The Moderator of the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) and Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) North western Diocese, Bishop Dr. Abednego Keshomshahara, has officially opened an international Church Partnership Workshop taking place from 4-8 August 2026 at the ELCT Bukoba Hotel, in Kagera, Tanzania.
He emphasizes on the importance of building partnerships founded on mutual learning, trust, accountability, and shared responsibility in God's mission.
The workshop has brought together, partnership officers of the 15 UEM Africa Member churches, participants from the different countries under the theme, " Building a healthy and effective Global Partnership in the UEM," which seeks to equip UEM members churches retain, maintain, establish and lead a deepen healthy international partnerships based on the concept of Global Learning in Ecumenical Perspectives (GLEP).
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Bishop Dr. Keshomshahara said churches should foster partnerships based on mutual respect, equality, accountability, and the sharing of gifts and experiences, rather than relationships centered solely on financial support. He noted that every church has valuable contributions to make in advancing God's mission through genuine collaboration.
Earlier, the UEM Executive Secretary for Africa, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Muhozi, described the workshop as a platform for churches to exchange experiences, strengthen transparency and accountability, enhance shared leadership, and explore sustainable approaches to partnership in an ever-changing world .
Credit – Christine Musongya UEM Program Officer