Under the theme “Ambassadors of Hope – Sharing Hope,” congregations of the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS) members around the world will celebrate worship services on and around 20 September 2026. Through this global observance, the international fellowship bears witness to hope, reconciliation, and active solidarity in a time marked by multiple global crises.

“In a world increasingly shaped by division and polarization, our shared celebration of EMS Sunday sends a powerful message,” says Rev. Dr. Dieter Heidtmann, General Secretary of EMS. “It strengthens the bonds between Christians across continents and makes hope and solidarity visible in tangible ways.”

EMS Sunday also commemorates the founding of the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity on 16 September 1972. For more than five decades, EMS has brought together churches and mission organizations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, united in their commitment to faith, justice, and solidarity.

The theme of EMS Sunday 2026 highlights the shared calling of churches to make God’s hope visible in a wounded world. As “Ambassadors of Hope”, EMS member churches carry this message into their congregations, communities, and wider societies. Worship services will be held in regions including the Middle East, Indonesia, India, South Africa, and Germany.

In Stuttgart, a Holy Communion service with ecumenical guests will take place on 20 September 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Hospitalkirche, where EMS was founded. The service will be led by Rev. Benedikt Jetter.

The liturgy for EMS Sunday 2026 was developed jointly by the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) and the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK). Drawing on Korea’s rich worship traditions, it brings unique spiritual insights and expressions into the worldwide EMS fellowship.

“In a world marked by division, economic hardship, and ecological crises, the PCK and EMS are called to work courageously for a future in which every person, every community, and all creation can flourish through God’s abundant grace,” says Sangdo Choi, General Secretary of the PCK.

Offerings collected on EMS Sunday will support projects and programmes across the international EMS community that serve people affected by poverty, illness, disability, and the consequences of war.

Further information and materials can be found here.