06.10.2016

Willem T.P. Simarmata is the new UEM Moderator

Besides, the General Assembly elected four representatives from Africa, Asia and Germany, respectively to the council of the international communion of churches. The 63 delegates from eleven countries elected the Indonesian theologian Willem T.P. Simarmata as Moderator for the next four years of the new legislative period. Simarmata, who led the biggest Protestant church in Indonesia HKBP until recently, has a long history with UEM. He was a former UEM scholarship holder and a member of the first General Assembly in Bethel, 20 years ago where the international UEM had been decided upon. In the past eight years he was a member of the council. Simarmata expressed his gratitude for the trust which has been awarded to him by all delegates. He was the only candidate for the position of the Moderator. Moreover, the delegates elected four members from each region into the council. The Africa region is represented by the following council members: Jane Ewoule from Cameroon, Daphne Guriras from Namibia, Bishop Abednego Keshomshahara from Tanzania and Bishop Jered Kalimba from Rwanda. The Asia region is represented by: Rev. Rosmalia Barus, Tetty Aritonang and Ephorus Rumanja Purba, all from different churches in North Sumatra, Indonesia as well as by Bishop Reuel Marigza from the  Philippines. The German region is represented by Marion Unger from the Rhenish Church, Helga Rau from the Evangelical Church of Hesse and Nassau, Rev. Ulrich Möller from the Westphalian Church as well by Rev. Thomas Fender from the Reformed Church. Next to the Moderator and the twelve representatives of the regions one council seat is reserved for the international UEM youth which is now occupied by Diotim Meyer from the Rhenish Church Germany. And the UEM communion is also growing as the General Assembly intends to admit the Rhenish Church South Africa to be the 37th member of UEM. The General Assembly generally takes place every two years in Africa, Asia and Germany. The delegates decide on the strategic direction and the budget of the international mission organization.  (Martina Pauly)