Theology graduates Donna Aritonang (Indonesia) and Rutendo Gora (South Africa). Photos: Private
LWF scholarship holders affirm a community that nurtures hope and transformative change
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) recently celebrated its scholarship holders’ accomplishments with an online Advent event that brought together graduates and current students from the communion’s member churches around the world. The occasion highlighted milestones in theological and diakonia studies, underscoring the program’s ongoing commitment to foster leaders who bring hope and transformative change to their communities.
Leading devotion, Mr Hans Thapelo Lange drew parallels between anticipating Christ’s coming and the challenges of nurturing hope today. He urged the participants to build on their creativity and critical thinking, encourage each other and “dare to hope for the Lord’s coming” in a world that often “looks different from what we expect.”
In his message, Rev. Dr Sivin Kit, Director of the LWF Department for Theology, Mission and Justice, spoke of the journey ahead after completing studies. “Graduation marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. We are called to have a theological agenda where we hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering,” he said.
The LWF Program Executive for Capacity Building and Leadership Development Rev. Katariina Kiilunen emphasized the scholarships as the starting point of an enduring connection with the LWF. “Graduation is not the end of LWF’s involvement; rather, we see it as a new beginning. We hope it inspires graduates to contribute to the life of the global communion with their unique gifts and perspectives, while staying connected through the alumni network for mutual support,” she said.
I hope that this theological experience will not stop with academia, but that I will seek to develop it while remaining committed to promoting social justice and Christ's love for all people.
– Ms Donna Aritonang, Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church
New perspectives in a supportive community
Two recent graduates shared how the academic program and the regular LWF online meetings impact students. “I hope that this theological experience will not stop with academia, but that I will seek to develop it while remaining committed to promoting social justice and Christ’s love for all people,” said Ms Donna Aritonang from the Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church (Gereja Kristen Lutheran Indonesia – GKLI). The chairperson of GKLI’s Youth and Sunday School Children Commission recently earned a master’s in theology from the Protestant University, Institut Agama Kristen Negeri (IAKN) in Tarutung, North Sumatra, Indonesia.
Aritonang said her studies in systematic theology, Bible and applied ethics at IAKN, “broadened my horizons and enriched my understanding of the Christian faith.” The interaction with fellow students from different cultures and theological backgrounds, she added, deepened “my perspective and understanding of the importance of maintaining harmony in the midst of diversity.”
Ms Rutendo Gora, Northeastern Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Africa, recently completed a master's in divinity at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. “My journey of studying theology through the LWF scholarship program fills my heart with gratitude and joy,” and “equips me to serve others meaningfully,” she said. She spoke of significant milestones “enriched by deep theological insights, vibrant academic discussions, and a supportive community that nurtured my faith and calling.”
Gora is preparing to intern with one of LWF’s member churches in South Africa before her ordination as a pastor. “The Advent season of waiting reminds me of the promise of Emmanuel—God with us—as I continue to walk in faith and purpose,” she added.
The LWF study grants cover long-term university or seminary courses and short-term certificate programs. There are currently 300 scholarship holders pursuing studies in theology and diakonia related fields in several countries around the world.
