And it was by planting an apple tree that the Rev. Ishmael Noko marked his retirement as leader of the global grouping of Christians inspired by the German reformer after 16 years as general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation. "We are planting a tree as a sign of hope," Noko told ENInews after the ceremony outside Geneva's Ecumenical Centre, where the LWF has its headquarters alongside bodies such as the World Council of Churches. Described as one of the most influential leaders of the ecumenical movement, Noko was praised by his ecumenical colleagues for his passion for Christian unity and his commitment to interfaith relations.