Rio+20: Bishop urges Christians to care for environment
Bishop Mauricio Andrade, Primate of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil has urged the church to renew their commitment to the environment in the run up to the United Nations Conference on Environment Rio +20 and the People’s Summit on 15-22 June 2012 in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In an open letter he argues the vital nature of the summit; “we can keep going with this model of unsustainable production and consumption that privileges a small group or we in fact can initiate a turn to other models.” Bishop Mauricio urges a renewed view of our Genesis 2 commission to steward the earth. “With hope, audacity and renewed faith, I call upon the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil and the Anglican Communion around the world to assume their prophetic duty to “take care of Creation.” We need to support the initiatives of organized civil society and make a strong appeal to the governments to take their responsibility for the life on our planet.” The Rio +20 conference ends a 20 year cycle of global negotiations on climate change and many consider it vital for the planet's future.
Chinese Minister welcomes Christian contribution to Chinese society
Director General of the State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) in China has expressed a desire to work more closely with Evangelical Christians because they are the fastest growing Christian community globally. Minister Wang Zuo'an made this statement during a meeting in Beijing with leaders of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) and the China Christian Council (CCC). The dialogue covered a wide range of topics, including the challenges of rapid church growth, Bible engagement, business ethics, religious liberty, gendercide, and human trafficking. Those representing the WEA were Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe (Secretary General), Dr. Brian Stiller (WEA Global Ambassador) and Rev. Godfrey Yogarajah (Executive Director, Religious Liberty Commission). Although Christians are still a small minority community within China it is predicted that within a decade there may be more Christians in China than in any other country. Chinese Christians are already an effective mission force in neighbouring countries.
Nepali government demolishes homes, school and church
With the interim constitution due to expire and no clear way forward Nepal is entering another period of political instability. Strikes are increasing and communities are under pressure. In one particular case reported to Faith2Share a slum cluster in Kathmandu has been "demolished by the government . From the government perspective, this was public land which was squatted upon , however this means that over 300 families now face a uncertain existence and are without shelter in the middle of the summer months." A non-formal education project has been run for the past few years in this district by the National Mission Commission of Nepal (NMCN) but we understand that both the school and the church buildings in this area were bulldozed with the houses. According to Nepali press reports, the government will rehouse only those 67 families who had filled in the correct forms and are officially identified as "genuine landless squatters."
Singapore appoints new bishop to lead mission
The Anglican diocese of Singapore, which extends from Indonesia to Nepal, has announced the appointment of the Right Revd Rennis Ponniah (left) as their new bishop. Aged 56 years and of Indian extraction, Bishop Rennis has been vicar of one of the largest Anglican parishes in Singapore, St John’s and St Margaret’s Church, since 1993. In 2005, he was consecrated as Assistant Bishop in the diocese. He is married to Amir with four children. Following his appointment he said, "I intend to build on the good work of Bishop John Chew [the retiring bishop] and his predecessors, while seeking fresh ways to bring the love and hope of the “good news” of our faith to a multi-religious and constantly-changing society in a responsible and winsome way.” The diocese has missionary work in the neighbouring countries of Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Nepal and is active in leading the mission focus of the Anglican Province of South East Asia.
Call for renewed social vision in European mission
Leading missiologist Daryl Jackson has called for a renewed social vision within the Church's mission in Europe. Jackson, who heads up Nova Research and has been a mission adviser to the Baptist Church in Great Britain has written for Redcliffe College's 'Vista' ebulletin on the affect of the current global financial crisis on European mission. He argues that rather than distractions with reduced budgets and financial squeezing, mission on the continent should focus on the hardest hit and argue hard that their needs are paramount. "A biblical response places spiritual dimensions at the heart of social and communal networks, suggesting that financially challenged individuals are also spiritual individuals and that these aspects of human experience are inextricably linked." You can subscribe to Vista at Redcliffe College's webpages.
Militant leader arrested in Nigeria
Nigerian authorities are reported to have arrested a senior leader of the militant group Boko Haram who have been responsible for a number of attacks in the country aimed at religious and ethnic groups. Since Christmas several churches and mosques have been attacked and Christian leaders have been concerned both at the prospect of reprisals and also of the obstacles placed in the way of the work of the Church in this current climate. Police in the northern city of Kano annouced the arrest two weeks after an attack at a Church in the city which left 16 people dead. The command position of the individual arrested remains unconfirmed but Nigerian authorities are hailing the arrest as a significant step forward. Leaders from all faiths are continuing to appeal for calm and tolerance.
