The Mission Council of the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS) is meeting online from 17–19 June. On the first day, the 21 delegates representing member churches and organizations received reports from the Secretariat, the Presidium, and the Theological Committee. 

Report of the Secretariat 

EMS General Secretary Rev. Dr. Dieter Heidtmann presented an overview of key developments following board decisions taken in late 2025. These include the approval and initial implementation of updated policies on programs and projects (ProPro), anti-corruption, and safeguarding across all EMS activities. 

Further progress was reported in the development of the EMS Agenda 2026–2031, which is currently in the consultation phase, alongside ongoing strategic and budget planning. 

Heidtmann emphasized that the Secretariat is undergoing significant transformation processes. Unit reports show important developments, including the new roles of seconded pastors in the East Asia and India units, co-funded by their sending churches. In addition, the revised ProPro procedures were implemented for the first time, with screening processes carried out in line with the new policy. 

Several Presidium meetings have contributed to governance and strategic planning. At the same time, Heidtmann noted that the renewed conflict in the Middle East has “deeply impacted EMS activities.” In response, EMS has provided emergency aid, adapted its operations, and expressed strong solidarity with affected partners, particularly in Lebanon.  

Report of the President 

Presenting the report of the EMS Presidium, President Rev. Anne Heitmann reflected on the theme of “ambassadors of hope.” 

She described the term as referring to individuals and communities who actively bring encouragement, solidarity, and faith to others – especially in times of crisis, suffering, or uncertainty. In the context of EMS, this is exemplified by churches and their members supporting people affected by conflict, including in Lebanon. 

Heitmann stressed that being an ambassador of hope goes beyond providing material aid. It encompasses: 

- Spiritual support: praying, worshipping, and sharing faith to strengthen resilience and meaning. 
- Solidarity and presence: demonstrating that people are not alone, even across geographical and cultural distances. 
- Listening and empathy: acknowledging fears, pain, and needs without downplaying the reality of hardship. 
- Encouragement through action: offering practical assistance, such as emergency aid, while promoting dignity and trust. 

This understanding highlights that hope is not merely optimism, but “a lived and shared conviction that sustains people in the darkest situations,” Heitmann concluded. “Ambassadors of hope” are those who embody and convey this conviction through both words and actions. 

Report of the Theological Committee 

Since its constitution, the committee had planned to meet in Ghana in March 2026. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the meeting was held online instead. 

During the meeting, the committee reviewed the current EMS Theological Guidelines, which have not been revised for more than 20 years. It proposed initiating a consultation process to update the guidelines, with the aim of submitting a revised version for approval at the General Meeting scheduled for 2028.