Photo: LWF/S. Gallay
Commitment to strengthen capacity of churches and prepare next generation of leaders
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has opened its 2022 phase for churches to submit candidates for its annual theology and diaconia scholarships. A letter to all member churches and national committees invites them to share “information on scholarship opportunities widely” among “church members to ensure wide participation and inclusiveness.”
The scholarships “help to strengthen the churches’ capacities for holistic mission and prepare the next generation of leaders in the Lutheran communion,” noted Rev. Katariina Kiilunen, LWF program executive for Capacity Building and Leadership Development.
The application process is conducted solely online. Each church is eligible to endorse a maximum of seven candidates up from the previous five. This allows up to five candidates in the regular category of diploma and degree levels and two in short-term courses that respond to the needs of the respective church. A church may opt for individual or group scholarships.
When there is more than one candidate, the LWF gender and youth quotas apply: at least 40 percent must be female, and 20 percent younger than 30 years. While diaconal scholarships are set aside for churches in developing countries, theological scholarships are open to candidates from all world regions.
Churches and candidates must follow the guidelines set out, which include basic ethical commitments and standards, and a zero-tolerance policy on all forms of favoritism and abuse of power.
The deadline for submitting applications is 15 October 2021. All candidates must be endorsed, and their applications submitted by an LWF member church. The endorsing church must provide a description of the candidate’s planned future role in the church along with the application.
In 2021, a total of 85 new scholarships were approved: 43 for diaconal studies and 42 for theology.
By LWF/P. Mumia
The Scholarships for Theology and Diakonia program has been part of LWF’s engagement with its member churches since the 1950s. The financial grants awarded annually facilitate degree and diploma courses in theology and different areas of diaconal work for students and church workers. The goal is to strengthen the capacity of churches as they carry out their mission. Funding comes from LWF partners Bread for the World (Brot für die Welt) and the German National Committee of the LWF.
