Colonialism and racism in the church

The Director of the Ev.-luth. Mission in Lower Saxony (ELM) opened the new dialogue format "For a coffee with ..." in the inclusive Hanoverian Café Anna Blume.

It was a successful kick-off event in a great atmosphere at Café Anna Blume in Hanover - with the new Director of the Ev.-luth. Mission in Lower Saxony (ELM) Dr Emmanuel Kileo and interviewed by ELM secretary for international education Ms Ute Penzel.

Difficult and exciting topics while having breakfast? Can that work? Yes, it does! What does church life and mission look like today and what is its future? How must we rething ecumenical partnership in a global context for it to remain relevant? How can we overcome racist thought patterns and structures in the church environment? Nothing was not left out.

In Kileo's view, with regard to the topics of "racism" and "colonialism" in the church setting only the surface has been scratched. Although National Socialism was dealt with after the Second World War, these two topics have been largely ignored. "The church is characterised by racism and colonialism," was Emanuel Kileo's critical conclusion. In fact, he added critically, the church in Germany is too white! Where are people with a backround of migration in our congregations in Germany?

Overall, Kilo sketched a differentiated picture of the Hermannsburg Mission and ELM - from its beginnings 175 years ago to the present day. He also addressed the challenges that arise in the cooperation with the partner churches - in view of the various tense situations that they are confronted with within the church, socio-politically or as a result of climate change in their countries. The reports on this breakfast conversation was received with wide interest, which shows that this new format of tackling relevant issues of ELM and its partner churches has good potential.

Dr Kileo addressed these topics with commitment, but also with tongue-in-cheek humour. His remarks stimulated lively discussions at the breakfast tables among the audience, some of whom were experts and experienced in global ecumenism. For a coffee with... - a promising format of the ELM, which invites you to Café Anna Blume in Hanover twice more this year! On 8 June, again at 10:00 a.m. This time with the Brazilian pastor Cristina Scherer, who is working for the ELM and the regional church of Hanover in equal parts for a period of four years. More on this soon at www.elm-mission.net.