News

Transportation

Ensuring delegates are at the right place at the right time

Assembly delegates and other participants will be received at the airport and brought to either the ICE Kraków Congress Centre for registration or their respective hostel of the AGH University of Science and Technology campus. Attendees will use the Kraków public transport system to travel to the Kraków Congress Centre and return each day. Bus schedules will be shared before the Assembly. 

Delegates of the LWF Asia Pre-Assembly, Thailand, August 2016 relax in the bus following a pre-Assembly session. Photo: LWF/Arni Danielsson

Delegates of the LWF Asia Pre-Assembly, Thailand, August 2016 relax in the bus following a pre-Assembly session. Photo: LWF/Arni Danielsson

Only participants who have submitted travel information on the online registration form are ensured pick-up at the airport on arrival.

Full instructions on transport from the airport to the ICE Kraków Congress Centre or the hostels of the AGH University of Science and Technology campus shall be shared in due course.

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Currency

The Polish currency, the złoty. Photo: pxhere.com

The Polish currency, the złoty. Photo: pxhere.com

The official currency of Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN or zł). One euro is equal to 4.62 zł. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in Poland, particularly Visa and Mastercard.

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Assembly

Setting the scene for the Thirteenth LWF Assembly

The LWF welcomes delegates to the historic Polish city of Kraków, venue of the LWF Thirteenth Assembly, which is meeting under the theme of One Body, One Spirit, One Hope.

10 May 2017, Windhoek, Namibia: Delegates respond to the opening session of the Twelfth Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

10 May 2017, Windhoek, Namibia: Delegates respond to the opening session of the Twelfth Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

This section offers an overview of the host church, country, protocol and formalities requested of attendees, information about the visual identity of the Assembly, the way in which an Assembly is prepared, and extensive information about the four regional pre-Assemblies as well as the women, youth and men pre-Assemblies.

In total, some 355 official delegates will attend. Also present will be representatives of associate members, ecumenical guests, official presenters, advisors, ex officio participants, volunteers and staff.

This week-long occasion, preceded by the pre-Assemblies, will not only celebrate the communion and the unique contexts of member churches but carry out the official functions of the Assembly.

Assembly Planning Committee

Our great thanks to the following members of the Assembly Planning Committee for establishing the concept of and making preparations for the Thirteenth Assembly, in conjunction with other committees, reference groups and staff members. 

Members
  • Ms Colleen Elizabeth CUNNINGHAM, Moravian Church in South Africa (Africa)
  • Mr Leon CHAU, Chinese Rhenish Church Hong Kong (Asia)
  • Rev. Gustavo GÓMEZ, United Evangelical Lutheran Church (Latin America & the Caribbean)
  • Rev. Katherine ALTENBURG, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (North America)
  • Presiding Bishop Dr Tamás FABINY, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary (Central Eastern Europe)
  • Ms Kadre ARIKAINEN, Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church (Central Eastern Europe)
  • Ms Amanda CARLSHAMRE, Church of Sweden (Nordic countries)
  • Rev. Klaus RIETH, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wuerttemberg, Germany (Central Western Europe) 
Consultants
  • Bishop Jerzy SAMIEC, Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland (host church)
  • Ms Ewa SLIWKA, Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland (host church)
  • Rev. Dr Emma NANGOLO, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (Chair of the Local Assembly Planning Committee, LWF Twelfth Assembly in Namibia, 2017)
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For delegates

Information for those with voice and vote at the Assembly 

We expect at least 358 delegates to attend the Thirteenth Assembly. We look forward to your arrival in Kraków with excitement and anticipation. 

Delegates at the first plenary session at the Twelfth Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation, gathers in Windhoek, Namibia, on 10-16 May 2017. Photo: LWF/JC Velariano

Delegates at the first plenary session at the Twelfth Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation, gathers in Windhoek, Namibia, on 10-16 May 2017. Photo: LWF/JC Velariano

Each LWF member church has the right to have at least one representative at the Assembly. In determining the number of delegates of each member church, the Council considers the numerical size of each church and its distribution by continent and country. Council guidelines provide for the inclusion of clergy and lay persons, and member churches are to ensure that 40 percent of delegates are women, 40 percent men and 20 percent youth.

Delegates are the only attendees to have both voice and vote at the Assembly. They will be joined by representatives from associate member churches, who have voice but not vote, as well as observers, presenters, ex-officio participants, advisors, ecumenical guests, official guests, and media, staff, volunteers and stewards who will support them in their work.

Delegates are invited to better inform themselves about the Assembly, the host church and the host country by reading the information in this section. 

