THE 2010 MISSION THEMES

 

 

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 focussed on the 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.

Following are the suggested titles for each thematic study, an outline of the subject matter and key questions to be addressed. The suggestions provided should be regarded as provisional – a starting point from which each Mission Theme will develop its particular approach. On each of the Mission Themes the aim would be to gather, evaluate and share models and stories of good practice.

 

MISSION THEMES for the STUDY PROCESS

 

• - Foundations for Mission
• - Christian mission among Other Faiths
• - Mission and Post-modernity
• - Mission and Power
• - Forms of missionary engagement
• - Theological education and formation
• - Christian communities in contemporary contexts
• - Mission and unity – ecclesiology and mission
• - Mission spirituality and authentic discipleship

 

 

TRANSVERSALS

 

• - Women and Mission
• - Youth and Mission
• - Healing and Reconciliation
• - Bible and Mission
• - Contextualization
• - Subaltern Voices
• - Ecological Insights

 

 

Recognising the worldwide character of the Church today, it is proposed that institutions, networks and agencies in different parts of the world contribute to the process in whatever way is best suited to their particular circumstances. Through the Edinburgh coordinating office and the central website www.edinburgh2010.org the study of the above mission themes and transversals will develop through diverse contributions from around the world.

You or your institution, backed by its governing body, can get involved by taking responsibility to host any one of the above themes, including provisions for all needed personnel and financial resources, in which case one could speak of a �study commission� being organised. Or, two or more institutions in different parts of the world could combine to form a study commission.

By pooling resources they could collaborate to bring a range of perspectives to a topic which no institution could achieve alone. Existing networks, conferences, colloquia, etc. are encouraged to devote part of their programme to consideration of one or more of the 2010 mission themes.

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!