Together for human rights, justice, and peace

The United Evangelical Mission (UEM) continues its strong commitment to human rights, justice, and peace. In this context, a delegation led by UEM General Secretary Rev Dr. Andar Parlindungan, together with Thea Hummel, Head of the Advocacy Department, held talks in Geneva with representatives of the World Council of Churches (WCC) to deepen existing cooperation and further develop shared perspectives.

The discussions focused on human rights violations affecting member churches of UEM, particularly in West Papua, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sri Lanka. In conversations with Rev Dr. Kenneth Mtata, Peter Prove, Dr. Masiiwa Ragies Gunda, and Rev Nicole Ashwood, the importance of close ecumenical coordination for effective international advocacy on behalf of churches and communities became clear.

As part of the communications exchange, the UEM delegation also met with Ms. Marianne Ejdersten, Director of Communication of the WCC. The meeting provided insights into current strategies and areas of work within WCC communications. Rev Dr. Kuzipa Nalwamba further shared updates on the preparations for the World Mission and Evangelism Conference 2028, as well as possible forms of cooperation with UEM.

Summarising the visit, the UEM General Secretary stated:

“We were warmly welcomed at the World Council of Churches (WCC) by the General Secretary Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay and committed colleagues, and it was a great pleasure to renew our relationship in our respective new responsibilities. Our meeting reaffirmed our shared commitment to concrete collaboration—particularly through joint solidarity visit to West Papua, coordinated responses to the situation of churches in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and continued cooperation in the areas of human rights, gender justice, and peacebuilding. With gratitude and hope, we look forward to nurturing this partnership between UEM and WCC as a sign of our common witness to God’s justice, peace, and the integrity of creation”.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) is a global communion of more than 350 churches in over 120 countries and serves as a central ecumenical voice. The visit to Geneva highlights the close ecumenical ties between UEM and WCC and their shared commitment to a church that advocates worldwide for human dignity, justice, and peace.