Um die Themen und Fragen aus beiden Kirchen vorzustellen und zu diskutieren, lädt der Unterausschuss einmal jährlich zu einem UCC Forum ein. Interessierte und Engagierte treffen sich zu einem Wochenende, an dem in der Regel ein Referent aus der UCC zugegen ist.
As Christians, we are challenged to live as faithful witnesses and ambassadors for Christ’s justice and peace. As part of our 3.5 decades-long Kirchengemeinschaft (joined partnership) between the Evangelische Kirche in Westphalia (Germany) and the United Church of Christ in Indiana/Kentucky and Heartland (formerly Ohio) Conferences, we enjoy our annual gathering on common theological and current issues.
In an era of increasing hate, violence, and a form of Christianity hijacked by the Nationalists, we want to offer an alternative based on the gospel.
- What gives us the courage to live out our faith based on love and not fear?
- How does our context shape our Christian faith?
- How do we find the courage to live out Christ’s extravagant welcome to all?
Discover unique perspectives from both the German and the US viewpoint, learn from each other, and be encouraged to live as faithful witnesses of Christ’s love.
Our keynote speakers are:
- Shari Prestemon (Acting Associate General Minister for Wider Church Ministries and Co-Executive for Global Ministries, UCC)
- Quinton Ceasar (Pastor in Wiesmoor, Germany, born in South Africa, couragously stated “God is queer” in the closing sermon at Kirchentag 2023)
Together, we will explore what it means to stand courageously for justice and peace amidst our current challenges, including the rise of far-right extremism and nationalist movements, and competing claims about the essence of Christian identity.
This forum is hosted together by the Indiana Kentucky Conference and the Heartland Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC) in the USA and the Protestant Church of Westphalia (EKvW) in Germany who are closely connected by their church partnership (Kirchengemeinschaft) in which they share hopes and challenges, questions, ideas and visions.
