World Missionary World Missionary ConferencesConferences

JoshvaJoshva

Places and YearsPlaces and Years

►Edinburgh (1910), Jerusalem (1928), Edinburgh (1910), Jerusalem (1928), Madras (1938), Whitby (1947), Willingen Madras (1938), Whitby (1947), Willingen (1952), Ghana (1958), Mexico (1963), (1952), Ghana (1958), Mexico (1963), Bangkok (1972), Melbourne (1980), San Bangkok (1972), Melbourne (1980), San Antonio (1989), and Salvador (1996). The Antonio (1989), and Salvador (1996). The World Council of Churches assemblies World Council of Churches assemblies were: Amsterdam (1948), Evanston were: Amsterdam (1948), Evanston (1954), New Delhi (1961), Uppsala (1954), New Delhi (1961), Uppsala (1968), Nairobi (1975), Vancouver (1968), Nairobi (1975), Vancouver (1983), Canberra (1991) and Harare (1983), Canberra (1991) and Harare (1998). (1998).

Five Major Themes DiscussedFive Major Themes Discussed

►Church and Mission,Church and Mission,►Mission and Unity, Mission and Unity, ►World, Mission and Church, World, Mission and Church, ►The Kingdom of God and Mission, The Kingdom of God and Mission, ►Mission and The World of Religions and Mission and The World of Religions and

Cultures. Cultures.

Issues step by Step in Issues step by Step in missionsmissions

►Separation of Church and MissionSeparation of Church and Mission►Ecumenical Results of the MissionEcumenical Results of the Mission

Edinburgh 1910Edinburgh 1910

► "the evangelization of the world in this "the evangelization of the world in this generation", generation",

► Of the 1400 participants, 17 came from the Of the 1400 participants, 17 came from the "third world". Edinburgh was very carefully "third world". Edinburgh was very carefully prepared in thematic commissions and, prepared in thematic commissions and, despite quite "progressive" debates in some despite quite "progressive" debates in some of these, the conference generally reflected a of these, the conference generally reflected a traditional conservative approach to mission, traditional conservative approach to mission, linking the proclamation of the "gospel to the linking the proclamation of the "gospel to the heathens" with the spread of Western heathens" with the spread of Western civilization. civilization.

► Edinburgh gave birth to the Edinburgh gave birth to the International International Review of Missions Review of Missions (whose first issue was (whose first issue was published in 1912) and to a Continuation published in 1912) and to a Continuation Committee which laid the foundations for the Committee which laid the foundations for the creation of the creation of the International Missionary Council International Missionary Council (IMC) in 1921. (IMC) in 1921.

► There had been earlier major mission There had been earlier major mission conferences, but at Edinburgh, steps were conferences, but at Edinburgh, steps were taken towards a certain institutionalization of taken towards a certain institutionalization of cooperation between Protestant mission cooperation between Protestant mission councils. Edinburgh can not be considered councils. Edinburgh can not be considered "ecumenical" in the present sense of the word "ecumenical" in the present sense of the word however, since there were no Catholic or however, since there were no Catholic or Orthodox delegates present. Of the 1400 Orthodox delegates present. Of the 1400 participants, 17 came from the "third world". participants, 17 came from the "third world".

Evangelising the non-Evangelising the non-ChristianChristian

► In discussing the Christian message to In discussing the Christian message to non-Christian religions, the Edinburgh non-Christian religions, the Edinburgh conference was not concerned with conference was not concerned with working out a relationship between working out a relationship between Christianity and other religions and Christianity and other religions and cultures, but rather how to win the cultures, but rather how to win the non-Christians to Christ. non-Christians to Christ.

Edinburgh was a conference of mission societies not of the church. However, asAndrew Walls suggests “during its course the missions became almost a surrogatechurch. Delegates were experiencing a sense of common purpose that they recognizedas belonging to the nature of the church, or as a foretaste of what the church couldbe.” Walls, Andrew F. The Cross-Cultural Process in Christian History: Studies in theTransmission and Appropriation of Faith. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books, 2002: 58.

►Vedanayagam S. Azariah4 (1874-1945): “Through all the ages to come the

► Indian church will rise up in gratitude to attest the heroism and self-denying

► labours of the missionary body. You have given your goods to feed the poor. You

►have given your bodies to be burned. We also ask for love. Give us FRIENDS!”

► "The Problem of Co-Operation Between Foreign and Native Workers,” World

►Missionary Conference, 1910; The History and Records of the Conference Together

►with Addresses Delivered at the Evening Meetings, (vol. 9), (Edinburgh & London:

►Oliphant, Anderson, & Ferrier, 1910): 315.

4.9.2. K. Ibuka: Note the development of an indigenous confession which addressesthe context of Japan, rather than the simple transplantation of the ApostlesCreed. “The Problem of Co-Operation Between Foreign and Native Workers,”World Missionary Conference, 1910: 294-305.4.9.3. John R. Mott: “The end of the Conference is the beginning of the conquest. Theend of the planning is the beginning of the doing.” “Closing Address,” WorldMissionary Conference, 1910: 347.4.9.4. Mott: Edinburgh was “the first attempt at a systematic and careful study of themissionary problems of the world.”

Andrew Walls Why Edinburgh is Andrew Walls Why Edinburgh is importantimportant

►It differed in composition from the previous conferences: it proportionally represented the sending countries. Small non-western representation

►ii. It was a consultation not intended to advertise missionary activity or educate non-missionaries

IMC constitutedIMC constituted► Function:► 6.4.1. To stimulate thinking and investigation on missionary

questions► 6.4.2. To make the results available for all missionary societies

and missions► 6.4.3. To help co-ordinate the activities of the national missionary

organizations of the different countries and of the societies they represent

► 6.4.4. To bring about Christian public opinion in support of freedom of conscience and religion and of missionary liberty

► 6.4.5. To help unite the Christian forces of the world in seeking justice in international and inter-racial relations

► 6.4.6. To be responsible for the publication of the International Review of Missions and such other publications as in the judgment of the Council may contribute to the study of Missionary questions

► 6.4.7. To call a world missionary conference if and when this should be deemed desirable.5

Jerusalem 1928Jerusalem 1928

►At the Jerusalem conference, two major At the Jerusalem conference, two major questions on mission emerged to which questions on mission emerged to which no real consensus was found: the relation no real consensus was found: the relation between the Christian message and other between the Christian message and other religions, and the theological religions, and the theological interpretation of Christian social and interpretation of Christian social and political involvement.political involvement.

► The communist revolution of 1918 had The communist revolution of 1918 had made the dream of evangelizing the made the dream of evangelizing the whole world within one generation whole world within one generation unrealistic. unrealistic.

