From 13th to 17th of September 2021, 40 young representatives from member churches and member organisations of the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS) met for a theological conference to launch the EMS Jubilee Year. The Akrofi Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture (ACI) in Akropong (Ghana) and the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) co-hosted the conference on the theme: “Free for the Future”.

In their Conference message, the participants of the conference urge the churches and mission associations: "We are convinced: Now is the time to act! Acting means engaging in mission as social-transformative instrument, acting means the church as agency of God’s mission witnessing to the world, to bring this reality into the world."

Their call to action is inspired by the biblical interpretation of freedom. "According to the Bible, freedom does not mean the ability for one to do whatever one wants at any time. True freedom only exists in relationship (1 Corinthians 10: 23-24). God, people, the spiritual world and the physical world exist only in relationship. Freedom means transforming unhealthy relationship into right relationship. The South African Ubuntu philosophy describes this relationship as follows: 'I am, because we are'."

In the final message, the participants describe the conflicts they face in their respective countries. They call on the churches to work for an economic system that serves the people and to engage more in peace education and integrity of creation. Together, they call for a strengthening of inter-religious dialogue.

The conference message makes concrete proposals for a stronger participation of youth in the decision-making processes of the churches. It calls on the EMS to organise a joint solidarity project for young Christians and Muslims. "We have a common responsibility for the world." Together, the participants claim: "We challenge all members of the churches, young and old to take action. We can no longer stay silent on the issues that dishonour Christ and contradict his teachings. Every day can become a day of the Lord’s favour. Now is the time to act!"

Press contact: Dr Dieter Heidtmann, heidtmann@ems-online.org, Tel. +49 711 636 78 -21

The conference message can be found here as a download in English, German and Indonesian.