UEM Marks Three Decades of Historic Transformation with Harmony Concert

Three decades ago, a radical change occurred in the map of global Christian mission. The United Evangelical Mission (UEM) – Communion of Churches in Three Continents carried out a structural reconstruction that tore down the paternalistic wall between ‘sending churches’ in Europe and ‘receiving churches’ in Asia and Africa. The historic momentum, which began at the 1996 General Assembly in Bielefeld-Bethel, Germany, is now being commemorated through a grand celebration entitled Harmony Concert: ‘Faith beyond Fear — 30 Years and Forward’.

Held at the Smesco Convention Hall, Jakarta, on Saturday (20/6), the event became a symbol of UEM’s successful transformation from the 19th-century Rhenische Mission Gesselschaft (RMG) model into an equal international fellowship. The Simalungun Protestant Christian Church (GKPS) acted as host for the event, which was attended by more than 1,500 delegates, church leaders, and national figures.

The core of UEM’s internationalisation is a shift in theological paradigm. Whereas previously Europe acted as the sole subject, UEM now applies the principle: ‘everyone gives, receives, and makes decisions together’. This transformation is realised through five main pillars. Currently, UEM encompasses 39 members, with 17 synods located in Asia, 8 of which are centred on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia.

The theme ‘Faith Beyond Fear’, taken from the text of 2 Timothy 1:7, is not merely a slogan. According to the Committee Chair, Rev. Dr. Jenny Rossy Christine Purba, this theme is a prophetic response to the current political polarisation and global economic turmoil. ‘UEM proves that geographical boundaries cannot confine the ecumenical spirit,’ she asserted.

In a similar vein, UEM General Secretary Rev. Dr. Andar Parlindungan Pasaribu—the first Indonesian to lead this international institution—highlighted the importance of self-reliance. Although leadership is now inclusive, financial challenges loom as contributions from Europe decline. This 30-year momentum is hoped to spark theological and financial independence among churches in Asia.

This Harmony Concert not only featured an orchestra and visual narratives of the history of 17 Asian synods but also served as a humanitarian fundraising event. The main focus of this philanthropy includes various social causes. The presence of state officials at the event affirmed that UEM’s mission of caring for humanity consistently intersects with the national development agenda. With the spirit of ‘30 Years and Forward’, UEM is committed to continuing to step beyond fear to be a living witness on three continents.