With our roots in the work of the Rhenish Mission (since 1828), the Bethel Mission (since 1886), and the Zaire Mission, we are a modern, international mission society which takes the form of a communion of churches equally sharing our resources. Our 39 members are Protestant churches in Africa, Asia and Germany including the von Bodelschwingh Foundations Bethel. They all wish to cooperate equally, whether between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres or the Southern and Southern Hemispheres, in order for both sides to strengthen their programmes, to share responsibility and experiences with each other, and to help people in need and in areas of violent conflict. In this way we can bear witness to the Word of Reconciliation in Jesus Christ.

Our corporate identity bases on five pillars: advocacy, diaconia, development, evangelism and partnerships. 

Our headquarters is in Wuppertal, Germany. Besides, we run an international training center for global learning in ecumenical perspective in Bielefeld-Bethel, Germany. Our work within the Africa region is coordinated by our regional office in Dar-es-Salam, Tanzania and within the Asia region by our regional office in Medan, Indonesia. Approximately 120 co-workers are employed in all three UEM offices and institutions.

Equal cooperation among Africa, Asia and Germany since more than 20 years

Since 1996 the UEM is an international mission organization where all African, Asian and German members have the same rights in terms of financial and political decisions. The Council as leading body of UEM is equally composed with members of all three regions while the General Assembly reflects the majority of African and Asian members.

Our logo visualizes our Christian commitment within the three UEM regions, i.e. Africa, Asia and Germany.

More information is available in our annual report.