Conference in Bethel: Sustainable Health

How can we develop sustainable health programmes for local communities?

This question was at the heart of the international conference “Promoting Sustainable Health: Challenges and Opportunities for Churches and Faith-based Organisations” in Bielefeld (Germany).

It was jointly organized by the United Evangelical Mission (UEM), the Institute for Diaconal Science and Diaconal Management (IDWM) at Bielefeld University, and the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt (EHD).

Sixty participants from thirteen countries took part – some of them online, as Germany’s visa policy prevented them from travelling in person. Diaconia and health are key topics for the UEM and its Bielefeld-based member, the v. Bodelschwingh Foundations (vBS) Bethel.

“What distinguishes this conference from others is that all topics will be discussed against the backdrop and as a task for church and faith-based organisations.,” said Prof Dr Ulrike Manz from EHD in her opening speech.

UEM General Secretary Rev. Dr Andar Parlindungan emphasized the relevance of the conference: “now is the time for the church and faith-based organizations to offer health services grounded in justice and equality, not driven by financial profit or business motives.” Therefore, he said, creative partnerships with social institutions beyond church walls – such as universities, Non-Government and health organizations – were necessary.

“By prioritising health promotion, churches and faith-based institutions can address pressing issues,” said Rev. Godwin Ampony, Head of International Diaconia at the UEM: “such as the spread of communicable and non-communicable diseases and stigma around certain health conditions. This way, we can create more informed and resilient communities and congregations.”

Graduation of Diaconia Students

At the start of the conference, the graduation ceremony for students of the “International Master of Arts in Diaconic Management” (IMADM) took place in the Zion Church in Bethel. Members of the sixth cohort received their certificates, marking the completion of a course of study that had taken them to universities in Germany, Indonesia, South Africa, Tanzania, and the Philippines. The first cohort had begun their studies in 2009.

Business and management were part of the curriculum, as were theology and ethics. “And most importantly, you now share a common diaconal language across national borders!” said IMADM Alumna Ms. Annika Huneke, who welcomed the graduates into the alumni community.

Godwin Ampony emphasized the socially transformative approach of the programme: “Our goal in social and diaconic work is to transform it from a predominantly caritative to a comprehensive approach. As Diaconia, we aim not only to combat symptoms but to address root causes such as marginalization and unequal access to health systems.”

Integrating health from the beginning

“Today, health services are part of the diaconal offerings of many churches and organisations,” said Prof. Dr Christian Oelschlägel, who, at the IDWM, is jointly responsible for both the master’s programme and this conference – in cooperation with the UEM.

“However, we have observed that these services are often curative and less focused on prevention.” The conference therefore contributed to the question of what needs to happen to change this in churches and organisations.

As host of the conference venue, vBS Bethel offered valuable insights: during the event, participants visited workplaces in Bethel such as the stamp office and the Work Place department for industrial packaging and assembly.

It became clear how rehabilitation and integration contribute to healing – not only for those directly involved, but also for a society in which disability and independent work are increasingly normalizing. Participants reflected on their experiences from the lectures and visits in Bethel by developing individual action plans for the period after the conference.

Further information on the IMADM Diaconia programme can be found here.

*ELCB = Evangelical Lutheran Church in Botswana