The EMS Fellowship mourns the loss of Rev. Dorothea Schweizer. Last Friday, after a long illness, she went home to the peace of God at the age of 86. The Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS), the Basel Mission - German Branch (BMDZ) and the German East Asia Mission (DOAM) have lost a committed colleague who dedicated her life to mission and diaconia.

Dorothea Schweizer began her career as a paediatric nurse, but a deep desire for meaningful service led her to the Basel Mission. From 1965 she worked as an ecumenical co-worker for the “Tsung Tsin Mission” in Hong Kong and later in South Korea. There she witnessed the emergence of “Minjung Theology” and became involved in the resistance to the dictatorial regime.

Dorothea Schweizer left a special legacy with the founding of the Diakonia Sisterhood in South Korea, which cares for people in need of care and those suffering from severe dementia.

After returning to Germany, she continued her missionary work. After her retirement, she was active in various EMS management bodies and became a good friend and counsellor to many.

Dorothea Schweizer's life was marked by a deep faith and a tireless commitment to the community. The EMS, the BMDZ and the DOAM will honour her memory. Our sympathy goes out to all who mourn her loss.