For newly elected bishops and church presidents from member churches of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), there is an annual meeting called Retreat of Newly Elected Leaders (RoNEL). The LWF Center Wittenberg and the Communion Office in Geneva jointly organize these events. They take place in both locations.

In Geneva, participants meet with members of the LWF staff. They learn about the structure of the Communion Office and the fields of work of the LWF.

In Wittenberg, the focus is on sharing experiences with church leaders who have been in office for some time. In addition, conversations and encounters among the participants and visits to historic sites of the Reformation complement the program.

In Geneva and Wittenberg, different dimensions of leadership responsibility are examined: Organization and leadership style in the respective church, the perception of spiritual and theological leadership, and the representation of church positions in society (“public witness”). In addition, daily devotions, and a celebration of the Eucharist at the end of the week shape the spiritual life.

In the intensive exchange for a week, a fellowship develops that connects the conference participants beyond the retreat itself and gives them a living experience of the global communion of the LWF.

The conferences are held in English.