To be Lutheran is to be ecumenical

The Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg welcomes applicants for this online study course aimed at Lutheran pastors and advanced students of theology. The seminar has three main goals:

• To transmit to a younger generation the historic achievements in overcoming conflicts between Lutherans and other Christian churches 
• To discuss ecumenical relationships in participants’ home countries and develop tools to analyze and further dialogue in local contexts 
• To develop a transcultural dialogue about ecumenical theology and practice in order to strengthen communion between different parts of the global communion of churches 

Participants will receive five lectures in video and written form to study in advance of the daily webinars. They will also receive a certificate of participation at the conclusion of the course, which costs €150 for the week. The aim of the seminar is to contribute to a deeper awareness of the LWF’s self-understanding: “To be Lutheran is to be ecumenical.”

Further details and application form below 

Note: Church endorsement is required

26th LWF International Theological Seminar for Pastors 

For many Lutheran pastors and theologians worldwide, a visit to the city of the Reformation is a heartfelt wish. Also, meeting colleagues from different countries and continents – living, studying, and praying together – provides fresh theological perspectives and promotes spiritual renewal and encouragement. 

During their stay at the LWF Center Wittenberg, participants study texts by Martin Luther and their current relevance in various contexts under the skilled academic leadership of international teachers. Exchange with participants from the seven regions of the LWF on their experiences complements the study of texts. 

The academic team for this seminar is Prof. Dr. Stephen Pietsch (Australia/USA) and Prof. Dr. Elieshi Mungure (Tanzania). 

Excursions to sites of the Reformation or other places related to the conference theme add to the program. Also, meeting congregations in the surrounding area allows mutual insights into the church situation of the visitors and the hosts. The local congregations and their guests from across the world come together for joint prayers and Sunday services. 

Each day begins with a devotion led by one of the seminar participants. An inspiring exchange between different liturgical and cultural traditions and forms of worship comes to life here. During the seminar, participants present their churches, describing their current strengths and challenges. 

Participation Criteria 

An invitation to each seminar is sent to the church leadership of the member churches of the LWF. They then approach qualified applicants in their church.  

Also, pastors interested in attending a seminar may contact their church leaders, who can then nominate them.

The LWF Center Wittenberg selects the participants in consultation with the LWF Communion Office in Geneva from the applications received. Criteria such as regional affiliation, a balanced ratio of men and women, age distribution, etc., play an essential role. Nominees who are not selected for a seminar can reapply for the next seminar. 

Good proficiency in English is required for participation in the seminar.

27th LWF International Theological Seminar for Pastors 

For many Lutheran pastors and theologians worldwide, a visit to the city of the Reformation is a heartfelt wish. Also, meeting colleagues from different countries and continents – living, studying, and praying together – provides fresh theological perspectives and promotes spiritual renewal and encouragement. 

During their stay at the LWF Center Wittenberg, Participants study texts by Martin Luther and their current relevance in various contexts under the skilled academic leadership of international teachers. Exchange with participants from the seven regions of the LWF on their experiences complements the study of texts. 

The academic team for this seminar is Prof. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky-Wilson (USA/Japan) and Prof. Dr. Theodor Dieter (Germany/France). 

Excursions to sites of the Reformation or other places related to the conference theme add to the program. Also, meeting congregations in the surrounding area allows mutual insights into the church situation of the visitors and the hosts. The local congregations and their guests from across the world come together for joint prayers and Sunday services. 

Each day begins with a devotion led by one of the seminar participants. An inspiring exchange between different liturgical and cultural traditions and forms of worship comes to life here. During the seminar, participants present their churches, describing their current strengths and challenges. 

Participation Criteria 

An invitation to each seminar is sent to the church leadership of the member churches of the LWF. They then approach qualified applicants in their church.  

Also, pastors interested in attending a seminar may contact their church leaders, who can then nominate them. 

The LWF Center Wittenberg selects the participants in consultation with the LWF Communion Office in Geneva from the applications received. Criteria such as regional affiliation, a balanced ratio of men and women, age distribution, etc., play an essential role. Nominees who are not selected for a seminar can reapply for the next seminar. 

Good proficiency in English is required for participation in the seminar.

Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics and Management 

Organized by the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the World Council of Churches, the Council for World Mission, the World Methodist Council and the Lutheran World Federation, this training brings together economic actors, church employees, indigenous people and others to learn together about how to advocate for economic justice.  

 The GEM School has the following objectives:

• Identify theological starting points for economic justice (i.e. why and how theology and ethics are deeply related to economic life) 
• Provide a basic understanding of mainstream economic thinking 
• Identify economic models and their consequences in different regional contexts  
• Widen the horizon of economics by introducing ecological, feminist and other pluralistic approaches 
• Develop an interdisciplinary structure for bridging theological and economic thinking and action 
• Lay out the political and strategic implications for churches and their advocacy for an Economy of Life in the context of the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace. 

Autumn Study Course at the Institute for Ecumenical Research

This online course will explore major ecumenical developments of the past sixty years, with a focus on relations between Lutherans and Roman Catholics, Mennonites, Orthodox and Pentecostals. 

Participants will be asked to report on relations between the churches in their own countries, discussing challenges and developing tools to promote a rapprochement between churches in the different contexts. 

With a maximum of 20 participants, it will also serve to strengthen ties and promote communion building among LWF member churches. 

Since 1965, the Institute in Strasbourg has been working to provide theological analysis and advice to serve the world’s Lutheran churches as they seek to move forward on the path towards Christian unity. 

Open to all, with endorsement of church leadership.