We pray all delegates have an enjoyable and meaningful experience at the Assembly and thank them for their contribution to this important body. 

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Registrierung

Registration for the Assembly is complete 

The LWF is looking forward to receiving delegates from member churches at the upcoming Assembly in Krakow, Poland. The Assembly office has been working with delegates and participants to ensure registration through the online portal. 

You can still follow the Assembly directly through the livestream. Details will be made available closer to the event.

Delegates of the 2019 LWF Council show pleasure in accepting the invitation to hold the Thirteenth Assembly in Kraków, Poland. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

Delegates of the 2019 LWF Council show pleasure in accepting the invitation to hold the Thirteenth Assembly in Kraków, Poland. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

In her invitation to member churches, LWF General Secretary Anne Burghardt said, “I look very much forward to our gathering as a global communion.” Referencing Colossians 1:17 she said, “May it be an occasion to experience that in Christ, all things hold together.” 

Depending on size, churches can nominate between one and seven representatives. Churches should adhere to the quota of 40 percent men, 40 percent women and 20 percent youth. By adhering to this commitment, churches are collectively complying with the shared commitment for inclusion, Rev. Burghardt said. 

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Registro

Registration for the Assembly is complete 

The LWF is looking forward to receiving delegates from member churches at the upcoming Assembly in Krakow, Poland. The Assembly office has been working with delegates and participants to ensure registration through the online portal. 

You can still follow the Assembly directly through the livestream. Details will be made available closer to the event.

Delegates of the 2019 LWF Council show pleasure in accepting the invitation to hold the Thirteenth Assembly in Kraków, Poland. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

Delegates of the 2019 LWF Council show pleasure in accepting the invitation to hold the Thirteenth Assembly in Kraków, Poland. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

In her invitation to member churches, LWF General Secretary Anne Burghardt said, “I look very much forward to our gathering as a global communion.” Referencing Colossians 1:17 she said, “May it be an occasion to experience that in Christ, all things hold together.” 

Depending on size, churches can nominate between one and seven representatives. Churches should adhere to the quota of 40 percent men, 40 percent women and 20 percent youth. By adhering to this commitment, churches are collectively complying with the shared commitment for inclusion, Rev. Burghardt said. 

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Praktische Informationen

Advice to help ensure the Assembly is enjoyable and productive

This section contains a wealth of advice and instruction for attendees. From the purpose of an Assembly to practical considerations, such as visas, accommodation, security and COVID-19 measures, we want to ensure the Assembly is smooth-running and that attendees get the most out of their experience.

LWF Youth Pre-Assembly at the Heja Game Lodge. Photo: LWF/JC Valeriano

LWF Youth Pre-Assembly at the Heja Game Lodge. Photo: LWF/JC Valeriano

The single most significant event in the LWF calendar, the Thirteenth Assembly will take place in the Polish city of Kraków. We are pleased to be hosted by the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland and thank the church for its hospitality.

The Assembly is preceded by the four regional pre-Assemblies, and the women, men and youth pre-Assemblies, which reflect the diversity of the LWF communion and address issues pertinent to each: the four regions, women and youth. The Assembly itself convenes from September 13 to 19, 2023.

In addition to being responsible for the LWF Constitution, the Assembly gives general direction to the work of the LWF, elects the President and Council, and acts on the reports of the President, the General Secretary and Chair of the Finance Committee. The Assembly itself is a rich program of worship, plenary sessions, visits, LWF market place and the production of Assembly outcomes, statements and messages.

Around 355 official delegates are expected. In addition, representatives from associate members, ecumenical guests, official presenters, advisors, ex officio participants, volunteers and staff will be present. As the most representative expression of the communion and its principal authority, the logistical challenge of such an event cannot be understated.

The pages in this section are designed to provide as much practical information as possible. Although not exhaustive, the main areas of interest include Assembly registration, visas and accommodation in Poland, the code of conduct and complaints mechanism, and security and Covid-19 measures.

We wish all delegates and participants a joyful and rewarding Assembly.

Discover What is an Assembly, and How to Prepare for an Assembly.

