“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13) With this motto, UEM reaffirms its commitment to peace, reconciliation, and empowering women and young people. It resolutely calls for action against all forms of discrimination and sexualized violence.
The 11th General Assembly of the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) ended with a worship service on the afternoon of September 19 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. On the last day of the meeting, delegates from the 39 members in Africa, Asia, and Germany adopted key resolutions on future cooperation under the motto “The beam in our eye – against discrimination in church and diaconia.”
Measures against discrimination and sexualized violence
The General Assembly adopted a comprehensive protection package against sexualized violence. Churches and diaconal institutions should be safe places that offer protection and healing. This includes the application of binding protection guidelines, the establishment of confidential reporting systems, and comprehensive support for victims of sexual violence. The Council was tasked with appointing independent ombudspersons in all three UEM regions. In addition, it is to develop a protection concept for children, young people, and vulnerable adults that also applies to international encounters.
The delegates called on members to specifically appoint women to leadership positions so that leadership in the church and in diaconia reflects the diversity of God's people. In addition, the General Assembly called for the consistent implementation of an intersectional approach to effectively overcome multiple disadvantages. Structural changes, pastoral care, advocacy, solidarity, and practical support should contribute to reducing multi-layered discrimination. In addition, measures to combat HIV/AIDS should be resumed and programs developed to prevent psychological stress in children and young people caused by digital technologies.
Recognition of ordination and more participation for young adults
The delegates decided on the mutual recognition of ordination within the UEM communion as soon as possible in order to facilitate the exchange of theologians. An amendment to the constitution also makes it possible to convert the legal status of UEM as an association under old law to the contemporary legal form of a registered association. The rotation of the moderator's position between Africa, Asia, and Germany is now stipulated in the constitution. In addition, the Council will be expanded to include two more seats for young adults. In future, they will have three votes instead of just one for all regions.
Partnerships rethinking and sharing responsibility
Church partnerships are to be certified in future according to the criteria decided upon at the International Partnership Conference in 2023. In addition, new forms of cooperation are to be developed. The next Partnership Award will be presented on the theme of “Peace and Justice.” At the same time, the delegates reaffirmed the joint financial responsibility of all three regions in view of the dwindling resources of German churches. For example, measures were decided upon for fundraising, investments, third-party funding acquisition, cost savings, and contributions. A new goal-oriented process structure will also help to align the work of the UEM more clearly with goals and financial possibilities in the future.
Statement of the General Assembly
In its statement, the General Assembly expresses, among other things, its great concern about the war in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the member church CBCA (Communauté Baptiste au Centre de l'Afrique) is located. The war is claiming many innocent victims, including members of the CBCA congregations. Destroyed infrastructure and the constant threat of arbitrary violence by armed militias characterize the lives of many people in the region. UEM also stands with the victims of war and violence in Ukraine, the Philippines, Papua, Israel, Palestine, and other regions. It calls on the parties to the conflict to accelerate peace talks and to uphold the rights and dignity of all people.
"We thank God that our 11th General Assembly in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was peaceful and constructive. The active participation of all 39 members strengthens our common witness for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation. With the words from Philippians 4:13, we go forward with hope and confidence into the future: God is the strength of UEM and its members," said Rev. Dr. Andar Parlindungan, General Secretary of UEM.
The next UEM General Assembly will take place in 2028 at the invitation of the member churches GKJW and GKJTU on the Indonesian island of Java.
The full statement of the General Assembly is available at this link. Here you find our Press Release.
spenden@vemission.org
0202-89004-195