Delegates at the LUCCWA General Assembly in Lomé, Togo. Photo: LUCCWA
LUCCWA General Assembly deliberates on concrete steps to foster the communion
(LWI) – In a sincere and open spirit, the General Assembly of the Lutheran Communion in Central and Western Africa (LUCCWA) took place in Lomé, Togo, from 18 to 19 December. The conference theme was “We who are many are one body” (1 Corinthians 10:17).
LUCCWA President and National Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon, Dr Jean Baiguele, said, “LUCCWA’s ambition is to refocus—to work with member churches to change our approach to matters of concern, to change our vision, and to empower women to make their voices heard.” He thanked The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) for its “unfailing support and commitment to strengthening our communion.”
LUCCWA’s ambition is to refocus—to work with member churches to change our approach to matters of concern, to change our vision, and to empower women to make their voices heard.
LUCCWA President and National Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon, Dr Jean Baiguele
LUCCWA comprises LWF member churches in the sub-region and other Lutheran churches that collaborate with them, such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Togo, which hosted the General Assembly. The sub-regional gathering of heads of churches, women and youth leaders is held every two years.
In a communique issued at the end of the General Assembly, LUCCWA delegates stressed the need to “adapt to current challenges and embrace new opportunities with love, hope, and purposeful approach for our communion.” They thanked the former LWF President and Archbishop of The Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, Dr Panti Filibus Musa, the LUCCWA General Secretary from The Lutheran Church of Senegal, Rev. Thomas Diouf, and LWF Regional Secretary for Africa, Rev. Dr Samuel Dawai for their “vital contributions, dedication and commitment” to strengthen the communion in the sub-region.
Leadership in the church “is a divine calling to service, as demonstrated by Christ, who came to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28),” the communique states. The assembly thus called “on all leaders—bishops, pastors, youth, men, and women leaders to adopt a heart of humility, sacrifice, and selfless love in their roles.”
The sub-regional governing body also recommitted to implementing the LWF Gender Justice Policy, which includes “promoting gender equality in leadership roles within member churches.” The church leaders also prioritized climate justice, which provides for “educating churches on eco-theology, the need for environmental protection and the necessity for sustainable practices.”
Delegates expressed solidarity with communities facing violent attacks, displacement, and marginalization in the Central African Republic and called on international bodies and stakeholders to intervene and support peace-building initiatives. For those “severely affected by devastating floods during the last rainy season” in Nigeria and Cameroon, LUCCWA urges “governments and relief organizations to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and implement long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences.”
Programmatic priorities
They also revised LUCCWA’s statutes and by-laws, presented the audited financial report, and drafted projects for the sub-region in the coming years. Also, the LWF Strategy 2024-2031 was presented.
“Health and well-being, preventing violence against women and girls, educating women and girls, capacity building and theological training” were identified as priorities for women’s empowerment and gender justice, said Mame Coumba Epse Diouf, LUCCWA’s regional women’s coordinator from The Lutheran Church of Senegal.
LUCCWA youth coordinator Athanase Baissin from the Church of the Lutheran Brethren of Cameroon said youth involvement in the church is critical, especially for young women. The focus will be “promoting entrepreneurship and fighting irregular migration of young people” and “we won’t forget advocating for climate justice.”
“I am encouraged by this constructive meeting, the active participation of women, youth and church leaders and their valuable contributions to discussions,” said LWF Regional Secretary Samuel Dawai after the General Assembly.
