LWF’s finances showed resilience in 2022 during a year of high inflation and a global economic downturn.
Oberkirchenrat Olaf Johannes Mirgeler, chairperson of the LWF Finance Committee. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert
Finance Committee Chairperson reports on “resilience” during global economic downturn
(LWI) - Member churches and other funding partners continued to support the work of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) throughout 2022, during a difficult year of high inflation and a global economic downturn.
In a report to the Council, the Finance Committee Chairperson Oberkirchenrat Olaf Johannes Mirgeler, said "the LWF and its member churches showed resilience and were able to adapt well despite the economic challenges experienced in 2022.”
The continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation and the war in Ukraine, with its impact on energy and food prices, were among the key challenges that Mirgeler pointed to in his overview of the financial health of the organization. In this context, he said, over the past 12 months, the LWF “made significant contributions towards the response in Ukraine and other humanitarian crises around the world.”
Consolidated income for the year was EUR 178 million, said Mirgeler, which is an increase of 10 percent on the previous year, attributable to the emergency response in Ukraine and other countries in crisis. LWF’s total expenditure was EUR 176.8 million. The organization’s finances “remain strong and stable,” added Mirgeler.
Mirgeler expressed deep gratitude to member churches and ecumenical partners, noting that online systems continue to be developed in order to strengthen collaboration between the Geneva headquarters and field offices around the world. He concluded his report to the outgoing LWF Council by affirming “the good work that is being done by the LWF Communion Office” and urging the organization to continue its work of vibrant witness, promoting human dignity, justice, and peace.”
The LWF Council is the highest authority of the LWF between Assemblies. It consists of the President, the Chairperson of the Finance Committee, and 48 members from LWF member churches in seven regions. The current governing body was elected at the May 2017 Twelfth Assembly in Windhoek, Namibia.
