Vision
LWF’s vision describes our self-understanding and what we aspire to do together. The vision is outlined in the LWF Strategy 2019-2024. We are always rooted in the grace of God, which we receive as a gift and respond to by serving our neighbor. As a communion of churches we are gathered in Christ and as a communion we live and work together to make the world more just, peaceful and ultimately fully reconciled.
"Liberated by God’s grace, a communion in Christ, living and working together for a just, peaceful, and reconciled world."
Values
Our values derive from our Lutheran identity. They are a deeply rooted response to God’s grace as revealed through Jesus Christ. As a communion, we are freed by this grace to participate in God’s vision and mission for the world.
Dignity and Justice
Each and every person is created in God’s image, is gifted with talents and capacities, and has dignity, irrespective of social status, gender, ethnicity, age, ability, or other differences.
Our commitment to human rights and justice means that we work on the underlying causes of poverty and exclusion and for a more equitable distribution of power, resources, and opportunities.
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever flowing stream
(Am 5:24)
Compassion and Commitment
Inspired by God’s love for humanity, we seek to show care and compassion toward people who are suffering—the poor, the vulnerable and marginalized, and minority populations and faiths, who experience discrimination, violence, and hardship in different contexts.
But a Samaritan while traveling came near him, and when he saw him, he was moved with pity
(Lk 10:33)
Respect for Diversity
Differences among us express the richness of God’s creation.
As a global communion of churches we value and seek to understand our differences in culture, history, and context.
We also cherish the way in which these have shaped our theological understandings, our perspectives on moral and ethical questions, and our practice of ministry, mission, and service.
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ
(1 Cor 12:12)
Inclusion and Participation
We are committed to being inclusive and enabling the full and equitable participation of women, men, people of all ages and people with disabilities.
Our commitment to inclusion encompasses church life and society, and the decision-making processes, activities, and programs of the LWF itself.
We understand that power dynamics, cultural norms, access to resources, and other factors create barriers to participation and we work to overcome these.
Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet
(Mt 22:9)
Transparency and Accountability
We are a responsible steward of the resources and responsibilities that God has entrusted to us.
We are committed to transparency in our aims, processes, decisions, and use of resources. We strive to being accountable to the people we serve, including our member churches, partners, and donors.
...‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me’
(Mt 25:40)