General Secretary of the World Lutheran Federation

Doctor Ishmael Noko is the first African General Secretary of the World Lutheran Federation (WLF). He was born on 29 October 1943 in Zimbabwe where he went to school. He graduated from the South-African University in Pretoria, South Africa, as well as Zululand University. In 1971 he received the BA degree (Bachelor of Arts) and in 1974 the Master's degree in the Lutheran Methodological Seminary in Saskatoon, Canada. In 1977 I.Noko received the PhD degree at McGill University, Quebec.

During his studies in Canada I.Noko worked as a church pastor and a teacher at the university. From 1977 to 1982 he worked at Botswana University.

In May 1982 he was transferred to the World Lutheran Federation where he consequently worked at the Department of World Servicing, Church Cooperation, as well as of Mission and Development. In 1994 he was appointed by the WLF Board as the General Secretary of the Federation.

In the capacity of the General Secretary I.Noko is the highest executive person of the Federation. Apart from the administrative duties, his competence includes religious functions.

Thus, he played the key role in the process of signing the Joint Declaration with Roman Catholic Church on justification doctrine. Besides, he is responsible for relations with the Christian communities and other religions, as well as for relations with the states.

Thus, he played the key role in the process of signing the Joint Declaration with Roman Catholic Church on justification doctrine. Besides, he is responsible for relations with the Christian communities and other religions, as well as for relations with the states.

Doctor Noko received Luther Prize (1994), honorable doctor's degrees in Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, Canada, Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, USA, Concordia College, North Dakota, USA. On 7 October 2000 he was awarded with the title of the honorable citizen of Slavkova City (Czech Republic).

He is married and he has a daughter and two sons.