European Methodist Council Gathers in Hamburg under the Theme “Who am I as a Pilgrim and a Migrant?”
Hamburg, Germany | 3rd – 6th October 2025
Leaders and representatives of Methodist, Wesleyan, United and Uniting churches from across Europe gathered in Hamburg, Germany, from 3rd – 6th October 2025 for the Autumn Meeting of the European Methodist Council (EMC). Held at St. Ansgar-Haus under the theme “Who am I as a Pilgrim and a Migrant?”, the meeting brought together voices from across Europe and the global Methodist family to explore how faith, migration, and identity intersect in today’s changing world.
Pilgrims and Migrants: Faith on the Move
Opening the meeting, Co-Chairs Rev. Dr Heather Morris (Methodist Church in Ireland) and Mr Doug Godfrey-Swanney (Methodist Church in Britain) invited participants to reflect on the identity and direction of the Council in this new season of ministry. An opening Communion Service, led by Rev. Alfredo Abad (Spanish Evangelical Church) and preached by Bishop Stefan Zürcher (UMC Central and Southern Europe Central Conference), set a tone of unity, gratitude, and shared discipleship.
Throughout the weekend, delegates engaged in worship, storytelling, and deep theological reflection around the theme of pilgrimage and migration—considering how experiences of movement, displacement, and hospitality shape both individuals and communities of faith
Faith and Public Witness in the City
A highlight of the weekend was a public dialogue with Mr Jan Pörksen, State Secretary and Head of the Senate Chancellery of Hamburg, during the session “Walking with the City: Faith, Dialogue, and Public Witness.” Mr Pörksen reflected on the role of faith communities in fostering inclusion and understanding in society and shared examples of how Hamburg’s interfaith initiatives encourage civic cohesion.
Group discussions following the session invited participants to reflect on how churches can become communities of belonging, moving beyond integration to genuine inclusion. Stories from across Europe revealed both challenges and creative responses, as churches continue to welcome and accompany migrant and refugee communities.
Worldwide Methodist Family Connections
The Council was joined by Rev. Dr Martin Mujinga, General Secretary of the African Methodist Council, and Rev. Dr Reynaldo Ferreira Leão Neto, General Secretary of the World Methodist Council. Their presence reminded the gathering that the European Methodist story is part of a worldwide journey of justice, peace, and discipleship.
Dr Mujinga led biblical reflections on migration, extremism and belonging, encouraging participants to rediscover the pilgrim identity of God’s people. Dr Neto spoke of the World Methodist Council’s vision as a “Connexion of Connexions,” uniting churches in love, respect, and shared mission across all borders.
The meeting also acknowledged those serving from Europe on the World Methodist Council Steering Committee:
· Mr. Doug Godfrey-Swanney, Europe Regional Officer
· Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, Geneva Secretary
· Ms. Stefanie Gabuyo, Youth and Young Adults Committee Chair (Co-ordinator)
and other committees:
· Revd. Dr Heather Morris, Nominations Committee
· Revd. Dr Jonathan Hustler, Personnel Committee
Their contributions highlight the active engagement of European Methodism within the global Methodist family.
Business, Fellowship, and Forward Vision
During business sessions, the Council received reports from the Executive Committee and Support Officer, discussed ongoing projects, and prepared for the coming year.
A significant part of the meeting was devoted to the nomination and election of new members of the Executive Committee. The Council joyfully welcomed the following new members:
· Rev. Eduardo Conde Almeida (Methodist Church in Portugal)
· Rev. Dorothea Lorenz (United Methodist Church in Germany)
· Ms. Dariia Zhukovska (United Methodist Church in Ukraine)
Their election reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to diversity, representation, and shared leadership across Europe. The Council expressed gratitude to outgoing members for their faithful service and contributions.
Members affirmed plans for the:
· EMC Spring Meeting (Online) – 11 May 2026
EMC Autumn Meeting (London, UK) – 2–5 October 2026
The Council also celebrated the EMC Online Café, which provides informal opportunities for fellowship, reflection, and prayer among churches between major meetings.
A Shared Witness in Europe
In plenary and group sessions, participants discussed how European Methodists can respond to growing polarization and extremism with courage and compassion. They reaffirmed the Church’s calling to create safe and welcoming spaces for all and to speak out for justice and peace.
As one delegate reflected, “Migration will always be part of our human story. Our calling is to move from ‘them’ to ‘us’—to see all people as God’s beloved.”
Closing and Sending Forth
The meeting concluded with prayers led by Rev. Dr Heather Morris and Mr Doug Godfrey-Swanney, sending members home with renewed commitment to the journey of faith and service together.
With gratitude for the hospitality of the Methodist community in Hamburg, the European Methodist Council left inspired to continue walking as pilgrims of hope, listening to one another’s stories, and living out God’s reconciling love in Europe and beyond.
Photo credits: Stefanie Gabuyo/EMC 2025
For more information, please contact:
The European Methodist Council
office@methodist.eu |www.methodist.eu