►The first world war provoked by The first world war provoked by "Christian" countries had profoundly "Christian" countries had profoundly challenged the ideal of the Western challenged the ideal of the Western civilization as an embodiment of the civilization as an embodiment of the gospel. gospel.

Church to church relationshipChurch to church relationship

► The discussion at Jerusalem centred around The discussion at Jerusalem centred around the relationship of such councils or missions the relationship of such councils or missions to the ‘home’ church on the one hand and to to the ‘home’ church on the one hand and to the indigenous (younger) churches on the the indigenous (younger) churches on the other. The dealings of the missionary other. The dealings of the missionary societies with the indigenous churches were societies with the indigenous churches were through these missions or councils. At through these missions or councils. At Jerusalem, the younger churches desired a Jerusalem, the younger churches desired a direct link between them and the societies direct link between them and the societies and the churches they represented. They and the churches they represented. They desired a church to church relationship. desired a church to church relationship.

► The discussion of the Christian message in The discussion of the Christian message in Jerusalem centered on two major issues. Jerusalem centered on two major issues. First was the antithesis between those on First was the antithesis between those on the one hand (mainly Continentals) who the one hand (mainly Continentals) who wanted to stress the absolute uniqueness of wanted to stress the absolute uniqueness of the Gospel revealed in Jesus Christ, and the Gospel revealed in Jesus Christ, and those on the other hand (some of the Anglo-those on the other hand (some of the Anglo-American) who had been influenced by the American) who had been influenced by the comparative study of religions and did not comparative study of religions and did not want to overlook the religious values in the want to overlook the religious values in the non-Christian religions.non-Christian religions.

► The other issue had to do with the The other issue had to do with the difference of opinion over the social difference of opinion over the social responsibility and concern of the church in responsibility and concern of the church in the world. These differences reflected the the world. These differences reflected the outlook of the delegates on the motives, outlook of the delegates on the motives, purpose, and goals of mission. In such a purpose, and goals of mission. In such a situation the drafting of the message of the situation the drafting of the message of the Assembly was not easy. Assembly was not easy.

Three SelfsThree Selfs

►According to Henry Venn, Secretary of According to Henry Venn, Secretary of the Church Missionary Society in the the Church Missionary Society in the nineteenth century, the missionary aim nineteenth century, the missionary aim should be to help the Christian should be to help the Christian communities in the mission field to grow communities in the mission field to grow into self-supporting, self-propagating into self-supporting, self-propagating and self-governing churches. At the end and self-governing churches. At the end of the process, the mission passes into of the process, the mission passes into a settled Christian community. a settled Christian community.

Barth and theologiansBarth and theologians

► In 1918 Karl Barth published his In 1918 Karl Barth published his Commentary Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans.on the Epistle to the Romans. He pointed out He pointed out mission as an activity of God (1932[1957]). As mission as an activity of God (1932[1957]). As liberalism had reflected the optimism and liberalism had reflected the optimism and humanism of the 19th century, so neo-humanism of the 19th century, so neo-orthodoxy23, to no small degree, arose from orthodoxy23, to no small degree, arose from the pessimism and the despair begotten of the the pessimism and the despair begotten of the terrors of World War I. It emphasised human terrors of World War I. It emphasised human sinfulness and the inability, unaided, to sinfulness and the inability, unaided, to discover God or to extricate oneself from the discover God or to extricate oneself from the horrors brought by one’s depravity. horrors brought by one’s depravity.

Tambaram 1938Tambaram 1938

►The third mission conference (the second The third mission conference (the second so-called "enlarged meeting" of the IMC) so-called "enlarged meeting" of the IMC) took place in took place in 19381938 in in TambaramTambaram, near , near Madras, India. In a world context where Madras, India. In a world context where peace was increasingly threatened by peace was increasingly threatened by fascist-type regimes (Germany, Italy, fascist-type regimes (Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Japan), the discussions Portugal, Spain, Japan), the discussions focused on the importance and centrality focused on the importance and centrality of the church (in particular the local of the church (in particular the local church) in mission. church) in mission.

► Representatives from the so-called "younger" Representatives from the so-called "younger" churches were in the majority in Tambaram. churches were in the majority in Tambaram. Tambaram also defended the ultimate truth Tambaram also defended the ultimate truth of the Christian message vis-à-vis other of the Christian message vis-à-vis other religions, while advising missionaries to a religions, while advising missionaries to a listening and dialoguing approach in practice. listening and dialoguing approach in practice.

► It is the Church and the Church alone which It is the Church and the Church alone which can carry the responsibility of transmitting can carry the responsibility of transmitting the Gospel from one generation to another, of the Gospel from one generation to another, of preserving its purity and of proclaiming it to preserving its purity and of proclaiming it to all creatures. all creatures.

► It is the Church and Church alone which can It is the Church and Church alone which can witness to the reality that man belongs to witness to the reality that man belongs to God in Christ with a higher right than that of God in Christ with a higher right than that of any earthly institution which may claim his any earthly institution which may claim his supreme allegiance. It is within the Church supreme allegiance. It is within the Church and the Church alone that the fellowship of and the Church alone that the fellowship of God’s people receive together the gifts He God’s people receive together the gifts He offers to His children in Word and Sacrament. offers to His children in Word and Sacrament.

► For Henry Kramer, God’s revelation in Jesus For Henry Kramer, God’s revelation in Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible is the Christ as recorded in the Bible is the fundamental starting point and criterion of all fundamental starting point and criterion of all Christian and theological thinking. It is from Christian and theological thinking. It is from this stand point Kramer speaks about the this stand point Kramer speaks about the Christian attitude towards the non-Christian Christian attitude towards the non-Christian religions.religions.

► For a Christian "the only standard of For a Christian "the only standard of reference can be the new and unmeasurable reference can be the new and unmeasurable world which has been revealed and made real world which has been revealed and made real by God in Jesus Christ and His life and work, by God in Jesus Christ and His life and work, and which is accessible to faith alone ... and which is accessible to faith alone ... Christ, as the ultimate standard of reference, Christ, as the ultimate standard of reference, is the crisis of all religions, of the non-is the crisis of all religions, of the non-Christian religions and of empirical Christian religions and of empirical Christianity. This implies that the most fruitful Christianity. This implies that the most fruitful and legitimate way to analyze and evaluate and legitimate way to analyze and evaluate all religions is to investigate them in the light all religions is to investigate them in the light of the revelation of Christ". of the revelation of Christ".

► Findings -We do not think that God has left Findings -We do not think that God has left Himself without witness in the world at any Himself without witness in the world at any time. Men have been seeking Him all through time. Men have been seeking Him all through the ages. Often this seeking and longing has the ages. Often this seeking and longing has been misunderstood. But we see glimpses of been misunderstood. But we see glimpses of God’s light in the world of religions, showing God’s light in the world of religions, showing that His yearning after His erring children has that His yearning after His erring children has not been without response. not been without response.

