Matthias Ristau from Germany was elected as new Chair of the ICMA at the regional meeting of Christian seafarers’ missions in Dublin.
The ICMA (International Christian Maritime Association) is the global, ecumenical umbrella organisation for Christian aid organisations and seafarers’ missions that work to promote the welfare of seafarers, fishermen and their families. Ristau thus succeeds Mark Nestlehutt, who held this position for the past two years.
“For us, a seafarers’ mission is simply inconceivable without global ecumenical cooperation. That is why I am happy to play my part in the ICMA. Germany is heavily involved in trade and shipping, so we are also keen to share in the global responsibility for the welfare of seafarers,” said Ristau.
For years, the DSM General Secretary has been championing seafarers’ rights and consistently speaking out on their behalf. Among the issues that concern him is shore leave – or rather, the lack of access to shore leave in certain cases. “Locked up at their workplace, this is actually a violation of human rights; it is the definition of forced labour, and that must not be allowed to happen in the shipping industry,” said Ristau some time ago in an interview with HANSA.
Following his election as ICMA Chair, he encouraged members to speak more openly about the ICMA when visiting ships and engaging with seafarers. Although individual seafarers’ missions have their own identities and traditions, he said, they are linked by a broad Christian community that facilitates cooperation across ports. Ristau cited the example of a German seafarer who needed assistance whilst en route to a US port.
Thanks to the ICMA network, a colleague travelled a good 50 km to help the seafarer. For Ristau, this illustrates the practical importance of relationships within the ICMA. No single organisation can serve every port, but through mutual understanding and trust, seamen’s missions can ensure that seafarers receive help wherever their journeys take them. Ristau reminded the participants that Christian seamen’s missions are stronger when they work together.
The German Seamen’s Mission has been a founding member of the ICMA since 1969. Consequently, the General Secretary is, by virtue of his office, one of eight members of the ICMA Executive Committee. Through its member organisations, the ICMA connects chaplains, ship visitors and social workers who are active in around 800 ports worldwide. Rooted in the Christian faith and ecumenical cooperation, the ICMA promotes collaboration, professional development and the sharing of resources amongst maritime pastoral care organisations. Through the ICMA, seafarers of all nationalities and faiths receive practical, pastoral and spiritual support.
