08.2026
Archdiocese of Cologne Champions the Starkmacher Impact Revolving Fund Model Worldwide
At the plenary assemblies of AMECEA (East Africa) and FABC (Asia) in mid-July 2026, the focus was on sustainable, self-sufficient financing for the Church — and with it, the model that Starkmacher Impact has developed together with the Archdiocese of Cologne.
Within just a few days in July 2026, the topic of sustainable, self-sustaining financing for church and community projects took center stage twice at major international bishops' gatherings, once in Nairobi, once in Jakarta. On both occasions, the Archdiocese of Cologne was represented, our long-standing partner in the SMIRF model.
Nairobi: AMECEA -
Plenary Assembly,
19–26 July 2026
At the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly (Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa) at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Yolanda Luna-Rasero and Dr. Angelika Schmähling of the Archdiocese of Cologne's Department for the Universal Church & Dialogue spoke explicitly about the partnership with Starkmacher Impact. They highlighted that the interest-free revolving financing model has already enabled solar energy and other income-generating projects in Kenya and Rwanda, and expressed openness to extending it to other countries in the AMECEA region, as reported by ACI Africa.
"We owe it to future generations to work together to find environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions that serve both the Church and society," said the two project coordinators.
Jakarta: FABC Plenary Assembly, 23 July 2026
Just a few days earlier, Alessandro Chieregato, Desk Officer for Asia and Oceania in the Archdiocese of Cologne's Department for the Universal Church & Dialogue, spoke at the 12th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) in Jakarta about the shift in church funding practice: away from classic financing of church buildings, seminaries, and bishops' residences, toward projects built on financial and community sustainability,, as reported by Radio Veritas Asia. In nearly all his one-on-one conversations with participating dioceses, Chieregato actively promoted exactly this kind of model: income-generating projects with revolving repayment. Whether new projects emerge from this remains to be seen.
Two Continents, One Direction
Whether named explicitly or described as a general stance, both appearances show just how much church development work is currently moving toward self-sustaining, long-term-effective models. For Starkmacher Impact, that's a welcome confirmation — and motivation to carry the SMIRF model, together with the Archdiocese of Cologne, into further regions.
Sources & Further Links
· ACI Africa, 22 July 2026: Catholic Development Partners Renew Commitment to Supporting AMECEA's Synodal Journey with Young People
· Radio Veritas Asia (Zomi/Chin Service), 24 July 2026: Archdiocese of Cologne in FABC toh akizawpna khu Green, Self-Sustaining Project toh liensah sem
· Archdiocese of Cologne – World Church Cooperation (regional desk assignments): erzbistum-koeln.de
Photo:
Yolanda Luna-Rasero (left) and Dr. Angelika Schmähling (right) from the Department for Universal Church & Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Cologne during their address at AMECEA