► Yet we believe that all religious insights and Yet we believe that all religious insights and religious experiences have to be fully tested religious experiences have to be fully tested before God in Christ; and we see that this is before God in Christ; and we see that this is true as well within as outside the Christian true as well within as outside the Christian Church. Christ is revolutionary; He brings Church. Christ is revolutionary; He brings conversion and regeneration when we meet conversion and regeneration when we meet Him, from whatever point we may have Him, from whatever point we may have started.started.8787

Whitby 1947Whitby 1947

►The The 19471947 IMC conference in IMC conference in WhitbyWhitby, , Canada, was a small one. It reflected Canada, was a small one. It reflected on the fundamental changes in what on the fundamental changes in what was considered a "revolutionary" world was considered a "revolutionary" world after the shock of the second world after the shock of the second world war. There was a need to rebuild not war. There was a need to rebuild not only countries, but also relations only countries, but also relations between people who had been in between people who had been in conflict. conflict.

►The task of world evangelism starts The task of world evangelism starts today from the vantage ground of a today from the vantage ground of a Church which, as never before, is really Church which, as never before, is really world wide.... It is working itself out world wide.... It is working itself out today in a real partnership between today in a real partnership between the older and younger churches. The the older and younger churches. The sense both of a common faith in Christ, sense both of a common faith in Christ, and of a common responsibility for an and of a common responsibility for an immense and unfinished task, have immense and unfinished task, have brought us out of the mists of tension brought us out of the mists of tension and re-adjustment to a higher level, and re-adjustment to a higher level, from which we have been able to see from which we have been able to see our world task in a new perspective. our world task in a new perspective.

►Whitby became famous for its slogan, Whitby became famous for its slogan, "partnership in obedience". The term "partnership in obedience". The term "partnership" had been used earlier, but "partnership" had been used earlier, but it received particular emphasis at it received particular emphasis at Whitby. Delegates abandoned the use of Whitby. Delegates abandoned the use of the language of "Christian" and "non the language of "Christian" and "non Christian" countries, opening the way to Christian" countries, opening the way to new paths in mission theology. They also new paths in mission theology. They also insisted on the importance of good insisted on the importance of good relationships with the new World Council relationships with the new World Council of Churches, which was to hold its first of Churches, which was to hold its first assembly in 1948. assembly in 1948.

Willingen 1952Willingen 1952

►Mission is the purpose and action of the triune Mission is the purpose and action of the triune God. Willingen is rightly considered to have had God. Willingen is rightly considered to have had the most lasting influence on ecumenical the most lasting influence on ecumenical mission theology. Indeed, the idea of mission theology. Indeed, the idea of missio missio Dei,Dei,that was taken up in the follow-up of that was taken up in the follow-up of Willingen, proved to be most creative. The Willingen, proved to be most creative. The strong emphasis on the centrality of the church strong emphasis on the centrality of the church in mission (important since Tambaram) was in mission (important since Tambaram) was replaced by an enlarged perspective that replaced by an enlarged perspective that allowed an interpretation of world events as allowed an interpretation of world events as determining factors for mission. determining factors for mission.

Hoekendijk Hoekendijk

► To say that ‘the Church is the starting-point To say that ‘the Church is the starting-point and the goal of Mission’ is after all only making and the goal of Mission’ is after all only making a phenomenological statement. It may well be a phenomenological statement. It may well be that we are so wrapped up in our church-that we are so wrapped up in our church-centrism that we hardly realise any longer how centrism that we hardly realise any longer how much our ideas are open to controversy. much our ideas are open to controversy. Would it not be a good thing to start all over Would it not be a good thing to start all over again in trying to understand what it really again in trying to understand what it really means when we repeat, again and again, our means when we repeat, again and again, our favourite missionary text, ‘the Gospel of the favourite missionary text, ‘the Gospel of the Kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the Kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the Oikoumene Oikoumene - and attempts to re-think our - and attempts to re-think our ecclesiology within this frame work of the ecclesiology within this frame work of the kingdom -gospel-Apostolate-world? kingdom -gospel-Apostolate-world?

► The Missionary movement of which we are a The Missionary movement of which we are a part has its source in the Triune God Himself. part has its source in the Triune God Himself. Out of the depths of His love for us, the Father Out of the depths of His love for us, the Father has sent forth His own beloved Son to reconcile has sent forth His own beloved Son to reconcile all things to Himself. that we and all men all things to Himself. that we and all men might, through the Spirit, be made one in Him might, through the Spirit, be made one in Him with the Father in that perfect love which is the with the Father in that perfect love which is the very nature of God.... We who have been very nature of God.... We who have been chosen in Christ, reconciled to God through chosen in Christ, reconciled to God through Him, made members of His Body, sharers in His Him, made members of His Body, sharers in His Spirit, and heirs through hope of His Kingdom, Spirit, and heirs through hope of His Kingdom, are by these very facts committed to full are by these very facts committed to full participation in His redeeming mission. participation in His redeeming mission.

► The next enlarged meeting of the IMC was The next enlarged meeting of the IMC was in in WillingenWillingen, Germany, in , Germany, in 19521952. Under . Under the threat of events in China to the the threat of events in China to the traditional mission enterprise, delegates traditional mission enterprise, delegates rediscovered that mission depends first rediscovered that mission depends first and foremost on God’s own activity. and foremost on God’s own activity.

Achimota 1958Achimota 1958

► In In 19581958, the , the IMCIMC met in met in AchimotaAchimota near Accra, near Accra, Ghana, and debated a proposal to unite with Ghana, and debated a proposal to unite with the World Council of Churches, with which it the World Council of Churches, with which it shared several programmes and enertained shared several programmes and enertained intensive relations. The proposal was accepted intensive relations. The proposal was accepted by a great majority, while certain theologically by a great majority, while certain theologically more conservative mission councils refused to more conservative mission councils refused to integrate mission and church. They wanted to integrate mission and church. They wanted to preserve missionary freedom, and not become preserve missionary freedom, and not become dependant on ecclesiastical authorities and dependant on ecclesiastical authorities and agendas. agendas.

New Delhi 1961New Delhi 1961

► In In 19611961, the , the "integration" of church and "integration" of church and missionmission - in practice of the IMC with the WCC - - in practice of the IMC with the WCC - became effective at the assemblies of became effective at the assemblies of New New DelhiDelhi. .

