Reformation 2017
The beginning of the Reformation period in Africa was marked by celebrations commemorating the 60th anniversary of the first all-Africa meeting of Lutheran leaders in 1955. From across the continent, church leaders and represented joined as a Communion to pave the way for the Lutheran relations in Africa in the years to come.
The journey to Marangu
The journey to Windhoek
Lutherans the world over are preparing for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, in which German priest and theologian Martin Luther challenged the teachings of the Catholic church.
Reformation 2017 will take place in the Namibian city of Windhoek with a general assembly, the theme of which is Liberated by God’s Grace. The sub-themes affirm the LWF's unrelenting position that people, creation and salvation are gifts from God and not to be exploited.
For churches in Africa, the celebration will be a time to assert their continued commitment to the gospel and to the LWF communion. The context in which member churches work continues to shape their faith, theology and understanding of God’s mission. In Africa, we challenge the injustice and poverty that inhibits the lives of millions across the continent.
Marangu 2015
In May 2015, churches of the African Lutheran communion marked a key regional event within the Reformation 2017 framework – the 60th anniversary of the first gathering of African Lutheran leaders that took place in Tanzania in May 1955. The jubilee celebrations commemorated the spirit of unity that churches created as they came together for the first time at that historic conference.
Some 170 participants – heads of churches, women, youth, and representatives of theological institutions –celebrated the African Lutheran church and addressed issues of interest, humanitarian crisis and development agendas in Africa. Marangu marked a pivotal moment in the church’s history, inspiring the future of the federation's life and work in Africa.
We proclaim the “good news” of Christ’s life, his death on the cross, and his resurrection. Together we witness that, despite our sins, we are accepted unconditionally: forgiven, saved and justified by God’s grace for Christ’s sake through faith alone.
We live our life together in the communion of the Church. We center our worship of the Triune God in the proclamation of the Word of God, both law and gospel, and in the sacraments.
We are freed by Christ in faith to love and serve our neighbor. Our service in the world and our care for creation are integral to our Lutheran identity.
The LWF confesses the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the only source and norm of its doctrine, life and service. It sees in the Ecumenical Creeds and in the Lutheran Confessions a pure exposition of the Word of God.
The LWF confesses the one holy, catholic, and apostolic church and is resolved to serve and actively promote Christian unity throughout the world and to further united witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We work for unity among Christians through theological education and exploration, dialogue and collaborative action, as our participation in the ecumenical movement.
