UEM Africa Regional Assembly in Botswana

Common prayer, intensive discussions and the exchange on shared challenges characterized the Africa Regional Assembly of the United Evangelical Mission (UEM), which took place this year in Gaborone, Botswana. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Botswana (ELCB) hosted the gathering and welcomed delegates from the member churches of the UEM Africa region. In total, 57 participants took part in the deliberations, encounters and worship services.

Discrimination in Church and Diaconia in Focus

 

At the center of the assembly was the theme of the UEM General Assembly 2025: “The Beam in Our Eye: Discrimination in Church and Diaconia” (Matthew 7:3). Delegates reflected on how churches can recognize and overcome discrimination within their own structures. The discussions included not only theological reflections but also concrete steps towards greater justice, participation and mutual respect in church structures and diaconal ministries.

Pre-Assemblies of Women, Youth and Men

 

The Regional Assembly was preceded by Pre-Assemblies of women, youth and men. Particularly noteworthy was the first Men’s Pre-Assembly of the Africa region, where issues of positive and responsible masculinity were discussed. These meetings created space to share specific perspectives and to prepare topics that later fed into the deliberations of the regional assembly.

Another focus of the assembly was the strengthening of the self-reliance of member churches. In various presentations and working groups, participants discussed how churches can make better use of their existing resources—for example through a systematic documentation of expertise and assets, transparent financial systems and new local income-generating initiatives. The aim is to ensure the long-term sustainability of church work and to strengthen the responsibility of congregations for their own development.

Joint Commitment to the United Action Campaign

 

The United Action Campaign of the UEM also played an important role in the discussions. Delegates encouraged member churches to take renewed ownership of this common initiative and to actively contribute to achieving the agreed targets, for example through the 1-Euro Campaign, special UEM Sundays or the engagement of UEM ambassadors.

Participants also addressed current challenges facing churches in Africa. Topics such as disaster preparedness and crisis management, the responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media, and the role of churches amid political and social change were on the agenda. In working groups, delegates discussed practical ways of implementing the resolutions of the UEM General Assembly 2025 in the Africa region.

Promoting Inclusive Communities in Church and Society

 

Special attention was also given to the question of how churches can promote inclusive communities. Delegates emphasized the importance of gender justice, the inclusion of persons with disabilities, intergenerational participation, and respect for ethnic and social diversity in all areas of church life—from leadership structures and worship to diaconal ministries.

Alongside the discussions, the Regional Assembly also provided space for prayer, worship and personal encounters. Many participants highlighted how important such exchanges are for strengthening mutual understanding within the international community of the UEM.

At the end of the Pre-Assembly, participants expressed their gratitude for the encounter and the growing fellowship among the member churches of the Africa region. The delegates reaffirmed their commitment to grow together, learn from one another, and carry forward God’s mission in the world.