LWF President Bishop Henrik Stubkjær addresses participants in the ACLC Photo: LWF/J.C. Valeriano
LWF President Stubkjær urges delegates at Asia Church Leadership Conference to build up a communion of hope
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) President Bishop Henrik Stubkjær praised the work of churches across Asia “that demonstrate resilience and innovative approaches to ministry, often as faithful minorities, bringing hope to their societies.” His words came at the opening session of the Asia Church Leadership Conference which is taking place in Hong Kong from 7 to 12 November.
Delegates from 46 member churches in 14 countries gathered earlier for an opening worship service led by pastors from the Hong Kong Lutheran Federation which is hosting the meeting. Bishop Yau Chi Jackson Yeung of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong presided, while Rev. Wai Chi Lee of the Tsung Tsin Mission preached about the way that Jesus came to kindle the faith of the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
In his address to the gathering, President Stubkjær reflected on the theme of the LWF’s Thirteenth Assembly in Kraków, challenging churches in the vast Asia region to help build “a communion of hope” within their diverse cultures and faith contexts. From the bustling megacities to the remotest villages, he said “churches live out their Lutheran identity in contextual ways, [....] while remaining deeply connected to the global family.”
Hope is an enduring gift that transforms us and sustains us
LWF President Bishop Henrik Stubkjær
From a biblical perspective, he noted, “hope is more than an optimistic outlook, it is grounded in the certainty of God’s presence and promises, [...] an enduring gift that transforms us and sustains us.” Hope, he continued, can also be “a protest against all inhumanity and injustice – a fight for human freedom and the survival of all nature.”
Bishop Stubkjær went on to explore the different ways in which the LWF, as a global communion of churches, is “rooted in a living, always reforming tradition,” allowing its members to “live faithfully in diverse and complex contexts.” He described the communion as “an ever-expanding circle that values the beauty of diversity, while fostering unity that comes from a shared baptism.”
Alongside its theological focus, the Lutheran leader spoke about ways in which the LWF brings hope through service to neighbors, “offering hope and a future” to those most in need. He talked about his visit, earlier in the year, to war-torn Ukraine where LWF is rebuilding homes and providing safe underground schools for children. In Africa, he mentioned the Amaraho project in Burundi, where LWF supports not only the provision of food and farming tools, but also fosters resilience by teaching sustainable practices.
Steps towards unity and mission
Working for unity among Christians, Bishop Stubkjær noted, is another hopeful step towards reconciliation. He pointed to the recent joint statement made by the LWF and the Orthodox churches on the “filioque” clause of the Creed. “Developed through years of dialogue,” he explained, “this agreement offers an opportunity to embrace a common profession of faith,” with both traditions demonstrating “a willingness to bridge historical divides and journey together towards a more united Christian witness.”
Speaking of the work for justice and advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities, the LWF leader noted ways in which churches are “building trust with government partners and empowering local advocates,” thus highlighting “the power of faith communities to foster social change and promote human rights globally.”
Another of the pillars upon which the LWF was founded, Bishop Stubkjær recalled, is shared work in mission, proclaiming a liberating gospel of hope amid polarization and negative “trends towards individualism and prosperity gospel preaching." In this context, he spoke of the vital role of young people, who are being “equipped as leaders and peacebuilders, to bridge divides and foster reconciliation in their communities.”
“We bring hope,” President Stubkjær concluded, “not because we are strong in numbers but because we are strong in faith and service, not because we have all the answers but because we trust God’s promises, not because we are perfect but because we are called and empowered by God’s grace – let us continue to strengthen one another in this calling.”
