News
One Body, One Spirit, One Hope
Thirteenth Assembly of
The Lutheran World Federation,
Krakow, Poland, 13-19 September 2023
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 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
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
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.
Journey toward the Assembly
Prior to an assembly, there are Pre-Assembly meetings for LWF member churches in their respective regions, and global gatherings in a Women’s Pre-Assembly and Youth Pre-Assembly.
These are important spaces for spiritual reflection, relating the Assembly themes to different church contexts, and for building community. Delegates also receive training on the rules and procedures for taking part in debates, decision-making and voting at the assembly.
A major role of the regional pre-assemblies is to designate a slate of member church representatives from the region to be nominated to serve on the new LWF Council.
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
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.
Ensure ease of entry to Poland with the correct visa
Attendees from certain countries will need a Schengen Visa to enter Poland. Please check whether you need a visa and be aware of the visa requirements. Should you need a visa, ensure you apply for it well in advance of the Assembly.
Boats moored alongside the longest river in Poland, the Vistula, which flows through Krakow. Photo: Malgorzata Zachraj
Official delegates and other participants will receive invitation letters to support their visa application upon request.
For more information about Schengen visas, including application, please see: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/
Please refer to the Polish Government website for official information on visas https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/visas and kindly consult the resource page for the list of the Republic of Poland's mission abroad.
We’ll have you well-looked after!
The main place of accommodation will be in three or four student hostels of the AGH University of Science and Technology campus, near the centre of Kraków.
The student hostels of the AGH University of Science and Technology campus
Accommodation will be in modest two-bedroom apartment units, in which guests will have their own room with shared toilet, bathroom and kitchenette.
A selection of satisfying meals to keep energy levels high!
We look forward to serving nourishing and tasty meals throughout the Assembly, including traditional Polish dishes. We’ll do our best to accommodate any particular dietary needs. Morning coffee and afternoon tea will also be served.
Diners enjoy an evening meal in the Polish city of Kraków. Photo: Malgorzata Zachraj
Full details of catering are being organized and more information will be shared as we get closer to the date of the Assembly.
The Lutheran World Federation is looking forward to running a successful and enriching Assembly. Due to the high number of participants coming from all over the world and given the COVID-19 variants are still present, it is important to recall that everyone has the duty to protect oneself and others.
The LWF Executive Committee has established key areas it will monitor and created associated benchmarks in the interest of safety and security, and duty of care. They are:
The venue of the Thirteenth Assembly, Krawkow's premier function center, the ICE Krakow Congress Centre. Photo: LWF/A. Danielsson
- participation of official delegates and establishing a quorum at the Assembly
- airline regulations, given that more than 80 percent of delegates will be traveling by air
- COVID-19 policies and restrictions by the Polish government pertaining to vaccination, transit and stopovers en route, and any restrictions on mass gatherings
- any COVID-19 restrictions upon return to home country
- the impact of new COVID-19 variants
- the personal preferences and comfort levels of attendees
Any participant to the Assembly shall be fit to travel before departing and is responsible to check and comply with possible requirements related to Covid-19 or others. Poland has lifted all measures since March 2022. See here for updated information on entry and regulations: https://www.gov.pl/web/coronavirus/general-information
If you feel unwell during the Assembly time, please refer to the medical assistance service provided and do not hesitate to wear a face mask to protect others.
Witamy w Polsce! Welcome to Poland!
This section details procedures and information that will ensure your arrival in Poland is straightforward. Please check back regularly as further information is added.
Public transport pictured in the Kraków Old City. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert
We wish you a pleasant stay in Poland and hope your time at the Assembly is productive and enjoyable.
The arrival terminal of Kraków John Paul II International Airport. Photo: piviso.com
Assembly participants will arrive at the Kraków John Paul II International Airport, 11km west of the city center. Further instructions are available here Arriving at Krakow airport.