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Ein Leib, Ein Geist, Eine Hoffnung

Dreizehnte Vollversammlung
des Lutherischen Weltbundes,
Krakau, Polen, 13.-19. September 2023

Outcomes

News and Resources

Photos and Videos

Press Releases

Youth lead a climate march through the venue

Youth lead a climate march through the venue during the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly, held in Krakow, Poland on 13-19 September 2023 under the theme of 'One Body, One Spirit, One Hope'. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

Sent to “bring the gospel of reconciliation to all people”

20 SEP 2023 | At the closing worship of the Thirteenth Assembly and installation of a new Council, LWF General Secretary Burghardt emphasized the call to "bring the gospel of reconciliation to all people” and build “a trustworthy world.”
LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt (right) and Cardinal Kurt Koch of the Roman Catholic Church (left) pictured as worship with common word is celebrated with representatives from the Roman Catholic Church alongside a variety of different Christian traditions on the last day of the Lutheran World Federation Thirteenth Assembly. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt (right) and Cardinal Kurt Koch of the Roman Catholic Church (left) pictured as worship with common word is celebrated with representatives from the Roman Catholic Church alongside a variety of different Christian traditions on the last day of the Lutheran World Federation Thirteenth Assembly. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

Common Word: preparing for the 500th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession

19 SEP 2023 | The Lutheran World Federation General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt and the Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity Cardinal Kurt Koch presented the Common Word to the Thirteenth LWF Assembly

News

Resources

Discover the program

The Assembly program has a rich array of events and activities. Explore the detailed schedule.

Schedule

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Stay updated by joining our readership. Sign up here to receive the latest news via email.

Subscribe

Explore more

News
Resources
Press Releases

Our Assembly host

The LWF was delighted to accept the offer of The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland to host the Assembly. So named for the primary confession of faith of the Lutheran church, the ECACP is the largest evangelical church in Poland. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with the church.

The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland

The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland host of the Thirteenth Assembly of The Lutheran World Federation

"One Body, One Spirit, One Hope”

In a fragmented world, we are called to unity in the one body of Christ. Join us as we reflect on the Assembly theme, drawn from Ephesians 4:4, “There is one body, one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called”.

"One Body, One Spirit, One Hope”, Assembly theme, drawn from Ephesians 4:4

"One Body, One Spirit, One Hope”, Assembly theme, drawn from Ephesians 4:4

Un cuerpo, un Espíritu, una esperanza

Decimotercera Asamblea de la
Federación Luterana Mundial,
Cracovia, Polonia, 13 al 19 de septiembre de 2023

Outcomes

News and Resources

Photos and Videos

Press Releases

Youth lead a climate march through the venue

Youth lead a climate march through the venue during the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly, held in Krakow, Poland on 13-19 September 2023 under the theme of 'One Body, One Spirit, One Hope'. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

Sent to “bring the gospel of reconciliation to all people”

20 SEP 2023 | At the closing worship of the Thirteenth Assembly and installation of a new Council, LWF General Secretary Burghardt emphasized the call to "bring the gospel of reconciliation to all people” and build “a trustworthy world.”
LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt (right) and Cardinal Kurt Koch of the Roman Catholic Church (left) pictured as worship with common word is celebrated with representatives from the Roman Catholic Church alongside a variety of different Christian traditions on the last day of the Lutheran World Federation Thirteenth Assembly. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt (right) and Cardinal Kurt Koch of the Roman Catholic Church (left) pictured as worship with common word is celebrated with representatives from the Roman Catholic Church alongside a variety of different Christian traditions on the last day of the Lutheran World Federation Thirteenth Assembly. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

Common Word: preparing for the 500th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession

19 SEP 2023 | The Lutheran World Federation General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt and the Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity Cardinal Kurt Koch presented the Common Word to the Thirteenth LWF Assembly

News

Resources

Discover the program

The Assembly program has a rich array of events and activities. Explore the detailed schedule.

Schedule

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Stay updated by joining our readership. Sign up here to receive the latest news via email.

Subscribe

Explore more

News
Resources
Press Releases

Our Assembly host

The LWF was delighted to accept the offer of The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland to host the Assembly. So named for the primary confession of faith of the Lutheran church, the ECACP is the largest evangelical church in Poland. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with the church.

The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland

The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland host of the Thirteenth Assembly of The Lutheran World Federation

"One Body, One Spirit, One Hope”

In a fragmented world, we are called to unity in the one body of Christ. Join us as we reflect on the Assembly theme, drawn from Ephesians 4:4, “There is one body, one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called”.