► The mission councils affiliated to the IMC became The mission councils affiliated to the IMC became affiliated to the Commission on World Mission affiliated to the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism of the WCC (CWME, later called and Evangelism of the WCC (CWME, later called Conference). The Division on World Mission and Conference). The Division on World Mission and Evangelism (DWME, later, Commission) took over Evangelism (DWME, later, Commission) took over the programmatic work and responsibility of the the programmatic work and responsibility of the IMC, which ceased to exist. IMC, which ceased to exist.

► From then on, the world mission From then on, the world mission conferences could really be called conferences could really be called "ecumenical" because of the much larger "ecumenical" because of the much larger denominational participation, including denominational participation, including Orthodox churches and, soon after Orthodox churches and, soon after Vatican II, also Roman Catholic observers. Vatican II, also Roman Catholic observers.

Mexico-city 1963Mexico-city 1963

► In In 19631963, the first CWME met in , the first CWME met in Mexico-City Mexico-City under the theme of "mission in six continents". under the theme of "mission in six continents". The perspective of mission was enlarged to The perspective of mission was enlarged to encompass all continents, and not only those encompass all continents, and not only those of the "south". Meeting during the first of the "south". Meeting during the first development decade, the conference dealt development decade, the conference dealt intensively with witness in a world where God intensively with witness in a world where God was active, inviting the churches to join in was active, inviting the churches to join in missio Dei.missio Dei. It was the time of a psoitive It was the time of a psoitive appreciation of secularization and of non-appreciation of secularization and of non-religious formulations of Christian faith and religious formulations of Christian faith and action, in particular in the West. action, in particular in the West.

Catholic documents -1965Catholic documents -1965

►AD GENTES - Decree on the Mission AD GENTES - Decree on the Mission Activity of the Church - Second Vatican Activity of the Church - Second Vatican CouncilCouncil

►Ad GentesAd Gentes is the is the Second Vatican Council'sSecond Vatican Council's Decree on the Missionary Activity of the Decree on the Missionary Activity of the Church. Passed by the assembled bishops Church. Passed by the assembled bishops by a vote of 2,394 to 5, it was promulgated by a vote of 2,394 to 5, it was promulgated by by Pope Paul VIPope Paul VI on on November 18November 18, , 19651965. The . The title is title is LatinLatin for "To the Nations," and is for "To the Nations," and is from the first line of the decree, as is from the first line of the decree, as is customary with customary with Roman CatholicRoman Catholic documents. documents.

Ad GentesAd Gentes

► Ad Gentes focused on the factors involved in Ad Gentes focused on the factors involved in mission work. It called for the continued mission work. It called for the continued development of missionary acculturation. It development of missionary acculturation. It encourages missionaries to live with the encourages missionaries to live with the people they are attempting to convert, to people they are attempting to convert, to absorb their ways and culture. It encourages absorb their ways and culture. It encourages the coordination of mission work through the coordination of mission work through agencies and the cooperation with other agencies and the cooperation with other groups and organizations within the Catholic groups and organizations within the Catholic Church and other denominations. Church and other denominations.

Lumen Gentium 1964Lumen Gentium 1964

► Lumen GentiumLumen Gentium, the , the Dogmatic Dogmatic Constitution on the ChurchConstitution on the Church, is one of the , is one of the principal documents of the principal documents of the Vatican IIVatican II. The . The Constitution was promulgated by Constitution was promulgated by Pope Paul VIPope Paul VI on on November 21November 21, , 19641964, following approval by , following approval by the assembled bishops by a vote of 2,151 to 5. the assembled bishops by a vote of 2,151 to 5. (The full text in English is available through the (The full text in English is available through the Holy Holy See'sSee's website website.).)

► As is customary with significant As is customary with significant Roman Catholic ChurchRoman Catholic Church documents, it is known documents, it is known by its first words, "Lumen Gentium", by its first words, "Lumen Gentium", LatinLatin for for "Light of the Nations"."Light of the Nations".

Nostra Aetate 1965Nostra Aetate 1965

►Nostra AetateNostra Aetate is the is the Declaration on Declaration on the Relation of the Church with Non-the Relation of the Church with Non-Christian ReligionsChristian Religions of the of the Second Vatican CouncilSecond Vatican Council. Passed by a vote . Passed by a vote of 2,221 to 88 of the assembled bishops, of 2,221 to 88 of the assembled bishops, this declaration was promulgated on this declaration was promulgated on October 28October 28, , 19651965, by , by Pope Paul VIPope Paul VI. The . The title means "In our Time" in title means "In our Time" in LatinLatin and is and is from the first line of the declaration as is from the first line of the declaration as is customary with customary with Roman CatholicRoman Catholic documents. documents.

WCC’s The church for others WCC’s The church for others 19671967

► The Church exists for the world. It is called to The Church exists for the world. It is called to the service of mankind. this is not an the service of mankind. this is not an election to privilege but to serving election to privilege but to serving engagement. The Church lives in order that engagement. The Church lives in order that the world may know its true being. It is the world may know its true being. It is pars pars pro toto, pro toto, it is the first fruits of the new it is the first fruits of the new creation. But its center lies outside itself; it creation. But its center lies outside itself; it must live ex-centrally. It must seek out those must live ex-centrally. It must seek out those institutions in the world that call for living institutions in the world that call for living responsibly and there it must announce and responsibly and there it must announce and point to point to shalom, shalom, this ex-centric position of this ex-centric position of the Church implies that we must stop the Church implies that we must stop thinking front the inside towards the outside. thinking front the inside towards the outside.

WCC’s statementWCC’s statement

► The Church is part of the world where God’s The Church is part of the world where God’s concern is recognized and celebrated. The concern is recognized and celebrated. The Church must be understood in its world-Church must be understood in its world-relation as an expression of God’s will that all relation as an expression of God’s will that all men be saved (1 Tim. 2:3). This affirms its men be saved (1 Tim. 2:3). This affirms its existence for all men (pro-existence). In existence for all men (pro-existence). In terms of God’s concern for the world, the terms of God’s concern for the world, the Church is a segment of the World, a Church is a segment of the World, a postscript, that is, added to the world for the postscript, that is, added to the world for the purpose of pointing to and celebrating both purpose of pointing to and celebrating both Christ’s presence and God’s ultimate Christ’s presence and God’s ultimate redemption of the whole world. redemption of the whole world.

Geneva 1966Geneva 1966

► As Christians we are committed to working As Christians we are committed to working for the transformation of society. In the for the transformation of society. In the past, we have usually done this through past, we have usually done this through quiet efforts at social renewal, working in quiet efforts at social renewal, working in and through established institutions and through established institutions according to their rules. Today, a significant according to their rules. Today, a significant number of those who are dedicated to the number of those who are dedicated to the service of Christ and their neighbor assume service of Christ and their neighbor assume a more radical or revolutionary position. a more radical or revolutionary position. They do not deny the value of tradition or They do not deny the value of tradition or social order, but they are searching for a social order, but they are searching for a new strategy by which to bring about basic new strategy by which to bring about basic changes in society without too much delay. changes in society without too much delay.

