Thu, 23 May 2013 05:11:13 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/ Asia Lutheran Communion en-us http://www.asia-lutheran.org/images/images/logo.gif http://www.asia-lutheran.org/ timo@asia-lutheran.org http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=542 On the 3rd – 10th March 2013, the Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) which is a fellowship of Pacific Island Christian Churches had its 10th General Assembly in Honiara, Solomon Island. The PCC’s strategic thematic programmes include Ecumenism in the Pacific, Human Rights, Good Governance and Leadership, Environment and Climate Change, HIV/AIDS, Globalization and Trade. There are also two sectoral programmes specifying on certain target groups which are Women Development and Youth Empowerment. Participants from PCC member churches who took part in the General Assembly came from the small low-lying atolls nations like Samoa and Kiribati to the large island nation like Papua New Guinea. The PCC General Assembly is held every five years and this year’s PCC General Assembly also marks the 50th Anniversary of PCC. Delegates from the only LWF member church in the region also participated in this event. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELC-PNG) delegates were led by the General Secretary Mr Albert Tokave and the Inter-Church and Ecumenism Director Rev Kinim Siloi. Other delegates include a youth representative, a woman’s representative and two clergies. Three of the youths from ELCPNG also took part as stewards at this meeting. Thu, 23 May 2013 05:11:13 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=541 Thirteen LUCAS members (including three new members who are LWF Council Members), joined four LWF staff and WESALUC – WICAS Regional Coordinator for two days of meetings at the Camillian Pastoral Care Center, Latrabang, Bangkok, Thailand on 10-11 April 2013. Members represented Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Australia, with the majority of LUCAS members and meeting participants coming from India. The LUCAS meeting was chaired by the LWF Vice-President of Asia, Ms Eun-hae Kwon, a member of the Lutheran Church in Korea. The LWF Asia Secretary, Rev Dr William Cha kept LUCAS proceedings in order. The LUCAS meeting was organised by the Regional Expression Officer for the Communion in Asia, Rev Prasuna Gnana Nelavala and minutes of the LUCAS meeting were recorded by Chaplain Heidi Smith from the Lutheran Church of Australia. LUCAS members expressed their great joy at the presence of the LWF General Secretary, Rev Martin Junge, being in attendance at their meeting and were grateful for his insightful report and words of encouragement. The General Secretary shared some of his experiences of his visits to areas of Asia in the last year: Indonesia, Malaysia and India. Thu, 23 May 2013 04:03:59 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=540 April 2013 is a significant month for Asia Desk/DMD-LWF as four important meetings, Mekong Mission Forum, WICAS-Asia meeting, LUCAS and ACLC meetings. Among these WICAS, LUCAS and ACLC took place this month. Auspiciously, April is a significant month for Thailand too where Thais across the country rejoice as they mark Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s birthday anniversary on 2nd April. Added to that April is also a month of great celebrations for the traditional Thai New Year falls on 13-15 April. The Thai New Year is also known as Songkron festival. It is a time when Thais return to their hometowns to be with their loved ones, and to pay respects to their elderly relatives to be blessed by them. The Songkran festival is also known as Water festival as it is marked by splashing of water everywhere – in the streets, shopping malls, public parks, etc – as a symbol of well-wishing. Songkram is a time for giving, loving and cherishing. It is also a time to preserve the beautiful culture and traditions of the Thai New Year for future generations to admire. Wed, 22 May 2013 03:01:51 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=538 The Asia WICAS Regional meeting took place under the leadership of LWF WICAS Secretary Rev Dr Elaine Neuenfeldt in Bangkok, Thailand at Camillian Pastoral Care Center on 10 and 11 April 2013 prior to LUCAS and ACLC meetings. The thematic programme priorities and strategies towards 2017 have been planned in the meeting. It was decided to organize a conference in Asia for both women and men in 2014. The priorities to be worked out in the conference are: 1. How Gender Justice Policy can be contextualized in Asia 2. Female Leadership 3. Advocacy: There is an urgent need to address the migration realities, asking how it affects women; also, we saw that it is necessary to address the issue of cultural practices that discriminate women in church and society 4. Women’s Theology: increasing women in theological studies will build the capacity to have more women in decision making and women in ordained ministry. Wed, 22 May 2013 02:47:30 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=537 It is with real joy that Lutheran Church in Australia shares that at its recent convention of Synod, the LCA elected Rev John Henderson to be its fifth national leader. After his installation in July, Rev Henderson will be the Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA). Pastor Henderson brings to the office broad pastoral and leadership experience within the LCA and beyond. He has been Principal of Australian Lutheran College for these past four years. Prior to that (2002-2008) he served the LCA in the seconded position of General Secretary with the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA), based in Sydney. Mon, 13 May 2013 13:00:17 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=536 Trafficking and related exploitative practices in the offshore or long haul fishing industry have recently captured the attention of international and local organizations. The meeting brought together over 40 delegates from Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam with observers from New Zealand, Norway, and the UK to evaluate the welfare given to seafarers. Thu, 09 May 2013 04:58:14 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=535 It gives me great pleasure to present Asia Lutheran News (ALN 60) to you which focuses on the need for Reformation in 21st century in Asian member churches. God has called the Asian Lutheran Communion to minister to her people. As the Lutheran World is marching towards 500th anniversary of Reformation this issue challenges the Lutheran communion in Asia to re-examine her ministry, teachings and theology and reform our Lutheran traditions to Trans-form our communities to have a better communion. Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:46:29 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=534 Dear readers, ALN 59 Wishes you Many More God’s Blessings in 2013. We value your contributions and feedback. Our next ALN is devoted to the theme on “Reformation in 21st century: Asian Perspectives.” Any feature articles, news items, Bible Studies and reports are welcome. Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:28:29 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=533 Warm greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! At the outset I would like to apologize for almost two years of ALN’s silence on the website. As I took this new responsibility in October 2011, it took time to organize things systematically. However, I would like to let you know that we are back in business seriously and I assure you that six copies per year will be published. ALN 57 can be downloaded now and ALN 55 and 56 can be downloaded from "back issues" page. Your comments are welcomed! Wed, 26 Sep 2012 01:28:09 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=529 Lutheran Church Representatives Share Good Practices on Mission MONTREUX, Switzerland/GENEVA, 6 June 2011 (LWI) – When representatives of Lutheran churches from around the world gathered to discuss how concrete church intervention is needed in today’s world, the first person to tell her story was Kyioe Narita of the Japan Lutheran Church. Her moving thank you for the humanitarian support her church received from the global Lutheran family following the March 2011 devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan seemed a fitting starting point for the stories that followed from Asia, Latin America and Africa. Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:36:36 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=528 Symposium Participants Say Work Has not Always Promoted Human Dignity GENEVA, 4 May 2011 (LWI) - The Protestant Reformer Martin Luther developed a new understanding of the meaning of work but churches have had a mixed record in dealing with labor movements, a symposium of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) held in Geneva heard. Luther, said Rev. Dr Martin Robra, a German theologian, questioned the value given to contemplative monastic life in the church of his era and instead underlined the importance of manual labor for the community. Wed, 04 May 2011 21:15:06 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=527 “LWF together” kicks off on 1 May GENEVA, 29 April 2011 (LWI) – On 1 May 2011, over 100 youth groups from the seven regions of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) will embark on a six-month long common journey. Within the framework of an experimental global LWF program, they will exchange ideas and organize activities around a shared concern: environmental justice. The program, “LWF together - the earth needs you,” introduces a new and innovative methodology to the Lutheran communion. Wed, 04 May 2011 21:07:51 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=526 Holy Week Letter Reiterates Prayers and Support from LWF Geneva, 20 April 2011 (LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary Rev. Martin Junge has sent a Holy Week message of praise and support to Japanese Lutherans who are among those providing assistance to people affected by the devastating 11 March earthquake and tsunami. The death toll of the calamitous earthquake and tsunami had by 19 April exceeded 14,000 people Japan's National Police Agency said, but a further 13,660 are still missing. Some 140,000 people are now in shelters after they were evacuated due to radiation alerts or their homes were destroyed. Sun, 24 Apr 2011 06:36:29 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=525 Region Commits to Communion-Building, Interfaith Dialogue GENEVA, 8 April 2011 (LWI) – The final message of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Asia Church Leadership Conference (ACLC) “On Being a Lutheran Communion in the Asian Context: Understanding and Implications,” is now available on the LWF Web site. Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:28:17 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=524 Caution against Market-Driven Evangelism KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia/GENEVA, 21 March 2011 (LWI) - Proclaiming the gospel in Asia, a multi-religious and multi-cultural society where Christians are a minority, should not be seen as a threat to other faiths, says Indonesian theologian Rev. Dr Martin Sinaga. The study secretary for Theology and the Church at The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Department for Theology and Studies said he appreciated the vibrant growth of Christians in Asia, estimated at 300 million people, which he attributed to evangelization efforts. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 02:05:50 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=523 Asian Church Leaders Seek More Engagement at Local Level KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia/GENEVA, 21 March 2011 (LWI) – Language and communication remain key challenges as women and youth leaders in Asia seek to participate fully in the life of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), says Rev. Shu-Chen (Selma) Chen from Taiwan. “Given Asia’s multi-lingual context, language is a major challenge that we have to address as we seek meaningful participation in the mission and life of the Lutheran communion,” Chen said in an interview with Lutheran World Information (LWI). Thu, 24 Mar 2011 02:05:31 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=522 Dear Friends As of March 16 I have completed my term of service with the Lutheran World Federation. Thank you for your love and support in the past ten years. It has been a joy and privilege to serve God and all of you in the Asia Communion. God's richest blessings be upon you. Sally Lim (Kee) Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:32:48 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=521 Gift of Unity in Diversity in Asian Lutheran Communion KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia/GENEVA, 15 March (LWI) – Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan, president of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), appealed to LWF member churches in Asia to continue to be “a vibrant and creative witness” in the world’s most populous region. Younan, who is bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), made this call when he addressed church representatives attending the LWF Asia Church Leadership Conference (ACLC) held in the Malaysian capital under the theme: “On being LWF Communion of Churches in Asian Context: Understanding and Implication”. Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:09:22 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=520 Dear Rev. Martin, I am writing on behalf of Rev. Yutaka Kumei, NRK president and the Japan Lutheran Church (NRK). My name is Shinri Emoto and I am the Vice President of the NRK and interim Mission Secretary. We would like to thank you and the LWF, for your consistent concern and prayers. We have received messages of support and encouragement from churches around the world. It is a wonderful thing to see how the body of Christ comes together at a time like this. Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:08:44 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=519 8.9 Magnitude Strikes Northeastern Japan GENEVA, 11 March 2011 (LWI) – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has written to the three LWF member churches in Japan reassuring them of the Lutheran communion’s prayers and support following the devastating earthquake and ensuing tsunami that struck Japan earlier today. “We are thinking of and praying for you, your pastors and church workers as you give spiritual care and leadership in this time and as you and your churches organize relief efforts,” said Acting LWF General Secretary Rev. Chandran Paul Martin, in letters addressed respectively to presidents Rev. Sumiyuki Watanabe, Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church (JELC); Rev. Shigeo Sueoka, Kinki Evangelical Lutheran Church (KELC); and Rev. Yutaka Kumei, Japan Lutheran Church (JLC). Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:02:19 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=518 Delegation at Regional Conference Meets with Government Minister KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia/GENEVA, 11 March 2011 (LWI) –The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and local church leaders have hailed Malaysia’s sincere efforts to promote “unity in diversity” in the multi-religious and multi-ethnic Southeast Asian nation. “We are happy about the welcoming and hospitable atmosphere here in Malaysia as all delegates to our conference here arrived without difficulty,” said LWF President Bishop Dr Munib A Younan. Younan, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, was speaking when LWF and Malaysian church leaders met with Dr Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department on 10 March. The meeting was held in the context of the 7-9 March Lutheran Council in Asia (LUCAS) gathering and the Asia Church Leadership Conference (ACLC), 10-13 March. Tue, 15 Mar 2011 21:58:01 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=517 LWF General Secretary Calls for Balance Between Listening and Serving MEDAN, Indonesia/GENEVA, 10 March 2011 (LWI) – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary Rev. Martin Junge praised Indonesian Lutherans for making “transparency and accountability” part of their “beautiful witness for Christ.” Junge, visiting with churches in the country 6-8 March, made his comments when he delivered the Sunday sermon at the Sidorame congregation of the Christian Protestant Church in Indonesia (GKPI) in Medan, North Sumatra. The general secretary expressed great appreciation for how the Sidorame congregation and GKPI leadership report each Sunday on the amount of money that had been raised and how it was being used. Tue, 15 Mar 2011 21:46:42 -0400 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=516 Malaysian Churches Host Asian Regional Conference GENEVA, 4 March 2011 (LWI) – Rev. Martin Junge, general secretary of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), says his visit with churches in Asia, beginning 6 March, will be a time to reflect together with the LWF member churches in the region about their ongoing journey within the worldwide communion. “I am very much looking forward to being immersed in the Asian context, to listening to the conversations and projections of Asian member churches of the LWF, and to reflecting together with the leadership of these churches about our ongoing journey as a communion of churches,” he said. This will be Junge’s first visit with churches in the region since he became LWF general secretary last November. It will be in the context of the bi-annual gathering of the Lutheran Council in Asia (LUCAS) and the Asia Church Leadership Conference (ACLC) taking place 8-13 March in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The theme is “On being an LWF Communion of Churches in the Asian Context: Understanding and Implications.” Fri, 04 Mar 2011 21:33:43 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=515 Cornerstone Laid for New Building for the Evangelical Lutheran School of Hope in Ramallah Students from the Evangelical Lutheran School of Hope in Ramallah gather around the new cornerstone laid by Rev. Dr. Munib A. Younan, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL); Dr. Salam Fayyad, Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority; and Mr. Christian Berger, Representative of the European Union Monday, February 7, 2011. To view more pictures from the event, click here, or click on the photo to the right. JERUSALEM/RAMALLAH, February 7, 2011 - “This new building builds hope, not only for the Evangelical Lutheran School of Hope, and not only for the Lutheran community, but for all of Ramallah and the Palestinian people,” Bishop Younan said in his words at the cornerstone laying Monday morning for the new school building in Ramallah. Wed, 02 Mar 2011 01:31:35 -0500 http://www.asia-lutheran.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=514 Slight Increase Pushes Total Figure to 70.3 Million – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches maintained a general trend of growth globally, according to statistics released here. By the end of 2010, the 145 churches belonging to the LWF, ten recognized congregations and one recognized council in 79 countries, had a combined total of 70,308,294 members, an increase of 213,559 or 0.3 percent over the previous period. According to the 2010 annual statistical survey conducted by the LWF Office for Communication Services, LWF churches in Africa and Asia reported continued growth, with Africa adding almost 700,000 new members, and Asia more than 50,000. Sat, 26 Feb 2011 11:46:01 -0500