churches, equity and education, and two cross-cutting themes-- climate justice and youth participation. The goal is to inspire and empower youth to engage and participate in the ongoing reformation of the church.

During the regional meeting, the young reformers will report on youth-led initiatives among the 31 LWF member churches in Africa, identify best practices and set priorities for the coming years.

Facilitated by LWF Communion Office staff, the online meeting will include smaller group discussions around the main topics.

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Global Young Reformers Network 2.0

Participants explore youth contribution toward sustainable change in the Lutheran communion

The second phase of the LWF Global Young Reformers Network (GYRN)  invites youth contribution to three priorities--revival of churches, equity and education; and two cross-cutting themes-- climate justice and youth participation. The goal is to inspire and empower youth to engage in the ongoing reformation of the church. 

This online meeting provides an opportunity for LWF member church representatives from Latin America & the Caribbean (LAC) and North America (NA) to: 

• Connect with fellow young reformers in the LAC and NA regions  
• Explore through mutual sharing and reflection the identity of GYRN and the role of its members 
• Identify ways to participate in the Lutheran communion and contribute to ongoing reformation  

The meeting will continue on 6 February, concluding with action plans on working toward sustainable change in the Lutheran communion.

Event languages: English and Spanish

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Global Young Reformers Network 2.0

Participants explore youth contribution toward sustainable change in the Lutheran communion

The second phase of the LWF Global Young Reformers Network (GYRN)  invites youth contribution to three priorities--revival of churches, equity and education; and two cross-cutting themes-- climate justice and youth participation. The goal is to inspire and empower youth to engage in the ongoing reformation of the church. 

This online meeting provides an opportunity for LWF member church representatives from Latin America & the Caribbean (LAC) and North America (NA) to: 

• Connect with fellow young reformers in the LAC and NA regions  
• Explore through mutual sharing and reflection the identity of GYRN and the role of its members 
• Identify ways to participate in the Lutheran communion and contribute to ongoing reformation  

The meeting will conclude with action plans on working toward sustainable change in the Lutheran communion.

Event languages: English and Spanish

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Urgently Addressing Climate Change as a Human Rights Issue: Small Island States, Indigenous, Youth and Faith perspectives

Climate change is one of the most urgent human rights issues of our time, directly and indirectly threatening the enjoyment and realization of human rights of all. The small island and least developed countries are particularly vulnerable. The Indigenous Peoples, youth and people living in poverty are affected in unequal ways.

Though the most recent scientific data conclude that climate change is accelerating, demanding an urgent and coordinated response, there is as yet no dedicated mechanism at the Human Rights Council (HRC) that tackles climate change in a holistic, systematic, and consistent manner. Moreover, there is a clear need to strengthen the connection between the HRC and the key international frameworks governing global climate change negotiations.

This event is organized by the Geneva Interfaith Forum (GIF) on Climate Change, Environment and Human Rights, of which the LWF is a member. It takes place in conjunction with the 46th Session of the HRC and brings together voices and visions from small island states, Indigenous Peoples, youth, and faith communities. Its goal is to establish the connections between climate change and human rights, as well as to share information about concrete proposals and initiatives for addressing the human rights impacts of climate change in this context.

Speakers:

• Didier Georges, Haiti, Permanent Mission of Haiti to the UN in Geneva
• Yves Lador, Switzerland, Earthjustice
• Sis Jayanti, United Kingdom, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University
• Aldonna Purba, Lutheran World Federation Youth voice
• Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Chad, Coordinator of the Association of Peul Women and Autochthonous Peoples of Chad
• Rev James Bhagwan, Fiji, Pacific Conference of Churches

Moderator:

• Ms Alexandra M Goossens-Ishii, Soka Gakkai International & Geneva Interfaith Forum on Climate Change, Environment and Human Rights (GIF)

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Climate Justice

Advocating for climate justice

LWF advocates for climate justice with a strong focus on implementing the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below 1,5 degrees Celcius and prevent a climate disaster. Climate change is a present reality, affecting the basics of life, amongst others, the full and effective enjoyment of human rights.

Climate change negatively affects vulnerable groups, the implementation of human rights, health, and biodiversity.

The LWF delegation at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) brings together experienced climate leaders who, together with a youth delegation, advocate for the voiceless from a faith perspective along with ecumenical and interfaith partners at online and in-person meetings.

People of faith present their calls, hopes and demands for climate justice at COP26 to political leaders 

Join us at COP26, where faith activists, youth, and leaders from around the world will present their calls, hopes, and demands for climate justice to political leaders.

In the run-up to COP26, people of faith worldwide have been mobilizing to demand climate justice from COP26. The LWF, with the Global Action and Prayer Chain for Climate Justice, is calling on governments to ramp up their efforts and commitments to limit global warming to 1.5°C with a petition.

The event will feature the handover of petitions and statements, hearing demands for climate justice from youth activists, and joining together in prayer for bold and just climate action at COP26.

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Sign the petition

Youth-led worship with a focus on our relationship to creation

Join us for a time of prayer for Climate Justice and thanksgiving to God for all of creation. 

As we gather to commemorate the 504th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, the LWF Youth lead our call for a re-formation of our relationship with all the Earth! 

We will also bless the service and witness of the 32 young people who will make up the LWF Delegation at COP 26.

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Panel discussion at the People’s Summit for Climate Justice

While world leaders meet at COP26, the People’s Summit for Climate Justice brings together the climate justice movement to discuss, learn and strategize for system change.  

Generally, awareness has increased that current energy-demanding lifestyles are unsustainable. Yet, governments are under pressure to satisfy their electorates, sustain their economies, and address environmental challenges. The energy transition cannot be achieved without international cooperation in developing and distributing new energy sources.  

The panel will discuss accelerating the implementation of new technologies, including local community initiatives, to achieve low-carbon lifestyles. 

It will also explore: 

• How to raise awareness and inspire real change 
• Ways of sharing success stories to accelerate new thinking. 
• How to foster a sense of global belonging and move towards a sustainable future beyond immediate family, community, faith, or nationality 

Panelists:

• Katarina Kuhnert – climate scientist and LWF youth delegate to COP26 
• Golo Pilz – Meditation teacher and Energy Advisor at Brahma Kumaris 
• Paul Allen - Knowledge & Outreach Coordinator, Zero Carbon Britain, Centre for Alternative Technology 
• Catherine Allison - Director of Future Earth Ltd 

Moderator:

• Sonja Ohlsson, Brahma Kumaris Contact Point to UNFCCC

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