When delegates of UEM member churches from different countries, cultures and church traditions come together, something more than an official meeting takes place – community is formed. From 7–12 February 2026, around 47 participants from the Asia region of the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) gathered in Medan, Indonesia, for the Asia Regional Assembly (AsRA). The hosting church HKBP* welcomed the participants with great warmth and prepared the assembly in close cooperation with the Asia Regional Office of UEM.
Preparatory meetings were held on 7 February: the Church Leaders’ Meeting, the Women’s Pre-Assembly and the Youth Pre-Assembly. The opening service took place at HKBP Pardamean, and the closing service at HKBP Sudirman. A cultural evening, as well as an excursion to a foundation supporting people with disabilities and further encounters with Indonesian culture, rounded off the programme.
At the heart of the Assembly was the self-critical and challenging theme of the UEM General Assembly 2025: “The Beam in Our Eye: Discrimination in Church and Diaconia.” In intensive discussions, delegates addressed issues currently affecting churches and societies in Asia: discrimination and exclusion, ecological justice, migration and human trafficking, economic stability and job security, gender justice, the relationship between the Church and artificial intelligence, as well as the growing mental health crisis, which is now affecting many children.
Encounter, Exchange and Shared Responsibility
The Regional Assesmblies are not only a legislative body, but also a spiritual space for exchange, common prayer and mutual encouragement. New voices, particularly from the younger generation, enriched the deliberations with important perspectives and impulses.
A special highlight was the lecture by Rev Ferdinand Anno entitled “Between Empire and Hope: Geopolitics, Global Challenges, and Paradigm Shifts in Asia Missiology.” His presentation encouraged participants to reflect afresh on how the authentic Gospel can be proclaimed credibly in the midst of global political and social upheaval.
Looking back, Rev Jurcelyn Boncales Astudillo, Head of the Asia Regional Office, summarised the significance of the gathering:
“It was impressive to witness how actively the delegates engaged in discussions on discrimination in church and society, ecological justice, financial security, technology and the growing mental health crisis, while sharing perspectives from their respective churches.”
At the conclusion of the Assembly, decisions were taken which now require committed and responsible implementation within the UEM member churches. The common goal remains to act with self-reflection and responsibility as a UEM communion – so that the Church may be a place where no one experiences discrimination or exclusion.
UEM extends its sincere thanks to HKBP and to all staff members and volunteers for their dedicated preparation and organisation of the 2026 Regional Assembly.
The thematic song “The Beam in Our Eye” was written by Rev. Jurcelyn Astudillo, Head of the UEM Regional Office Asia in Pematangsiantar, Indonesia; the music was composed by Dr. Jean Cuanan-Nalam of the Silliman University Divinity School. The song is dedicated to the Asia Regional Assembly of the UEM.
You can watch the song on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/4d2m3ZQC0Mk
What is a UEM Regional Assembly?
The three UEM Regional Assemblies in Africa, Asia and Germany are committees of the General Assembly. They serve to strengthen connections among the member churches within their respective regions.
The Regional Assemblies meet every three years. They prepare the General Assembly for their region in terms of content, deliberate on shared challenges and may submit motions to the General Assembly. In this way, they are important forums for regional responsibility, theological reflection and strategic coordination within the UEM communion.
Further information on the structure of UEM and its governing bodies can be found here and in our Annual Report.
*HKBP = Batak Protestant Christian Church
spenden@vemission.org
0202-89004-195