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“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us.” (2 Cor 9:11)
Dear Rev. Dr Martin Junge,
Dear Brother in Christ,
On behalf of the World Council of Churches and its 350 churches, I would like to extend my warmest thanks to you, Rev. Dr Martin Junge, for your work as general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation.
Your long ecumenical journey began in the late 1980’s with your service to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile, of which you were elected president. In 2009, you were the first Latin America to be elected general secretary of the LWF.
Under your leadership, the LWF has continued its long tradition of social justice, economic justice and peace-building. Along with Pope Francis you were co-hosts at the Joint Catholic-Lutheran Commemoration of the Reformation in Lund. These are only some of your many accomplishments!
Governing with faith and bringing a deep spiritual perspective on urgent issues will remain your strong legacy. I am personally grateful for the ministry we have shared together on the path to unity and I am confident that we will continue walking, praying, and working together for making visible the signs of the kingdom of God in the midst of our communities and in the world.
On behalf of the World Council of Churches, I would like to express our deep gratitude for your unique service to the Church, for your deep commitment to the cause of unity, for our intensive and fruitful collaboration, for your hospitality, kindness, and love.
God bless you and your family with his grace, peace, and joy.
Your brother in Christ,
Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca
Acting General Secretary
World Council of Churches
