A procession enters as participants in the ACT Alliance general assembly celebrate opening worship in the Javanese Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Jawa) Gondokusuman. The assembly gathers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, under the theme of “Hope in Action: Together for Justice” from 28 October to 1 November 2024. Photo: ACT/ Albin Hillert
LWF participates in ACT General Assembly meets in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
(LWI) - Climate change and the shrinking space for civil society engagement are two critical topics on the agenda at the ACT Alliance General Assembly, taking place in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from 28 October to 1 November 2024.
Under the theme “Hope in Action, Together for Justice,” the assembly convenes 300 participants from 152 faith-based organizations that comprise the ACT Alliance. Attendees are discussing climate change, civil society challenges, and advocacy efforts. Additionally, a public feature day titled "Together for Justice – Towards Solidarity, Equity, and Inclusion" showcases speakers from faith-based organizations, government, and international institutions.
Indonesian dancers perform during the opening session of the ACT Alliance general assembly. Photo: ACT/ Albin Hillert
While we’ll tackle various business matters, this assembly is also a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues and friends from around the globe to discuss joint actions and plan for the future.
Maria IMMONEN, Director, LWF World Service
"The ACT Alliance unites organizations committed to addressing the increasingly polarized world we live in today," says Maria Immonen, director of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) humanitarian and development arm, World Service. "While we’ll tackle various business matters, this assembly is also a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues and friends from around the globe to discuss joint actions and plan for the future."
Supporting advocacy for justice
LWF is a founding member of the ACT Alliance, making significant contributions through its humanitarian and advocacy initiatives. LWF collaborates with ACT members to tackle urgent global issues, including climate change, refugee support, and human rights.
“In a world marked by polarization, where human rights are often compromised in the face of both new and old fundamentalisms, the ACT Alliance must continue to bolster its advocacy efforts for justice,” emphasizes Isaiah Toroitich, LWF Head of Global Advocacy, who facilitated a session on human rights and faith-based advocacy during the assembly..
“The LWF has much to contribute to this area, given our history and ongoing advocacy initiatives with our member churches that connect our theology and Christian values with our commitment to human rights and justice at both local and global levels,” he adds.
ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together) is a coalition of 152 churches and faith-based organizations working in humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy to support vulnerable communities worldwide. It focuses on justice, peace, and sustainability, leveraging its network to provide coordinated, faith-driven responses to global crises.
