The Mission Council of the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS) is conducting its second meeting this year online from 17 to 19 November.

The main topics on the agenda of the decision-making body are the reports of the Presidium and the Secretariat, as well as budget and finances. Daily devotion and sharing groups enhance the fellowship among EMS members

In the face of the persisting crises in the world, such as war, hunger, and climate change, EMS President Rev. Anne Heitmann from the Protestant Church in Baden (EKIBA) called on EMS members to answer to them by standing together even more closely. “As EMS we have a vision of fellowship, cooperation and solidarity,” she said in her report to the Mission Council.

“Our shared journey is not only marked by meetings and decisions but by the ongoing work of growing together – in trust, friendship, and shared responsibility,” the EMS President said. “The voice of EMS as one of the few internationalised mission associations worldwide is highly valued,” Heitmann underlined.

EMS member churches affected by structural and societal changes

The EMS General Secretary, Rev. Dr Dieter Heidtmann, addressed the structural and societal changes affecting EMS member churches. “The type of church work that has been developed in the last decades no longer reaches out to all people,” he observed. 

Churches are grappling with demographic changes, declining membership, financial strain, and eroding credibility. Churches face diminishing influence in the public sphere, described by experts as “shrinking spaces.” Examples include discrimination against Christian churches in India, such as the freezing of foreign currency accounts. 

Nevertheless, EMS remains committed to justice, peace, and integrity of creation, while voicing concern over authoritarian regimes and global conflicts: “We are particularly distressed by the ongoing conflict in the Holy Land,” Heidtmann said. 

Looking ahead to 2026–2031, the EMS General Secretary proposed focusing on internationalisation, participation, and strengthening its scope of activities.