Leadership changes at ELM
Contract annulled: Director leaves ELM
"Director Dr Emmanuel Kileo is leaving the Evangelical Lutheran Mission in Lower Saxony (ELM) and resigning from the Executive Committee of the Mission; the employment relationship will be terminated by mutual agreement. We regret this," said the ELM Executive Committee. As the first theologian from the Global South to head our organisation, he has opened up new avenues for partnership development and intercultural cooperation.
"Dr Kileo has shaped our evolving missionary work - as a bridge builder between cultures and as a visionary for more equitable church partnerships," emphasises the Mission Board.
Emmanuel Kileo's deep understanding of colonial structures helped to question old patterns and develop more equitable forms of cooperation. "He sensitised us anew to stand up for justice and advocate for more equality within a global church movement," continued the Executive Committee.
We thank him for his commitment and impetus. We are certain that he will continue to build bridges and inspire people. We wish him all the best and God's blessing for the future.
The Chairman of the Governing Board, Bishop Ralf Meister of Hanover, agrees with this. He said:
"We regret the departure of Dr Emmanuel Kileo. He has provided valuable impetus for the work of the mission. This applies in particular to the international reputation of the ELM and its global networking. We wish him all the best and God's blessing for the rest of his life."
Other key personnel changes at ELM
With the departure of the Director, the Executive Committee is is looking at tackling the various tasks under these changed conditions in the leadership team. To this end, Thomas Wojciechowski, previously head of the department "Faith in Global Perspective" and Deputy of the Director, has already transferred numerous tasks to his successor Holger Siebert. Wojciechowski will retire at the end of June and Siebert will take over his responsibilities.
Holger Siebert comes from the federal state of Hesse, where he worked as a pastor between 2002 and 2025 and was also involved in the area of "Mission, Ecumenism, Global Partnership". This included a stay abroad as well as involvement in international ecumenism in various church circuits and committees.
Over the past four years, Holger Siebert has also represented the Evangelical Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck on the ELM's Governing Board.
ELM is a "bridge builder" between cultures and religions and a partner for 19 churches in 15 countries. ELM makes global and cultural diversity tangible and promotes encounters and worldwide exchanges. The ELM carrier churches include the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brunswick and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Schaumburg-Lippe. ELM is also associated with the Evangelical Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck and the Union of Protestant Churches in Alsace and Lorraine.
