Looking Back at the DIAKONIA World Federation Assembly and our Assembly of Members

As part of this year’s Assembly of the DIAKONIA World Federation in Moshi, Tanzania, our own members’ meeting also took place. Together with more than 200 participants from five continents, representatives of diaconal organisations, Christian communities and churches came together to share faith, discuss current challenges and strengthen international partnerships.

As a member of the World Federation, our association is part of a worldwide network of diaconal communities. Many of our member organisations are also involved in international exchange and contribute their experiences, perspectives and ideas.

Especially in the current situation around the world, the conference once again showed why such encounters are important. Diaconal work takes place in a globally connected world. Challenges such as social inequality, migration, poverty, loneliness, climate change and questions of peace and justice affect communities everywhere, even if they appear in different ways. International meetings create opportunities to learn from one another, gain new perspectives and share experiences.

One particularly valuable experience was seeing how differently diaconal work is lived out around the world. The host church in Tanzania welcomed all participants with great openness, warmth and a lively expression of faith. In workshops, lectures, Bible studies and personal conversations, it became clear how enriching mutual exchange and different perspectives can be.

Our members’ meeting also benefited from this international setting. Alongside organisational topics and discussions about current developments, personal encounters and shared experiences played an important role. Many participants returned home with new ideas, inspiration and contacts for their own organisations and communities.

The conference once again showed how valuable international encounters and global connections can be for diaconal communities. They open new perspectives, strengthen relationships and make visible the many different ways in which diaconia and Christian community are lived around the world.

We look back with gratitude on this shared time together and take many valuable encounters, conversations and new impulses with us into our future work.