Greeting by DPCU to the Council Meeting of the Lutheran World Federation

From 13 to 18 June 2024, the new Council of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) met in Chavannes-de-Bogis near Geneva.

Father Dr Augustinus Sander OSB, staff member of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity (DPCU) responsible for relations with Lutherans, addressed a greeting to the assembly, which had gathered under the motto "Abound in Hope" (Romans 15:13).

He recalled the various "signs of hope" in the history of Lutheran-Catholic reconciliation and encouraged all to "continue soberly and hopefully our proven theological dialogue" and "to trust that something will grow and mature in the 'community of hope' that will surpass all our hopes".

The 48 members of the Council were elected by the LWF Assembly in Krakow in 2023. They represent the seven regions of the LWF, which is a worldwide "communion of churches".