ACT Membership Open to Non-Founding Members

The Council of the Lutheran World Federation - one of the founding members of the Action of Churches Together relief group - voted to open membership to churches outside of the LWF and the WCC
By Pauline J. Chang

The Council of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), which met in Geneva, Switzerland from Sept. 1-7, modified the constitution and membership procedures of Action by Churches Together (ACT) – an ecumenical relief group founded by the LWF and the World Council of Churches (WCC). The new modifications clarified the role of the ACT as an independent body while elucidating the difference between a founding member and joining member of the international ACT.

Rev. Marie J. Barnett, chairperson of the Program Committee for World Services and member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone, said the LWF acknowledged the integrity of the ACT governance structure.

“We are proud of ACT and value the opportunity to partner with WCC member churches and agencies around the world,” said Barnett.

The new recommendations stated that those churches within the LWF and the WCC can apply for a “collective membership” through the umbrella organizations. The additional clause established by the Council was the recommendation to add members outside of the LWF and WCC circles; those outside the two founding groups are now allowed membership to the ACT by directly applying to the relief group itself.

However, to distinguish the two types of memberships, the Council also modified Article 5 of the ACT constitution, to include a definition of “founding members” – i.e. LWF and WCC – and the other members.

Ultimately, the program committee decided that the LWF and WCC will take primary responsibility for registration process and would confirm the enlistment of other member churches.

The LWF Department for World Service (DWS) work worldwide includes emergency relief linked to disaster preparedness and sustainable development. With field offices in more than 30 countries, LWF/DWS focuses on meeting the needs of all people, irrespective of race, sex, creed, nationality or political conviction. The LWF has 138 member churches in 77 countries around the world, and has a collective membership of nearly 65 million people.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories