RECENT MISSION NEWS
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Faith leaders at Mexico HIV/AIDS Conference
Christian leaders and leaders of other faith communities are making a major contribution to the International, UN sponsored, HIV/AIDS Conference taking place in Mexico this week. Lutheran bishop, Mark Hanson, began his presentation by washing the feet of a woman suffering from HIV/AIDS. As well as recognising the lead given by churches in fighting AIDS internationally there is also some criticism of religious groups who have issued confused messages regarding safe sexual practice. To see full reports of the conference as they are posted each day click here.
Lambeth bishops focus on mission and unity
As Anglican bishops from around the world come to their last day together in Canterbury at the Lambeth Conference the draft of their 'Reflections' document has become available. This major document which reflects the conversational style of this year's meeting, has 12 major sections. The first of these is on Mission and Evangelism, the bishops saying, "As Anglicans, we value the “five marks of mission”, which begin with the preaching of the Gospel and the call to personal conversion, but which embrace the whole of life: we would wish to see increased emphasis on ecumenism, peace-making and global mutuality as integral parts of God’s mission. Mission is a rich and diverse pattern faithful to the proclamation of the Reign of God in Christ Jesus; a proclamation which touches all areas of life."
Other sections on Human and Social Justice and the Environment are followed by those on Human Sexuality and the proposed Anglican Covenant. To view the full document members can click here.
Mission Partnership allowed into North Korea
North Korea has recently agreed to allow a partnership of World Vision, Mercy Corps, Samaritan's Purse, Global Resource Services and Christian Friends of Korea to deliver food aid to its people, who are experiencing a severe crop shortage caused by devastating flooding last August. Sixteen representatives from the five partnering organizations will be living in North Korea to monitor the food distribution. The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided the funding for this food, which will eventually reach more than 5 million people.
Sudanese Bishops seek prayer for peace
The Sudanese Anglican bishops, meeting in the context of the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury, UK, have issued a statement which addresses the many complex issues faced by their country and church. These include the issues of Darfur and Abyei and the situation of the church in Northern Sudan. They go on to say, "On all these issues which are key to the prospect of peace for Sudan, we appeal to those attending the Lambeth Conference, and the whole Anglican Communion, to continue to stand in solidarity with the Sudanese church and people. We request support in political advocacy to tackle the challenges before the country. We appeal for practical support to help respond to the many needs faced. But above all we request your continued prayers and fellowship to encourage and support the church in its mission." To read the full statement click here.
Spokesperson for Human Trafficking appointed
The World Evangelical Alliance have appointed Commissioner Christine MacMillan of the Salvation Army in Canada as its spokesperson on human trafficking. Christine has spent much of her life providing social services, particularly to women and children. She said on her appointment, “We need to be advocates. We need to stand up and be counted so that ways in which certain people are forced to live doesn’t continue. A spokesperson can contribute to bringing light into the darkness and to alleviating suffering."
Singapore Missions Conference
Go forth 2008, taking place in Singapore during July, is not only a missions conference. Participants will be equipped and sent to outreach placement in 400 locations in 18 Asian nations. From Singapore alone 3000 Christians will join the special 4-day training, after which they will be deployed to serve in the outreach location of their choice.
African Christian leaders' priorities
Meeting in Abuja African leaders identified their top concerns as:
- Need for good governance: leadership, a spirit of servanthood
- Poverty & Wealth: good management of resources
- More education to replace illiteracy: educational instability
- A need to address ethnicity and tribalism: including violence
- The rapid spread of diseases: HIV/AIDS, Malaria, etc.
- More intentional disciple-making: in every aspect of church life
- The spread of Islam: the need for creative ways to engage
Read their full report here.
Archbishop calls for restoration of Zimbabwe
Archbishop John Sentamu, this week, called on Christians to pray, give and work for the restoration of Zimbabwe. In his statement he says "This is not a party political venture. It is not pro-MDC or anti-Zanu PF. Rather it is for the people of Zimbabwe, black and white, being helped by those here in Britain, white and black. We need to remember there is only one race – the human race – and in joining together to restore Zimbabwe, we ease the sufferings of our brothers and sisters."
Algerian Christians under pressure
Two Algerian Christians have been given suspended jail terms and fines for their alleged involvement in converting Muslims to Christianity. The latest ruling follows a series of trials and appeals which the defendants have been going through since November 2007. This news from Tissemsilt, a town southwest of Algiers, was disappointing for Algeria’s fast-growing Christian community, but it did not come as a big surprise. It follows the recent closure of a number of churches on the pretext that they do not comply with a 2006 law which strictly regulates the religious practices and activities of non-Muslims. “These court rulings and the overall crackdown on churches are no doubt a reaction against the unprecedented growth of the body of Christ in Algeria,” explained the director of Arab Vision. “Of course we are concerned, but we are also encouraged by the maturity and courage of the Algerian believers.”
Dublin transformed
From 1st-4th July hundreds of young people descended on Dublin, Ireland, for one purpose – to bring transformation through ‘indiscriminate acts of kindness’. Streets and parks were cleaned, graffiti was painted over, and many community events here held. The underlying values that motivated Urban Soul were those taught and demonstrated by Jesus. CMS Ireland partnered Urban Soul seeking to deliver hope, bestow dignity, bring equality of opportunity & inspire long-term change in a hurting world.
Archbishop and others respond to GAFCON
Following the publication of the Final Statement and Jerusalem Declaration from the Global Anglican Future Conference, Anglican church leaders and mission agencies are making their responses. The links below give access to some of these.
Archbishop Rowan Williams
Bishop Tom Wright, Bishop of Durham, UK
CMS Britain, UK
Fulcrum
Anglican Church League, Australia
Bishop Katharine Schori, Presiding Bishop, The Episcopal Church, USA
Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada
Bishop Greg Venables, Presiding Bishop of the Southern Cone
Bishop John Pritchard, Bishop of Oxford, UK
Dr. Andrew Goddard, UK