Africa

Holistic mission. Diakonia. Solidarity.

Opportunities and challenges for holistic mission

Identifying good governance and accountability, encouraging youth participation, supporting gender justice, and accessing theological education and formation are priority for holistic mission for the Lutheran communion in Africa.

The challenges to carrying out this mission in Africa are limited financial resources, few local resources, poor communication infrastructure, and diverse languages among the churches.

A symbolic moment during the 60th anniversary of the first all-Africa Lutheran conference, held in 2015. Photo: Photo: LWF/ Tsion Alemayehu

More than 80 participants representing leadership levels of LWF's 31 member churches in Africa attended the 29 June- 1 July Africa Lutheran Church Leadership Consultation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Photo: LWF/ALCINET Erick Adolph

The ALCLC started with an opening eucharistic service at the Mekane Yesus Seminary chapel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Seen here, Bishop Dr Jean Baiguele (Cameroon) and Rev. Tseganech Ayele (Ethiopia) distributing Holy Communion. Photo: LWF/ALCINET Erick Adolph

Communion relations

Church leaders come together as a communion in the Lutheran Council in Africa (LUCA) to reflect on what it means to be part of the LWF regionally and work together to ease issues related to poverty and inequity in the region.

Minority church context

Some member churches are located in Muslim majority countries such as Senegal while others, including those in Congo Brazzaville, and Zambia, are smaller, more recently established churches.