The Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS) has published its annual report for 2024. It focuses on the theme “Churches in the Public Sphere.” The 16-page publication can be ordered free of charge or downloaded from the EMS website.

The annual report’s title “Churches in the Public Sphere,” refers to the theme of the EMS General Assembly in November 2024. “These are difficult times for churches worldwide,” emphasizes EMS General Secretary Rev. Dr Dieter Heidtmann. In many places, churches face exclusion and discrimination. Freely living out the Christian faith is often not a given. This makes it even more important for churches to learn from one another, support each other, and pray for one another.”

“The economic and political conditions in 2024 were marked by increasing global uncertainties,” writes EMS Executive Secretary Ute Kauffmann in the report. Nevertheless, EMS projects and programs could continue their work at their previous level. Kauffmann emphasizes that EMS, as an international fellowship, prioritizes supporting the work of churches and member organizations in difficult times.

In 2024, an amount of about 3.4 million Euro was allocated to projects of EMS members. The largest share – 48 percent – was directed toward school and vocational education. Nearly a quarter of the funds was dedicated to diaconal projects such as hospitals, children’s homes, or facilities for people with disabilities. Increased material and personnel costs at the EMS Secretariat were partially offset by savings and vacancies. There was also an increase in income from financial investments and donations.