WCC 1969 UPPSALAWCC 1969 UPPSALA

► Since Christ lived, died and rose again for all Since Christ lived, died and rose again for all mankind, catholicity is the opposite of all mankind, catholicity is the opposite of all kinds of egoism and particularism. It is the kinds of egoism and particularism. It is the quality by which the Church expresses the quality by which the Church expresses the fullness, the integrity and the totality of life in fullness, the integrity and the totality of life in Christ. The Church is Catholic, and should be Christ. The Church is Catholic, and should be catholic in all her elements and in all aspects catholic in all her elements and in all aspects of her life, especially in her worship. Members of her life, especially in her worship. Members of the Church should reflect the integrity and of the Church should reflect the integrity and wholeness which is the essential character of wholeness which is the essential character of the Church. the Church.

►The report also speaks of dialogue The report also speaks of dialogue with people of other faiths. In dialogue with people of other faiths. In dialogue we share our common humanity, its we share our common humanity, its dignity and fallen-ness, and express dignity and fallen-ness, and express our common concern for that our common concern for that humanity. It opens the possibility of humanity. It opens the possibility of sharing in new forms of community sharing in new forms of community and common service. Each meets and and common service. Each meets and challenges the other; witnessing from challenges the other; witnessing from the depth of his existence to the the depth of his existence to the ultimate concerns that come to ultimate concerns that come to expressions in word and deed. expressions in word and deed.

DialogueDialogue

► The meeting with men of other faiths or of no The meeting with men of other faiths or of no faith must lead to dialogues. A Christian’s faith must lead to dialogues. A Christian’s dialogue with another implies neither a denial dialogue with another implies neither a denial of the uniqueness of Christ, nor any loss of his of the uniqueness of Christ, nor any loss of his own commitment to Christ, but rather that a own commitment to Christ, but rather that a genuinely Christian approach to others must genuinely Christian approach to others must be human, personal, relevant and humble. In be human, personal, relevant and humble. In dialogue we share our common humanity, its dialogue we share our common humanity, its dignity and fallenness, and express our dignity and fallenness, and express our common concern for that humanity. It opens common concern for that humanity. It opens the possibility of sharing in new forms of the possibility of sharing in new forms of community and common service. community and common service.

On DialogueOn Dialogue

►Dialogue and proclamation are not the Dialogue and proclamation are not the same. The one compliments the other same. The one compliments the other in a total witness. But sometimes in a total witness. But sometimes Christians are not able to engage Christians are not able to engage either in open dialogue or either in open dialogue or proclamation. Witness is then a silent proclamation. Witness is then a silent one of living the Christian life and one of living the Christian life and suffering for Christ. suffering for Christ.

WCC Bangkok 1972WCC Bangkok 1972

► To the world he comes as the Lord of the To the world he comes as the Lord of the universe, with deep compassion for the poor universe, with deep compassion for the poor and the hungry, to liberate the powerless and and the hungry, to liberate the powerless and the, oppressed. To the powerful and the the, oppressed. To the powerful and the oppressors he comes in judgement and mercy. oppressors he comes in judgement and mercy.

►Without the liberation of Churches and Without the liberation of Churches and Christians from their complicity with structural Christians from their complicity with structural injustice and violence, there can be no injustice and violence, there can be no liberating Church for mankind. We seek the liberating Church for mankind. We seek the Church which initiates actions for liberation Church which initiates actions for liberation and support the work of other liberating and support the work of other liberating groups without calculating self-interest. groups without calculating self-interest.

Bangkok 1972/73Bangkok 1972/73

►The world mission conference of The world mission conference of BangkokBangkok, at the turn of , at the turn of 1972/19731972/1973, , became famous for its holistic approach became famous for its holistic approach to the theme "Salvation Today", to the theme "Salvation Today", encompassing its spiritual as well as encompassing its spiritual as well as socio-political aspects, without favouring socio-political aspects, without favouring one over the other. Bangkok one over the other. Bangkok acknowledged the need for contextual acknowledged the need for contextual theologies and recognition of cultural theologies and recognition of cultural identity as shaping the voice of those identity as shaping the voice of those answering and following Christ. answering and following Christ.

► The delegates struggled with situations of The delegates struggled with situations of exploitation and injustice expressed also in exploitation and injustice expressed also in relations between churches. In order to enable relations between churches. In order to enable local churches in Africa, Asia, Latin America and local churches in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific to set their own priorities in witness, a the Pacific to set their own priorities in witness, a temporary "moratorium" on sending money and temporary "moratorium" on sending money and missionaries from the North was proposed. An missionaries from the North was proposed. An alternative proposal for more justice in mission alternative proposal for more justice in mission relations was seen in the transformation of the relations was seen in the transformation of the Paris mission society into a community of Paris mission society into a community of churches in mission (called CEVAA). churches in mission (called CEVAA).

►World Congress on Evangelism World Congress on Evangelism (Berlin 1966) (Berlin 1966)

►Asia-South Pacific Congress on Asia-South Pacific Congress on Evangelism (Singapore 1968)    Evangelism (Singapore 1968)    

► North American Congress on North American Congress on Evangelism (Minneapolis 1969) Evangelism (Minneapolis 1969)

►Latin America Congress on Latin America Congress on EvangelismEvangelism(Bogota 1969)    (Bogota 1969)    

► European Congress on EvangelismEuropean Congress on Evangelism(Amsterdam 1971)(Amsterdam 1971)

Evangelical Groups Consultations

Wheaton Berlin 1966 Wheaton Berlin 1966 Evangelical groupsEvangelical groups

► And we remain convinced that, whatever the And we remain convinced that, whatever the social implications of the Gospel, our primary social implications of the Gospel, our primary task is to take this redeeming message of task is to take this redeeming message of personal salvation to every creature, and to personal salvation to every creature, and to use every legitimate means for the use every legitimate means for the evangelization of the world in our generation. evangelization of the world in our generation.

► We may occasionally err in making our We may occasionally err in making our charges of neo-universalism and syncretism charges of neo-universalism and syncretism against individuals and organizations. We against individuals and organizations. We ourselves may sometimes fail to present the ourselves may sometimes fail to present the Gospel in its biblical fullness. Gospel in its biblical fullness.

