Thursday, 24. September 2026
EMS Sunday 2026: Worshipping Around the World
Around 20 September 2026, congregations across the EMS fellowship celebrated the first-ever EMS Sunday. Under the theme “Ambassadors of Hope – Sharing Hope”, they sent a common message: in times of global crisis, the world needs hope, reconciliation and lived solidarity. Worship services took place in many places, including the Middle East, Indonesia, India, South Africa and Germany.
The day highlighted what unites Christians across continents: a shared calling to make God's hope visible in a wounded and divided world. It also marked the anniversary of the EMS founding date on 16 September 1972. In Stuttgart's Hospitalkirche, where EMS was established, congregation members, EMS staff and ecumenical guests gathered for worship led by Rev. Benedikt Jetter.
“Eight hours ahead of us, Christians in Korea, Japan and Indonesia have already celebrated EMS Sunday,” said EMS General Secretary Rev. Dr Dieter Heidtmann. “Earlier still, believers gathered in India. And while we are worshipping here, Christians in Lebanon, Jordan, the Holy Land, Ghana and South Africa are doing the same. Today, one worship service stretches around the entire globe. That is what makes the worldwide EMS fellowship so special.”
Hope That Crosses Borders
Guest speaker Rev. Dr Packiam Samuel reflected this global perspective as he shared insights from his work as Director of the Henry Martyn Institute (HMI) in Hyderabad, India. The institute combines research, interfaith dialogue and reconciliation work with practical support for poor and marginalised communities, regardless of faith. EMS has long partnered with HMI and jointly offers a six-month intercultural study programme in Hyderabad.
The liturgy for EMS Sunday 2026 was prepared with the support of EMS member churches in Korea: The Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) and the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK). It brings insights and inspiration from Korea’s rich worship traditions into the global celebration. Drawing on these themes, Rev. Jetter quoted a Korean hymn asking: “Where do you place your hope in this world of suffering?” He noted that Korean society continues to bear deep wounds and highlighted the commitment of PROK and PCK to healing and reconciliation through their work for justice, peace and closer relations between North and South Korea.
Taking Hope into the Streets
EMS Sunday was also celebrated at Christuskirche in Pforzheim, where worship was followed by fellowship and Asian refreshments. Located in one of the city's most culturally diverse neighbourhoods, the congregation has become a welcoming place for people from many backgrounds, including refugees from Ukraine and Syria.
The service was jointly led by Rev. Dr Stephen Lakkis and Rev. Eleanor McCormick, EMS Head of Programmes and Networks. Korean liturgical elements, including the sounding of a gong, underscored the global and ecumenical character of the celebration.
“When I think about hope, I think of Christ calling us to take hope into the streets,” Rev. McCormick said in her sermon. “We are called to be ambassadors of hope with love, courage and creativity, sharing a hope that spreads as we bear witness to Christ's love at work in the world.”