The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund, Sweden, the LWF is now based in Geneva and has 140 member church bodies in 78 countries all over the world representing 66.2 million Christians. The LWF acts on behalf of its member churches in areas of common interest such as ecumenical and interfaith relations, theology, humanitarian assistance, human rights, communication, and the various aspects of mission and development work.

LIRS partners missionally with LWF's Department for World Services (DWS), which has over 60 years' experience in humanitarian and development work. DWS works with local partners in 37 countries on four continents to serve people in need. With a worldwide staff of over 5,800, DWS provides emergency relief, building sustainable communities and engaging in ecumenical advocacy. LIRS participates annually in DWS's field directors' meeting.

Page added June 15, 2006.