Emergency Solidarity – Ecumenism in Polarised Times

International ecumenism means more than shared worship services and theological exchange. In times of political polarisation, social fragmentation and global crises, solidarity becomes a test case – an attitude that requires courage, discernment and perseverance. This topic was discussed on 26 and 27 March 2026 by experts and committed participants at the UEM’s Expert Forum on International Ecumenism, held under the title “Emergency Solidarity: Ecumenism in Polarised Times between Aspiration, Limits and Responsibility” at the conference centre Auf dem Heiligen Berg in Wuppertal.

Keynote by Ipyana Mwamugobole

A central highlight of the forum was the presentation by Rev. Dr Ipyana Mwamugobole, theological advisor at the Evangelical Mission Worldwide (EMW). For him, the event also marked a return: from 2012 to 2018, Mwamugobole had worked at the same venue as a study secretary with UEM and had gained first-hand insight into the ecumenical work of the international communion. In his lecture, he explored the tension between ecumenical aspiration and lived practice, making a compelling case for maintaining partnerships even in difficult times.
“I hope that we will not give up partnerships and relationships too quickly, but rather listen to and learn from one another with love, truth and patience,” said Mwamugobole. “Despite all the challenges, we have learned from one another and experienced solidarity. I am a product of that.”

What do we mean by “emergency solidarity”?

The term refers to situations in which routine approaches are no longer sufficient. When churches are called to act in the face of natural disasters, political repression or social extremism, the true resilience of ecumenical relationships becomes evident. In such moments, it is no longer enough to profess unity – action is required.

Lessons from history

A look back shows that polarisation within ecumenism is not a new phenomenon. Churches have always had to decide, in difficult contexts, how far solidarity extends and where its limits lie.

During the Nazi era, Protestants and Catholics worked together to protect those who were persecuted and to overcome confessional boundaries. In the post-war period, churches promoted peace and reconciliation between formerly hostile nations. During the Cold War, they maintained connections across the Iron Curtain. In South Africa, they united in resistance to apartheid. In Rwanda, they worked together to rebuild communities after the genocide. And in Africa today, churches continue to cooperate across denominations in the fight against poverty and diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

What unites these examples is that solidarity succeeded where shared foundations of faith were strong enough to bridge differences and where churches were willing to act in practice rather than merely speak.

Ecumenism today: new partners, new tensions

The challenges of the present have become more complex. Today, ecumenical partnerships include actors with very different theological, political and ethical positions – from evangelical organisations to churches in authoritarian regimes, as well as communities in politically sensitive conflict regions such as the Middle East.

How should one engage with partners whose positions one does not share? The answer does not lie in the swift termination of relationships, but in a nuanced approach: practical solidarity without compromising one’s core values; respectful dialogue about differences; and a clear awareness of what sustains common witness and what endangers it.

One question remains central: what distinguishes ecumenical networks from other interest groups? The answer lies in a commitment to human rights as an indispensable benchmark for every partnership.

Limits of patience

Solidarity does not mean tolerating everything. There are limits – where war, inhumanity or systematic oppression are involved. At times, it may be an act of solidarity to end a partnership. At other times, instruments beyond dialogue may be needed when one side can clearly be identified as the perpetrator.

At the same time, it is important not to give up too quickly. Those who think and act differently often offer the greatest opportunity for learning. The forum made clear that there are no simple answers: sometimes a patient, relationship-oriented path is needed, and sometimes a clear and resolute one. The crucial question is when each path is appropriate.

Encounter as a prerequisite

Participants agreed that solidarity does not arise in the abstract – it requires encounter. Personal relationships, shared experiences and genuine exchange form the foundation on which ecumenical action grows. This is all the more important in a time when conflicts and solidarity are increasingly played out in digital spaces and personal encounters are becoming rarer.

Structural issues must also be addressed: as long as partnerships are primarily shaped by financial dependencies, genuine equality remains difficult to achieve. Ecumenism must become more open – to other voices, other experiences and other ways of life.

Conclusion

True ecumenical solidarity requires courage, discernment and the willingness to remain committed despite differences. The expert forum in Wuppertal has shown that the questions facing ecumenism today are not new, but they arise with renewed urgency in a polarised world. History demonstrates that churches have come together in the most difficult times. This provides a resilient foundation for the present.