Micah Network announce Global Consultation
Micah Network have announced their 5th Triennial Global Consultation which is to take place on 10-14 September 2012 in Thun, Switzerland. The gathering, which is called 'Integral Mission and the Community: local church, local change, global impact' will have a particular grassroots focus and emphasis an integrated approach to mission both locally and in the global church. International Director Sheryl Haw explains that "in coming together we can focus on how to strengthen local transformation as well as see the inter connectivity of issues which in turn have global impact." Speakers so far announced include Rene Padilla, Joel Edwards, Elmer Thiesson and CB Samuel. More information can be found on Micah Network's website.
Greek crisis presents dilema for European churches
The Greek elections held over the weekend have plunged the country into further crisis, but have been widely seen as a rejection of austerity measures imposed by European politicians to deal with the debt crisis. The result also raises questions for European church leaders as they seek to respond to a unique political and economic climate which is putting severe strain on the poor. In February, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church wrote to the then Prime Minister Lucas Papademos to express his serious concerns about the Government's fiscal policies and it's effect of the Greek people. Many church leaders in Europe have sought to speak out but others have felt unsure given the problems of national debt and their own ethics and doctrine about debt and good stewardship. One European Church leader speaking to Faith2Share said that he was concerned that election results were also a statement on institutions and the church is in a difficult position. Churches too are feeling the financial effects of the crisis, whilst others are urging prayers for Europe and it's leaders at this difficult time.
Re-imagining mission in the 21st Century
CMS are pioneering a gathering of Missional Communities, Orders and Projects which is designed to explore the idea of mission and faith in the 21st Century. This gathering is one of many different iniatives seeking to connect different aspects of pioneering or cross cultural mission in the UK and Ireland. Living the Christ Story in the 21st Century is being held in June. Discussions will include reflections on the latest shifts in mission and culture, encouraging enterprise in mission, working together with new and more traditional styles of mission and future patterns for partnership. The event in June will have the former Executive Leader of CMS and new Bishop of Winchester, Rt Rev Tim Daikin as keynote speaker. Do pray for those attending and for this innovative direction in mission.
Reports of persecution of Christian minority amidst Syria's bloodshed
The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is reporting attacks on Christian's in Syria. The country’s largest denomination, the Syrian Orthodox Church, recently highlighted “an ongoing ethnic cleansing of Christians” allegedly by members of an al-Qaida-linked militant Islamist group, Brigade Faruq, in the city of Homs, an opposition stronghold. Other news agencies are reporting that most of the Christians in Homs have fled due to the threat of violence. The reasons for these attacks seem to centre on allegations that the Christian church backs President Assad. WEA's report highlights how simplistic this idea is. Opposition to Assad is predominatly based in the majority Sunni population. Minority groups including Christians, Kurds and Alawite's are all concerned that they are sidelined, and that a united opposition may not yet exist. "From the perspective of the Christians, the Kurds, the Alawites and even secular-minded Sunni Muslims, it makes more sense to seek stability within al-Assad’s regime until and unless there is a viable and safe alternative" writes WEA. The UN estimates 9000 people have been killed in Syria since March 2011, with UN monitors now on the ground.
Archbishop urges negotiation as Sudan declares state of emergency
The tense stand-off between the newly created South Sudan and it's northern neighbour took a worrying turn over the weekend as Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir declared a state of emergency on it's border. The move comes after a month of military clashes. Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul Yak, who was instrumental in delivering peace to Sudan has appealed for negotiations and restraint. The Archbishop wrote of his deep concern that the current conflicts could develop into full blown war. Church leaders have also denounced an attack on a Sudanese Bible School in Khartoum on 21 April which is believed to be linked to the hostilities. Sudan has been racked by conflict since 1983 and is one of the longest running conflicts in the world, costing nearly two million lives. Pray for the two nations, for the Archbishop and for the church as they seek to respond to the tensions.