Church Partnership Thrives on Trust – Not on Money Alone

The Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR) proves that today's church partnerships do not thrive on money alone, but on mutual trust. In May this year, representatives of the East African UEM member church affirmed their close cooperation with their European partner churches and associated mission agencies at a multilateral conference in Brussels. The conference focused on exchanging views on joint projects as well as the future of ecumenical partnerships in times of global challenges.

Participants discussed topics such as education, healthcare, sustainable church development, and social engagement. Despite declining financial resources and growing economic uncertainties, they emphasised that sustainable partnerships are built above all on mutual trust, shared faith, and reliable solidarity.

According to the delegates, multilateral cooperation is becoming increasingly important, especially in times of crisis. When churches exchange experience, expertise, and resources, they can respond more effectively to challenges such as climate change, peacebuilding, and social inequality – meeting the needs of their congregations despite declining international funding. Transparency, mutual accountability, and the strengthening of local structures were named as essential prerequisites.

"Partnership is more than money. Relationships, shared faith, and mutual accompaniment sustain our common mission" was one of the conference's central messages.

In closing, the participating churches and organisations reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to share responsibility – for peace, education, health, and the sustainable development of communities. The Brussels conference made clear: the church's mission grows strong when partners walk together in faith and stand in solidarity to face the world's challenges together.