Hope, Justice, and Leadership: African Lutheran Church Leaders Chart the Path to Thriving Churches

From 13 to 17 May 2025, church leaders from across Africa gathered in Kigali, Rwanda for the Africa Regional Leadership Conference (ARLC), hosted by the Lutheran Church of Rwanda (LCR) under the theme: “Inspired by Hope to Thriving Churches.”

The conference brought together regional representatives of the Lutheran Communion in Central and Western Africa (LUCCEA), Lutheran Communion in Central and Western Africa (LUCCWA), and the Lutheran Communion in Southern Africa (LUCSA), under the coordination of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF).

Key issues at the heart of the conference included the urgent need to prioritize youth inclusion, gender justice, and climate action — seen as essential components for a thriving, just, and hopeful African church. Each day opened with Bible study and closed in devotion, grounding discussions in faith and reflection.

Highlights of the gathering included:

• Presentation of the LWF Strategy 2025–2031, with church leaders unpacking its core message and aligning it with regional realities.
• Vibrant group discussions on what a thriving church looks like and how to overcome contextual challenges.
• Powerful panel sessions exploring the intersection of faith with youth leadership, gender equity, and climate justice — led by passionate young leaders and experts from across the continent.
• A tree-planting and practical climate action activity, responding to the 13th LWF Assembly Resolution on the Climate Emergency.
• A sobering visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, reminding participants of the church’s role in peacebuilding and healing.
• Subregional working sessions where concrete, time-bound action plans were developed to strengthen sustainability, leadership, and communication across LUCSA, LUCCEA, and LUCCWA.

The gathering concluded with a heartfelt worship service, thanksgiving to God, and a renewed commitment to implement shared strategies and prayers for peace across Africa.

Kigale Genocide Memorial The conference theme is “Inspired by Hope to Thriving Churches” Photo LWF Erick Kinyanguli, Conne Boshielo (9)