"One Body, One Spirit, One Hope”, Assembly theme, drawn from Ephesians 4:4

"One Body, One Spirit, One Hope”, Assembly theme, drawn from Ephesians 4:4

Un seul corps, un seul Esprit, une seule espérance

Treizième Assemblée de la
Fédération luthérienne mondiale
à Cracovie, Pologne, du 13 au 19 septembre 2023

Outcomes

News and Resources

Photos and Videos

Press Releases

Youth lead a climate march through the venue

Youth lead a climate march through the venue during the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly, held in Krakow, Poland on 13-19 September 2023 under the theme of 'One Body, One Spirit, One Hope'. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

Sent to “bring the gospel of reconciliation to all people”

20 SEP 2023 | At the closing worship of the Thirteenth Assembly and installation of a new Council, LWF General Secretary Burghardt emphasized the call to "bring the gospel of reconciliation to all people” and build “a trustworthy world.”
LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt (right) and Cardinal Kurt Koch of the Roman Catholic Church (left) pictured as worship with common word is celebrated with representatives from the Roman Catholic Church alongside a variety of different Christian traditions on the last day of the Lutheran World Federation Thirteenth Assembly. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt (right) and Cardinal Kurt Koch of the Roman Catholic Church (left) pictured as worship with common word is celebrated with representatives from the Roman Catholic Church alongside a variety of different Christian traditions on the last day of the Lutheran World Federation Thirteenth Assembly. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

Common Word: preparing for the 500th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession

19 SEP 2023 | The Lutheran World Federation General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt and the Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity Cardinal Kurt Koch presented the Common Word to the Thirteenth LWF Assembly

News

Resources

Discover the program

The Assembly program has a rich array of events and activities. Explore the detailed schedule.

Schedule

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Stay updated by joining our readership. Sign up here to receive the latest news via email.

Subscribe

Explore more

News
Resources
Press Releases

Our Assembly host

The LWF was delighted to accept the offer of The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland to host the Assembly. So named for the primary confession of faith of the Lutheran church, the ECACP is the largest evangelical church in Poland. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with the church.

The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland

The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland host of the Thirteenth Assembly of The Lutheran World Federation

"One Body, One Spirit, One Hope”

In a fragmented world, we are called to unity in the one body of Christ. Join us as we reflect on the Assembly theme, drawn from Ephesians 4:4, “There is one body, one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called”.

"One Body, One Spirit, One Hope”, Assembly theme, drawn from Ephesians 4:4

"One Body, One Spirit, One Hope”, Assembly theme, drawn from Ephesians 4:4

Jedno Ciało, jeden Duch, jedna nadzieja

Trzynaste Zgromadzenie Ogólne
Światowej Federacji Luterańskiej,
Kraków, Polska, 13-19 września 2023 r.

Outcomes

News and Resources

Photos and Videos

Press Releases

Youth lead a climate march through the venue

Youth lead a climate march through the venue during the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly, held in Krakow, Poland on 13-19 September 2023 under the theme of 'One Body, One Spirit, One Hope'. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

Sent to “bring the gospel of reconciliation to all people”

20 SEP 2023 | At the closing worship of the Thirteenth Assembly and installation of a new Council, LWF General Secretary Burghardt emphasized the call to "bring the gospel of reconciliation to all people” and build “a trustworthy world.”
LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt (right) and Cardinal Kurt Koch of the Roman Catholic Church (left) pictured as worship with common word is celebrated with representatives from the Roman Catholic Church alongside a variety of different Christian traditions on the last day of the Lutheran World Federation Thirteenth Assembly. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt (right) and Cardinal Kurt Koch of the Roman Catholic Church (left) pictured as worship with common word is celebrated with representatives from the Roman Catholic Church alongside a variety of different Christian traditions on the last day of the Lutheran World Federation Thirteenth Assembly. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

Common Word: preparing for the 500th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession

19 SEP 2023 | The Lutheran World Federation General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt and the Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity Cardinal Kurt Koch presented the Common Word to the Thirteenth LWF Assembly

News

Resources

Discover the program

The Assembly program has a rich array of events and activities. Explore the detailed schedule.

Schedule

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Stay updated by joining our readership. Sign up here to receive the latest news via email.

Subscribe

Explore more

News
Resources
Press Releases

Our Assembly host

The LWF was delighted to accept the offer of The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland to host the Assembly. So named for the primary confession of faith of the Lutheran church, the ECACP is the largest evangelical church in Poland. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with the church.

The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland

The Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland host of the Thirteenth Assembly of The Lutheran World Federation

"One Body, One Spirit, One Hope”

In a fragmented world, we are called to unity in the one body of Christ. Join us as we reflect on the Assembly theme, drawn from Ephesians 4:4, “There is one body, one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called”.

"One Body, One Spirit, One Hope”, Assembly theme, drawn from Ephesians 4:4

"One Body, One Spirit, One Hope”, Assembly theme, drawn from Ephesians 4:4