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PRESS RELEASE NO. 14

WINNIPEG, Canada, 23 July 2003 - It may have been a relief for delegates and visitors to the Tenth Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) to turn from business and theological discussion and be entertained, inspired and informed by a colorful multimedia presentation highlighting the Federation’s accomplishments since its last Assembly in Hong Kong, China, six years ago.

The musical group Krystaal warmed up an appreciative audience, who were ready to clap and sway for a change of pace. Krystaal is comprised of brothers who escaped from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1989, spent many years in refugee camps in Kenya believing the others were dead, and then reunited upon their emigration to Canada. They have released a CD and perform frequently at public events across Western Canada.

The Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko, LWF General Secretary, introduced the program, which was narrated by two journalists, Dane, Niels Thure Krarup and Zimbabwean, Diana Mavunduse.

The 90-minute presentation, which featured dancers from many nations, live music, narration in 12 languages, video and audio clips and group singing, endeavored to account for what the LWF had accomplished in response to the mandates handed down at the Hong Kong Assembly.

It provided snapshots of the LWF sponsored activities, actions and programs of the past six years, including the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, scholarship assistance for theological education in poorer nations, and the actions of churches to end violence against women.

While the entertainment and information provided an essential review of the six years since the Hong Kong Assembly, Pauli Rantanen, Director of the Office for Finance and Administration, sounded a note for the future by pointing to the LWF Endowment Fund.

Following the general presentation "LWF Presents Itself," the Tenth Assembly broke up into interest groups organized around the LWF program and standing committees.

The Tenth Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is taking place 21-31 July 2003 in Winnipeg, Canada, under the theme "For the Healing of the World." It is being hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC).

There are around 820 men, women and youth participants in the Tenth Assembly including 380 delegates from the 133 churches with full membership and three associate members. The Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the LWF, and meets normally every six years. Between Assemblies, the LWF is governed by its Council that meets annually, and by its Executive Committee.

To order photographs, please contact LWF-Photo@lutheranworld.org

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