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Memorandum of Understanding Canadian Lutheran World Relief & The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada Preamble
Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) serves the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and Lutheran Church-Canada (LCC) as the primary international Christian service agency which:
CLWR carries out its work in a collaborative manner through strategic partnerships with the ELCIC and LCC as well as within the global Lutheran and ecumenical family, including engagements with churches, as well as with NGO’s, government and civil society. In keeping with the CLWR strategic plan, members of the general public are also encouraged to offer support to the work of CLWR. Engagement with the public is viewed as complimentary with that of the two Church bodies, i.e. to advance the mission of the church. Increased public exposure of CLWR has the potential of assisting the Church in mission within Canada.
CLWR aims to alleviate poverty and human suffering as well as contribute to the establishment of healthy and sustainable communities through a rights based approach to human development. In order to facilitate the mission of CLWR in relation to the ELCIC and LCC, and in response to a dynamic and constantly evolving international and Canadian context, CLWR and the two Churches shall establish specific individual Memorandums of Understanding which articulate and clarify the modalities of our working relationships. The MOU’s shall describe the divisions of responsibilities and the administrative frameworks which shall guide our work together. The MOU’s will be subject to an annual review, taking into account that a review may also be initiated by any partner upon request.
CLWR and the ELCIC in Partnership
Within the framework of the areas of responsibility noted in the preamble, CLWR and the ELCIC’s relationship will be characterized by values of respect, mutuality and cooperation. Each will strive towards a coordinated approach in areas of cooperation, with the goal of enhancing our collective witness and service. While this MOU reflects our present method of collaboration, we recognize the more than 60 years of working together, which has led us to the working relationship described in this agreement. This agreement supersedes other previously held agreements.
The specifics of our cooperation
Emergencies and donated commodities
CLWR acts on behalf of the ELCIC in responding to global emergencies and the gathering and shipment of donated commodities. Both CLWR and the ELCIC will cooperate and coordinate efforts in response to global emergencies with links between CLWR and GHDA. A specific protocol will be established to describe the shared approach and the modalities of our cooperation. CLWR will offer to lend support, as possible, to the efforts of ELCIC to respond to domestic emergencies.
Refugee Sponsorship
CLWR acts on behalf of the ELCIC in regards to refugee settlement in Canada, through agreements with the Canadian immigration authorities. This engagement will necessitate direct contact with congregations. CLWR will report to the board of Directors on the details of congregational sponsorships and work with GHDA to make sponsorship needs known with the ELCIC. International programming
In keeping with the policies and plans of CLWR and the guidelines/criteria of GHDA, CLWR engages in support of international development. The primary partner of CLWR is the Lutheran World Federation, of which the ELCIC is a member. CLWR reports to the ELCIC on LWF related matters and involvements through the CLWR Board of Directors. The CLWR Executive Director will make effort to keep the ELCIC National Bishop informed of relevant issues related to CLWR’s participation in LWF related matters.
The ELCIC will be eligible to apply for funding from CLWR for activities which meet the criteria of the CLWR “Church sponsored projects” and the “Learning and Development Fund”. The ELCIC will have input through the CLWR Board, into the ongoing renewal of these mechanisms.
CLWR and GHDA Fundraising
Fundraising within the ELCIC for the work of CLWR shall be through the Global Hunger and Development Appeal. GHDA will remit a portion of GHDA receipts to CLWR, normally on a monthly basis. The ELCIC agrees to remit 100% of CLWR designated funds to CLWR. The percentage of overall GHDA receipts to be remitted to CLWR will be reviewed periodically by the ELCIC. The ELCIC will inform CLWR in advance of any changes to the percentage.
Both CLWR and the ELCIC are committed to challenging ELCIC members to contribute to GHDA. Joint efforts will be made to find new and creative ways to increase the giving to GHDA. CLWR will lend support to new initiatives as possible. Both partners will engage in setting annual goals and fundraising targets.
Funding of Emergency Appeals
GHDA and CLWR will work together in the issuing of emergency appeals. Specific protocols will be established to outline the procedures for appeals. Both CLWR and GHDA will work closely together in a coordinated manner in order to present a consistent and unified message to the ELCIC membership. All of the funds received which are designated for a specific emergency will be forwarded to CLWR. Development Education
The ELCIC and CLWR are committed to raising the awareness within the ELCIC membership on issues related to international development and the root causes of hunger and poverty. Development Education is an important component of the CLWR strategic plan as well as the strategic priorities of GHDA. The ELCIC and CLWR will strive to work together to enhance our collective ability in regards to education concerning development. CLWR acknowledges the value of development education and will seek ways to assist the ELCIC in these efforts.
Advocacy
The ELCIC bears responsibility for advocacy within their constituency and in relation with the ecumenical community. CLWR’s engagement in advocacy is limited to actions which directly relate to its mandate, especially in relation to CIDA. Both the ELCIC and CLWR are committed to working cooperatively on advocacy efforts which enhance the ability and capacity of CLWR to achieve its goals.
Four Corners
CLWR will seek to engage the ELCIC membership in support of Four Corners, as it relates to the sale of goods within ELCIC congregations and groups.
Communication
Both the ELCIC and CLWR will seek to establish and nurture communication protocols which serve as a framework for our working relationship. Attention will be given to the practical aspects of our working relationship, including the distribution of resources to the membership of the ELCIC. The protocols will be attached to this agreement as an appendix.
Placement of Volunteers
The ELCIC and CLWR will cooperate in the placement of volunteers, with the goal of the engagement of ELCIC members in the work of CLWR and the mission of the Church. The modalities of this cooperation will be outlined separately, including the position description of the International Volunteer Coordinator. Governance and Administration
The ELCIC is eligible for seven full members and one advisory member on the CLWR Board.
The CLWR Executive Director and the ELCIC National Bishop will consult on aspects of this agreement and deal with any issues which may arise, on behalf of the two parties. GHDA, through Mission in the World, will be responsible for strengthening ELCIC church-to-church partnerships. CLWR is encouraged to support these relationships and work in partnership with ELCIC in Mission. |
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