Evangelicals on 1966 On Evangelicals on 1966 On Ecumenism Ecumenism

►Today many voices call for organizational Today many voices call for organizational Church union at the expense of doctrine Church union at the expense of doctrine and practice (faith and order). and practice (faith and order). Denominational divisions are seen as the Denominational divisions are seen as the great scandal of our day. Union becomes great scandal of our day. Union becomes a major objective. However, a major objective. However, organizational Church union of itself has organizational Church union of itself has seldom released a fresh missionary seldom released a fresh missionary dynamism, or upsurge of missionary dynamism, or upsurge of missionary recruitment. recruitment.

McGrvranMcGrvran

► If salvation today means political liberation, If salvation today means political liberation, land distribution, better pay for factory land distribution, better pay for factory workers, the downfall of the oppressive workers, the downfall of the oppressive systems of government, and the like, then the systems of government, and the like, then the whole apparatus of missions is rightly used to whole apparatus of missions is rightly used to achieve these ends. Evangelism will be achieve these ends. Evangelism will be downgraded. Churching the unchurched will downgraded. Churching the unchurched will be neglected and ridiculed. The airplane of be neglected and ridiculed. The airplane of missions will be directed away from the missions will be directed away from the propagation of the Gospel to the propagation of the Gospel to the establishment of utopias. establishment of utopias.

Lausanne Covenant 1974 Lausanne Covenant 1974 Evangelical groupsEvangelical groups

►The Lausanne Covenant is a declaration The Lausanne Covenant is a declaration agreed upon by more than 2,300 agreed upon by more than 2,300 evangelicals during the evangelicals during the 1974 International Congress1974 International Congress to be more to be more intentional about world evangelization. intentional about world evangelization. Since then, the Covenant has challenged Since then, the Covenant has challenged churches and Christian organizations to churches and Christian organizations to work together to make Jesus Christ work together to make Jesus Christ known throughout the world. known throughout the world.

Nairobi Assembly WCC 1975Nairobi Assembly WCC 1975► The question was asked whether we can posit The question was asked whether we can posit

that Jesus Christ is at work among people of that Jesus Christ is at work among people of other faiths. Here opinions differed. Some other faiths. Here opinions differed. Some stated as their conviction that Jesus Christ as stated as their conviction that Jesus Christ as Savior is not present in the other religions, Savior is not present in the other religions, although they accepted the idea of a natural although they accepted the idea of a natural knowledge of God. Others acknowledged the knowledge of God. Others acknowledged the presence of the logoi spermatikoi (scattered presence of the logoi spermatikoi (scattered seeds of truth) in other religions but stressed seeds of truth) in other religions but stressed that only in Jesus Christ do we receive fullness that only in Jesus Christ do we receive fullness of truth and life. Others gave first hand of truth and life. Others gave first hand testimony that their own faith in Jesus Christ testimony that their own faith in Jesus Christ had been greatly deepened and strengthened had been greatly deepened and strengthened through encountering him in dialogue with through encountering him in dialogue with those of other faiths. The point was also made those of other faiths. The point was also made that the spirit works among people outside that the spirit works among people outside Israel and outside the Church, and that this Israel and outside the Church, and that this spirit is one with the Father and the Son. spirit is one with the Father and the Son.

►We affirm that God is both the creator and We affirm that God is both the creator and the judge of all men. We therefore should the judge of all men. We therefore should share his concern for justice and share his concern for justice and reconciliation throughout human society and reconciliation throughout human society and for the liberation of men from every kind of for the liberation of men from every kind of oppression. Because mankind is made in the oppression. Because mankind is made in the image of God, every person, regardless of image of God, every person, regardless of race, religion, color, culture, class, sex or race, religion, color, culture, class, sex or age has an intrinsic dignity because of age has an intrinsic dignity because of which he should be respected and served, which he should be respected and served, not exploited. Here too we express not exploited. Here too we express penitence both for our neglect and for penitence both for our neglect and for having sometimes regarded evangelism and having sometimes regarded evangelism and social concern as mutually exclusive. social concern as mutually exclusive.

Gaudium et Spes 1975Gaudium et Spes 1975

►Gaudium et SpesGaudium et Spes, the , the Pastoral Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Constitution on the Church in the Modern WorldModern World, was one of the chief , was one of the chief accomplishments of the accomplishments of the Second Vatican CouncilSecond Vatican Council. Approved by a vote . Approved by a vote of 2,307 to 75 of the of 2,307 to 75 of the bishopsbishops assembled at assembled at the council, and was promulgated by the council, and was promulgated by Pope Paul VIPope Paul VI on on December 8December 8, , 19651965, the day , the day the council ended. As is customary with the council ended. As is customary with CatholicCatholic documents, the title is from the first documents, the title is from the first sentence and means "Joy and Hope" in sentence and means "Joy and Hope" in LatinLatin. .

Evangelii Nuntiandi 1975Evangelii Nuntiandi 1975

► The The ApostoliApostoli letter letter Evangelii NuntiandiEvangelii Nuntiandi of of Pope Pope Paul VI.Paul VI. treats the treats the Evangelisierung of Evangelisierung of the world todaythe world today and comes from and comes from 8 December8 December 19751975..

► In the first six chapters it describes In the first six chapters it describes ChristChrist as as author of the Evangelisierung, the church author of the Evangelisierung, the church and their representative as carrier of the and their representative as carrier of the Evangelisierung, beyond that their contents, Evangelisierung, beyond that their contents, ways, methods and addressee, the listeners ways, methods and addressee, the listeners of the glad message.of the glad message.

Evangelii…Evangelii…

► In the locking sieved chapter it concerns the In the locking sieved chapter it concerns the spirit of the Evangelisierung. It is to happen in spirit of the Evangelisierung. It is to happen in Kraft of the holy spirit, happen authentically Kraft of the holy spirit, happen authentically and aim at the unit in the faith. The truth and aim at the unit in the faith. The truth obligated and by the love inspired it is to obligated and by the love inspired it is to have respect have respect „before the religious and „before the religious and religious situation of humans, who one religious situation of humans, who one evangelisiert. Respect for their own life evangelisiert. Respect for their own life rhythm, which one may not load over fee. rhythm, which one may not load over fee. Respect for their conscience and their Respect for their conscience and their convictions, one not to snub is “convictions, one not to snub is “(EN 79).(EN 79).

Melbourne 1980Melbourne 1980

► The next CWME took place in The next CWME took place in MelbourneMelbourne, , Australia, in Australia, in 1980. 1980. Reflecting on the theme Reflecting on the theme "Your kingdom come", the conference insisted "Your kingdom come", the conference insisted on the particular role of the poor and on the particular role of the poor and churches of the poor in God’s mission. churches of the poor in God’s mission. Influenced by the Latin American liberation Influenced by the Latin American liberation theologies, the delegates highlighted the theologies, the delegates highlighted the radical aspects of the kingdom message, and radical aspects of the kingdom message, and the serious challenge it threw to traditional the serious challenge it threw to traditional missiology and mission programmes. missiology and mission programmes.

