Westphalian church board meets UEM council in Bielefeld (Germany)

The church board of the Westphalian Church in Germany received the members of the UEM council on Tuesday 16, 2016 in Bielfeld. In her speech the church leader Mrs. Praeses Annette Kurschus underlined the importance of the international ecumenic movement for the German church. Moreover, she assured the guests coming from Africa, Asia and Germany: "In our house, you are at home!"

The UEM Moderatorin Mrs. Regine Buschmann quoted a statement of the former UEM Moderator Bishop Zephania Kameeta who said: "You cannot hug a computer!" Personal encounters are still important, even in times of skype and whatsapp because it is simply not possible to hug a computer. That it's why many UEM members take the long way in order to meet their sisters and brothers from abroad.

UEM general secretary Rev. Volker Martin Dally underlined that mutual learning is a special strength of UEM. How the wider outlook works can be seen with this reception. With its intercultural experience UEM can significantly contribute to the general discussion around people coming to us from different cultural backgrounds. He asked the German churches to continue their commitment according the Lord's mission.

Vice Moderator Ephorus Willem Simarmata, leader of the biggest Christian church in Indonesia HKBP reported on the difficult life of Christians given the violence of radical Muslims in Sumatra. In the past months nine churches have been set on fire. He underlined that a peaceful coexistence is only possible in the frame of mutual dialogue and discussion. Although the government of Indonesia is fighting for democracy and against corruption, he regrets that it has not been possible to stop the violence against churches.

Rev. Kakule Molo, leader of the Baptist church in the East of DR Congo CBCA said that human beings are all different but that they all the same in front of God. He wished the people and the governments in Germany and Europe God's strength and wisdom in order to be able to cope with the present challenges. Finally he thanked the Westphalian church and UEM for their joint efforts to relieve people from their pains. 

Martina Pauly