Edinburgh 2010 Study Process

• For the study process blogs, scroll down to the bottom of this page.
• Download the June 2009 report of the Study Process by the Research Coordinator as an MS Word file here.
• A list of the conveners of the main study themes is available for download (MS Word file) here.

Essential to the work of the Edinburgh 1910 Conference, and of abiding value, were the findings of the eight think-tanks or `commissions´. These have inspired the idea of a new round of collaborative reflection - but focused on themes identified as being key to mission in the 21st century. A small but widely representative consultation held in Edinburgh in June 2005 identified key themes and these were further developed in subsequent rounds of email discussion. The final process is in three parts:

I    Main study themes
II   Transversal topics
III  Regional and confessional study processes 

Part I: Main study themes

In 2005-2006 the following nine main study themes were identified. At a meeting in May 2008, conveners for each of the main study themes were identified from those who had expressed interest in the process. Since then, research has been done by a core group for each theme and this work will be mainly complete by September 2009. Click on the links below to see the work done on each theme or go to the main page on the study themes here. 

1. Foundations for mission
2. Christian mission among other faiths
3. Mission and post-modernity
4. Mission and power
5. Forms of missionary engagement
6. Theological education and formation
7. Christian communities in contemporary contexts
8. Mission and unity - ecclesiology and mission
9. Mission spirituality and authentic discipleship

Part II: Transversal topics 

Also in 2005-2006 it was recognised that a number of 'transversals' are needed, i.e. important themes which will run like a thread across all the main study themes. From 2009 onwards the transversals are being developed and integrated with the main study themes.

The following 'transversals' have been identified. Click on the links to find out more about each or go to the main page on transversal topics here.

1. Women and mission
2. Youth and mission
3. Healing and reconciliation
4. Bible and mission - mission in the Bible
5. Contextualization, inculturation and dialogue of worldviews
6. Subaltern voices
7. Ecological perspectives on mission

Part III: Regional and confessional study processes

Recognising the worldwide character of the Church today, institutions, networks, agencies and churches in different parts of the world are contributing to the Edinburgh 2010 study process in whatever way is best suited to their particular circumstances. Some groups are participating by bringing a regional or confessional perspective to the Edinburgh 2010 mission themes. The research Coordinator is collecting the outcomes of these different study processes from around the world. Some information is already available on the Events pages of this website. More will be made available here soon.

Participate

You, your institution or organisation can get involved in the study process by contacting the Edinburgh 2010 Research Coordinator, Dr Kirsteen Kim (k.kim@leedstrinity.ac.uk) who will be able to put you in touch with others and document your contribution on the website.

Existing networks, conferences, colloquia, etc. are encouraged to devote part of their programme to consideration of one or more of the 2010 mission themes, and feed them into the study process. By pooling resources we can collaborate to bring a range of perspectives to the themes and topics of the study process which no institution can achieve alone. Churches and mission agencies may wish to offer case studies of particular situations where significant mission engagement is taking place and which are of relevance to this 2010 initiative. In all cases, we invite your PARTICIPATION AND PRAYER!

Latest Discussion on Study Themes