German Regional Assembly

In Germany, UEM has seven members: six protestant churches and the v. Bodelschwingh Foundations Bethel. Photo by: UEM

“This year's German Regional Assembly was characterized by intense discussions, innovative formats, and constructive exchange. Speed dating, for example, helped to overcome barriers and strengthen the spirit of community,” said Rev Marie-Anne Halim, Head of the Germany Department of the UEM, about the assembly. On 21 and 22 March, 30 delegates from all UEM members in Germany and numerous guests came together in Schmitten/Arnoldshain, Germany. There are Regional Assemblies in all three UEM Regions, Asia, Afrika and Germany.

Rev Ulrike Scherf, Vice President of the hosting church EKHN*, welcomed the delegates with a devotion. In her address, she emphasized the importance of dialogue and mutual encounters in goodwill and with respect. Annette Salomo, Chair of the German Region of the UEM and a member of the Church Leadership of the EKvW*, then officially opened the Regional Assembly, where the UEM presented its work and current developments. With elections and decisions, the delegates prepared the UEM General Assembly that will be in Dar es Salaam in September 2025.

Rev Dr Claudia Währisch-Oblau, Head of the Evangelism Department, and Rev Dr Elizabeth Silayo, Regional Service Middle Rhine/Lahn (both UEM), led an interactive workshop on the topic of “Postcolonial Mission.” The delegates together discussed their experiences and shared their approaches to the topic.

Regarding the recent statement issued by the UEM Council, the delegation of the EKvW submitted a following statement on the situation in Eastern Congo. The delegates discussed, revised and adopted it. The statement refers to the peace talks initiated by the Protestant and Catholic churches in the DR Congo and reminds German churches of their responsibility to join their commitment.

Marie-Anne Halim summarizes the core points of the assembly: "We really engaged in the topics of Mission, Postcolonialism and the DR Congo Situation on a high level, which led us to a shared and very deep perspective. I am happy that the Delegates were motivated to pursue these topics beyond this assembly, and to start action in their own contexts."

*EKHN = Evangelische Kirche in Hessen und Nassau (Protestant Church in Hesse and Nassau)

*EKvW = Evangelische Kirche von Westfalen (Evangelical Church in Westphalia)