► Other aspects of Melbourne however also Other aspects of Melbourne however also deserve recognition. There was ground-deserve recognition. There was ground-breaking work done on evangelism and on breaking work done on evangelism and on the church as healing community in the the church as healing community in the section dealing with the church’s witness. section dealing with the church’s witness. The conference also highlighted how Christ’s The conference also highlighted how Christ’s choice of vulnerability and way to the cross choice of vulnerability and way to the cross challenges the use of power, in political, challenges the use of power, in political, church and mission life. church and mission life.

► Many of Melbourne’s insights are to be found Many of Melbourne’s insights are to be found in the document in the document Mission and Evangelism - Mission and Evangelism - An Ecumenical AffirmationAn Ecumenical Affirmationadopted in 1982, adopted in 1982, which remains the fundamental text on which remains the fundamental text on mission for the WCC. mission for the WCC.

‘‘Your Kingdom Come’Your Kingdom Come’

►1. "Good News to the Poor",1. "Good News to the Poor",►2. "The Kingdom of God and Human 2. "The Kingdom of God and Human

Struggles",Struggles",►3. "The Church Witnesses to the 3. "The Church Witnesses to the

Kingdom", andKingdom", and►4. "Christ - Crucified and Risen - 4. "Christ - Crucified and Risen -

Challenges Human Power".Challenges Human Power".

Kasemann in MelbourneKasemann in Melbourne

► Kasemann: Jesus will abolish every kind of Kasemann: Jesus will abolish every kind of domination, authority and power and He is domination, authority and power and He is destined to reign until God has put all destined to reign until God has put all enemies under His feet. enemies under His feet.

► For us the Kingdom of God is not primarily For us the Kingdom of God is not primarily theory but praxis. Nor is it a praxis concerned theory but praxis. Nor is it a praxis concerned mainly with changed conditions, new mainly with changed conditions, new possibilities and goals. From the New possibilities and goals. From the New Testament, the Christian standpoint, the Testament, the Christian standpoint, the kingdom of God denotes that praxis in which kingdom of God denotes that praxis in which Jesus of Nazareth is our Lord and Saviour of Jesus of Nazareth is our Lord and Saviour of the world" the world"

CWME statementsCWME statements

Evangelical groupsEvangelical groups► International Congress for World EvangelizationInternational Congress for World Evangelization

(Lausanne 1974)(Lausanne 1974)

► Kenya Congress on Unreached PeoplesKenya Congress on Unreached Peoples(Lenana 1975)     (Lenana 1975)    

► Nigerian Congress on World EvangelizationNigerian Congress on World Evangelization(Nigeria 1975) (Nigeria 1975)

► Chinese Congress on World EvangelizationChinese Congress on World Evangelization (Hong Kong 1976)      (Hong Kong 1976)    

► Consultation on the Homogeneous Unit PrinciplConsultation on the Homogeneous Unit Principlee (Pasadena 1977) (Pasadena 1977)

► All India Congress on Mission and All India Congress on Mission and Evangelization (Devali 1977)     Evangelization (Devali 1977)    

► Ghana Congress on EvangelizationGhana Congress on Evangelization(Accra 1977) (Accra 1977)

► Second Nigerian Congress on World Second Nigerian Congress on World Evangelization (Nigeria 1978)  Evangelization (Nigeria 1978)      

►Consultation on Gospel and CultureConsultation on Gospel and Culture(Willowbank 1978) Asia Lausanne Conference (Willowbank 1978) Asia Lausanne Conference on Evangelism - ALCOE I  (Singapore 1978)     on Evangelism - ALCOE I  (Singapore 1978)     Congress on Evangelization for Malaysia and Congress on Evangelization for Malaysia and Singapore (1978) Norwegian Congress on Singapore (1978) Norwegian Congress on World Evangelization (Norway 1978)     World Evangelization (Norway 1978)     North American Conference on Muslim EvangeNorth American Conference on Muslim Evangelizationlization (Glen Eyrie 1978) Venezuelan National (Glen Eyrie 1978) Venezuelan National Congress on Evangelization (Caracas 1979)     Congress on Evangelization (Caracas 1979)     International Consultation on Simple LifestyleInternational Consultation on Simple Lifestyle (Hoddesdon 1980) Stuttgart Congress on (Hoddesdon 1980) Stuttgart Congress on EvangelizationEvangelization(Stuttgart 1980)     Indian Congress on (Stuttgart 1980)     Indian Congress on EvangelizationEvangelization(Guatemala 1980)(Guatemala 1980)

The Consultation on World Evangelization The Consultation on World Evangelization (COWE) (COWE)

Pattaya, Thailand (June 16-27, 1980)Pattaya, Thailand (June 16-27, 1980) Evangelical groupsEvangelical groups

►Held June 16-27 in Pattaya, Thailand, this Held June 16-27 in Pattaya, Thailand, this Lausanne Committee on World Lausanne Committee on World Evangelization sponsored consultation Evangelization sponsored consultation gathered almost nine hundred people gathered almost nine hundred people from around the world to consider from around the world to consider strategic issues of reaching the strategic issues of reaching the unreached. unreached.

►Thailand statementThailand statement

► "to seek fresh vision and power for the task "to seek fresh vision and power for the task Christ has given to his church until he comes; Christ has given to his church until he comes;

► to assess the state of world evangelization, to assess the state of world evangelization, its progress and hindrances; its progress and hindrances;

► to complete an extended study program on to complete an extended study program on theological and strategic issues related to theological and strategic issues related to world evangelization and to share the results; world evangelization and to share the results;

► to develop specific evangelistic strategies to develop specific evangelistic strategies related to different unreached people groups; related to different unreached people groups; and and

► to review the mandate of the LCWE" to review the mandate of the LCWE" (Scott, (Scott, 1981, 60-61). 1981, 60-61).

Sollicitudo 1987Sollicitudo 1987

►Sollicitudo Rei SocialisSollicitudo Rei Socialis is an is an encyclical written by Pope John Paul II encyclical written by Pope John Paul II on 30 December 1987. Sollicitudo Rei on 30 December 1987. Sollicitudo Rei Socialis was written in regard to 'Social Socialis was written in regard to 'Social Concern' for the 20th anniversary of Concern' for the 20th anniversary of 'Populorum Progressio'.'Populorum Progressio'.

