Council for World Mission (CWM) General Secretary brings greetings to United Evangelical Mission (UEM) Silver Jubilee

by CWM Communications Team

Council for World Mission (CWM) General Secretary Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum brought greetings to 73 delegates of the international fellowship of churches in Africa, Asia and Germany in the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) which was celebrating its Silver Jubilee under the theme “Be the salt of the Earth: acting together against violence and extremism for peace, justice and reconciliation” in St. Reinold Church, Dortmund, Germany on 25 September.

The Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the UEM, and is the only occasion for representatives of the 38 member churches in Africa, Asia, and Germany and the von Bodelschwinghschen Stiftungen Bethel to gather to pray, deliberate and celebrate together as a communion of Churches at the invitation of the Evangelical Church of Westphalia (EKvW).

As they met to discuss challenges faced in this polarised world with inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic and economic recession, Dr Keum spoke about how they are called to a ministry of peace, justice and reconciliation. It is crucial for mission to be transformed into one that struggles against and resists forces – strengthening military regimes, spreading of extremist ideologies, populist ultra-right-wing groups, and resurgence of neo-cold war structures – that inflict pain and suffering in the world.

To participate in God’s ongoing work of liberation and reconciliation by the Holy Spirit requires us to discern and unmask exploitative forces, and challenge social, economic and political structures that divide and enslave people. This necessitates our commitment and willingness to work with all people involved in movements and initiatives committed to the causes of justice, dignity and fullness of life for all.

In closing, he expressed his firm belief that UEM will continue to carry out this mission of struggle and resistance, and assured them of CWM’s accompaniment as a sister organisation in this missional endeavour.

Dated 27 September 2022

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