The Lutheran World Federation was challenged by its outgoing general secretary, the Rev. Ishmael Noko, to live up to its inclusive vision by ordaining women across the globe. Meeting in Germany, the LWF will also hear from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams today, July 22nd:
Global Lutheran leader challenges churches on women’s ordination
From Ecumenical News International online
The 70-million strong Lutheran World Federation has struggled to live up to its own vision of inclusiveness regarding the role of women, the general secretary of the church grouping, the Rev. Ishmael Noko, has told LWF members.
“Equitable participation in God’s mission is the hallmark of an inclusive communion. Member churches are therefore urged to take appropriate steps towards the ordination of women, and, where it is not the case, to put in place policies of equality,” Noko said in his address to the LWF’s highest governing body on 21 July in Stuttgart, Germany.
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“We are called to be an inclusive communion,” said Noko, a Zimbabwean educated in South Africa and Canada. “Without living that calling, we cannot be effective witnesses for justice and inclusiveness in our societies.”