Manila Manifesto 1989 Manila Manifesto 1989 Evangelical groupsEvangelical groups

►Fifteen years later in July 1989, the Fifteen years later in July 1989, the more than 3,000 participants in the more than 3,000 participants in the Second International Congress on WorlSecond International Congress on World Evangelizationd Evangelization (Lausanne II) in Manila, Philippines  (Lausanne II) in Manila, Philippines produced another important produced another important document: document: The Manila ManifestoThe Manila Manifesto. .

Manila ManifestoManila Manifesto

►Evangelism is primary because our Evangelism is primary because our chief concern is with the gospel, that chief concern is with the gospel, that all people may have the opportunity to all people may have the opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

San Antonio 1989San Antonio 1989

►The 1989 world mission conference of San The 1989 world mission conference of San Antonio, Texas, USA can be considered the Antonio, Texas, USA can be considered the last in the period dominated by the conflict last in the period dominated by the conflict between two ideological and economic between two ideological and economic systems (1918-1989). It followed on systems (1918-1989). It followed on Melbourne with another of the Lord’s Melbourne with another of the Lord’s prayer requests, "Your will be done", to prayer requests, "Your will be done", to which was added "mission in Christ’s way", which was added "mission in Christ’s way", an expression taken from the 1982 an expression taken from the 1982 Affirmation. Affirmation.

► San Antonio became famous for a San Antonio became famous for a consensus statement on the relation consensus statement on the relation between Christianity and other religions. between Christianity and other religions. This question has always been a disputed This question has always been a disputed point at WCC mission conferences. The point at WCC mission conferences. The consensus found was, basically: "We cannot consensus found was, basically: "We cannot point to any other way of salvation than point to any other way of salvation than Jesus Christ; at the same time we cannot put Jesus Christ; at the same time we cannot put any limit to God’s saving power. any limit to God’s saving power.

► There is a tension between these There is a tension between these affirmations which we acknowledge and affirmations which we acknowledge and cannot resolve." As all other CWME cannot resolve." As all other CWME conference had done, San Antonio also dealt conference had done, San Antonio also dealt with Christian involvement in struggles for with Christian involvement in struggles for life and against oppression, as well as with life and against oppression, as well as with the increasing importance of our relations the increasing importance of our relations with creation. with creation.

Your Will be Done: Mission in Your Will be Done: Mission in Christ’s Way Christ’s Way

►1. Turning to the Living God;1. Turning to the Living God;

►2. Participating in Suffering and 2. Participating in Suffering and Struggle;Struggle;

►3. The Earth is the Lord’s; and3. The Earth is the Lord’s; and

►4. Towards Renewed Communities in 4. Towards Renewed Communities in Mission.Mission.

Redemptoris MissioRedemptoris Missio

►Redemptoris MissioRedemptoris Missio (Latin for (Latin for Mission Mission of the Redeemerof the Redeemer), subtitled ), subtitled On the On the permanent validity of the Church's permanent validity of the Church's missionary mandatemissionary mandate, is a Papal encyclical , is a Papal encyclical by Pope John Paul II published on by Pope John Paul II published on December 7, 1990 devoted to the subject December 7, 1990 devoted to the subject of "of "the urgency of missionary activitythe urgency of missionary activity"[1] "[1] and in which he wished "to invite the and in which he wished "to invite the Church to renew her missionary Church to renew her missionary commitment."[2]commitment."[2]

Canberra Assembly 1991Canberra Assembly 1991► As the Assembly discussed the process of As the Assembly discussed the process of

listening to the spirit at work in every culture, listening to the spirit at work in every culture, we caution with others, that discernment is we caution with others, that discernment is required to identify the spirit as the spirit of required to identify the spirit as the spirit of Jesus Christ and thus develop criteria for and Jesus Christ and thus develop criteria for and limits to theological diversity. We argued for a limits to theological diversity. We argued for a high Christology to serve as the only authentic high Christology to serve as the only authentic Christian base for dialogue with persons of Christian base for dialogue with persons of other living faiths... other living faiths...

► At present, there is insufficient clarity At present, there is insufficient clarity regarding the relationship between the regarding the relationship between the confession of the Lord Jesus Christ as God and confession of the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Savior according to the Scripture, the person Savior according to the Scripture, the person and the work of the Holy Spirit, and legitimate and the work of the Holy Spirit, and legitimate concern which are part of the WCC agenda... concern which are part of the WCC agenda... This theological deficit not only conspires This theological deficit not only conspires against the work of the WCC as a Christian against the work of the WCC as a Christian witness but also increases the tensions among witness but also increases the tensions among its member churches its member churches

Salvador de Bahia 1996Salvador de Bahia 1996

►The last, The last, 19961996, WCC conference on , WCC conference on mission of the century took place in mission of the century took place in Salvador de BahíaSalvador de Bahía, Brazil, and was fully , Brazil, and was fully dedicated to the relation between gospel dedicated to the relation between gospel and cultures. After the change in world and cultures. After the change in world politics of 1989 and the increased politics of 1989 and the increased influence of cultural and ethnic identities influence of cultural and ethnic identities on violent conflicts, a renewed on violent conflicts, a renewed missiological reflection on culture was missiological reflection on culture was needed. needed.

Mission statementMission statement

►We affirm that the spirit poured out on the We affirm that the spirit poured out on the day of Pentecost makes all cultures worthy day of Pentecost makes all cultures worthy vehicles of the love of God and that no vehicles of the love of God and that no culture is the exclusive norm for God’s culture is the exclusive norm for God’s relationship with the humans. We also relationship with the humans. We also affirmaffirm dialogue as a vital mode of dialogue as a vital mode of developing relationships, cultivating developing relationships, cultivating understanding and growing towards the understanding and growing towards the unity to which all creation is called in unity to which all creation is called in Christ. Christ.

► Reaffirming Bangkok’s position on Reaffirming Bangkok’s position on inculturation, Salvador insisted on the inculturation, Salvador insisted on the richness of cultural variety as God’s gift, but richness of cultural variety as God’s gift, but also on the gospel imperative to link the also on the gospel imperative to link the affirmation of one’s cultural identity with an affirmation of one’s cultural identity with an openness to other identities. Salvador openness to other identities. Salvador recognized the fundamental equality of all recognized the fundamental equality of all cultures, but also their ambiguity. In its cultures, but also their ambiguity. In its relation with cultures, the gospel may be relation with cultures, the gospel may be illuminated, but also obscured. illuminated, but also obscured.

► Churches in mission may have to confirm Churches in mission may have to confirm elements of their culture, but also to elements of their culture, but also to challenge others. In the face of the situation challenge others. In the face of the situation in the Eastern part of Europe in particular, in the Eastern part of Europe in particular, Salvador reaffirmed the WCC’s opposition to Salvador reaffirmed the WCC’s opposition to proselytism, and the need for cooperation in proselytism, and the need for cooperation in mission and common witness mission and common witness