Lutheran leaders attend Assisi, Italy, meeting on ‘unarmed and disarming peace’

Lutheran leaders from around the world gathered in Assisi, Italy, for an interfaith meeting focused on promoting “unarmed and disarming peace.” Organized by the Roman Catholic Sant’Egidio community, the event brought together approximately 5,000 religious, political, and civic leaders. Bishop Henrik Stubkjær of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) participated alongside Bishop Kristina Kühnbaum-Schmidt, Vice-President for Central Western Europe and Chairperson of the LWF German National Committee, and Rev. Dr Sivin Kit, director of the Department for Theology, Mission and Justice.

During a panel discussion on “Humanity in the age of Technology,” Stubkjær emphasized the importance of reflecting on the impact of technology on human lives. He noted that Assisi, associated with Saint Francis, is a fitting location for such discussions. He stated that technology can either bring people closer to one another and to God’s creation or distance them from it. He called for unity against technologies that foster division and harm.

Stubkjær carried a small cross made from a bullet casing recovered during the civil war in Liberia. He shared how a Lutheran congregation in that conflict transformed the metal shells into symbols of life and peace. He extended this metaphor to technology, suggesting it can unite people or exacerbate polarization, leading to the destruction of human lives. He commended the “Rome Call for AI Ethics” for demanding transparency, inclusion, and accountability from tech developers.

Rev. Dr Sivin Kit addressed the theme of “Contemporary Martyrs,” highlighting individuals who suffer for their faith in remote areas, far from power and media attention. He cited the case of Bindu Devi, a member of the Manipur Evangelical Lutheran Church in Varanasi, India, who was assaulted, died, and denied a Christian burial following ethnic violence in 2023. Kit described these martyrs as not only individuals but also families, congregations, and communities, including Catholics, Baptists, Anglicans, and Pentecostals, all who bear witness to the gospel of peace away from public attention.

The meeting underscored the need for global solidarity in addressing the challenges of technology and the protection of vulnerable communities. The LWF delegation’s participation reflected a commitment to interfaith dialogue and the pursuit of peace and justice.

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