Latin America and the Caribbean

Opportunities for Holistic Mission

Each member church in the Lutheran communion in Latin America and the Caribbean is engaged in holistic mission: preaching the Gospel, serving their communities and advocating for the marginalized.

Given the poverty in the region, LWF member churches continue to nurture their communion relationships to learn together how to enhance these practices.

Challenges of Holistic Mission

Smaller and disadvantaged churches in particular face serious problems developing their holistic mission. There is a growing need for training in disaster preparedness and response. Increasing secularism and a loss of interest in faith among youth, who face education and employment concerns, are increasing challenges.

Communion Relationships

The region’s annual leadership conference offers opportunities for church leaders to connect with one another, strengthen church practices and accompany each other in mission. The promotion of the full participation of women and youth allows the churches better to organize and develop their agendas. The HIV and Aids Network coordinates efforts around this issue in the region.

Minority Church Context

Lutheran churches in most of the countries in the region are minority churches.