Ein Studiendokument des Lutherischen Weltbundes

Vorwort – Martin Junge

„Befreit durch Gottes Gnade“ – wir stellen diese Erfahrung, die Leben und Freude schenkt, in den Mittelpunkt und feiern sie auf unserem Weg zum Reformationsjubiläum im Jahr 2017. Diese Erfahrung wirkt weit über die Kirchenmauern hinaus und hinterlässt auch im öffentlichen Raum deutliche Spuren. Die Reformation war ein Katalysator des Wandels in Kirche und Gesellschaft. Martin Luthers pastorale und diakonische Sorge um die Menschen drängte ihn an die Öffentlichkeit zu gehen und auf Grundlage dessen, was er als die Wahrheit des Evangeliums erkannt hatte, zu . . .

Preface – Martin Junge

“Liberated by God’s grace”—we affirm and celebrate this life-giving and joyful experience as we move towards the Reformation anniversary in 2017. The impact of this experience goes far beyond the walls of the church; it has a tangible impact on the public space. The Reformation was a catalyst for change, both in the church and society. Martin Luther’s pastoral and diaconal concern for people compelled him to . . .

Preface – Martin Junge

Foreword
The biblical call to uphold justice is at
the very heart of the communion’s selfunderstanding. God’s grace liberates
us, brings us together in Christ and
enables us to live and work together
for justice, peace and reconciliation.
The LWF is committed to being
inclusive and enabling the full and
equitable participation of w . . .

As the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (Cape Church) we are deeply concerned
about and categorically condemn the continued heinous crimes against women and the violent
deaths of George Floyd, Collins Khoza and countless other people of colour. We see it not only as
part of our Christian mandate, but also as a fundamental human concern of a democratic civil
society, that we vehemently oppose gender- and race-related violence and injustice on all fronts.
In view of this we support initiatives like the Black Lives Matter movement (against racism) and
Thursdays in Black (highlighting escalation of Gender Based Violence). Such initiatives stand up
against racism, discrimination and oppression of all kinds, albeit respecting the rule of law and
renouncing violent protest and damage to property. By ringing our church bells on a Wednesday at
12:00 noon, we add our voice and tears to the many already heard and seen. In being committed
to the Constitution of South Africa, we pursue a zero tolerance policy against victimisation of any
kind within our church. We explicitly support an open, democratic and respectful discourse
concerning these matters within and outside the church community and invite our members to
engage in such discourse in a way that reflects the compassion and passion for justice Christ
stands for.
Pastors Convocation of ELCSA (Cape Church)
Signed by the Bishop
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