14.02.2022

UEM Global Lecture "Equal before God"

They shared personal experiences on the topic of racism: Andar Parlindungan, Sarah Vecera, Pieter Grove, Rina Krebru and Thea Hummel (clockwise) © Photo: Sarah Vecera/UEM

Racial discrimination was the theme of the UEM Global Lecture on February 9, 2022, entitled "Equal before God." Racism has created serious consequences for society worldwide. Rina Krebru from West Papua, Indonesia, and former UEM South-North volunteer, Rev. Pieter Grove, moderator of the Cape Synod of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA), and Sarah Vecera, deputy head of the Germany Department, shared their personal experiences on racism during the UEM Global Lecture. They placed the concept in its historical and contemporary context. Over a hundred people from Africa, Asia and Europe attended the virtual UEM Global Lecture event.

"Racism exists in all aspects of life, including the church. Racism affects who holds power and capital around the world. The ideology of white supremacy is still a burden that makes it difficult to create a just and peaceful world," says Andar Parlindungan, UEM board member and moderator of the event.

The goal is to increase the visibility of People of Color in congregations and at all levels of church leadership. The three speakers agreed on this. Churches and civil societies need to act more openly, clearly and self-critically anti-racist. The UEM offers various educational and training programmes with the goal of eliminating racism in church and society. If you would like to take part in one of the UEM's anti-racism seminars, here is the link to the education and training programs

The UEM stands against discrimination and racism and has documented this in a statement "Equal before God!"