Mission and postmodernities - Blog

The core group of Theme 3 met on 22-26 June in Prague to work on their chapter for the pre-conference book and another publication. Edinburgh 2010 Youth Coordinator Kirk Sandvig joined them and gave this report:

I must say that it was an absolute delight meeting with the Mission and Postmodernities core group in Prague. Rolv Olson, Kajsa Alstrand, Andrew Kirk, Teresa Francesca Rossi, Tania Petrova and I had some fruitful discussions that probed into the ways mission has been affected by the various notions of postmodernity. After reviewing the submitted papers, the core group evaluated the definitions given to the topic of ‘postmodernities’ by discussing key points found in both the papers and in our common understanding of the subject.  We then related how this, albeit complex, understanding of postmodernities has affected the nature of Christian mission throughout the world. Although most of the papers and core group members are representatives of the West, the core group tried to incorporate issues of mission and postmodernities found it the global south. In recognition of the commitment made by the World Council of Church youth organization ECHOS to emphasize this topic among youth, the core group felt it important to seek feedback from youth in order to better incorporate the concerns of youth in the Mission and Postmodernities group statement to the Edinburgh 2010 conference. As we approach the Edinburgh 2010 conference, I look forward to the continuing conversations about the issues of mission and postmodernties, particularly in how it relates to youth involvement.

The picture shows Kirk (left) with the group (l-r Andrew Kirk, Tania Petrova, Teresa Rossi, Rolv Olsen and Kajsa Ahlstrand)

David Bosch's use of world mission conferences from Edinburgh 1910 to San Antonio 1989 shows a universalising tendency, writes Prof Christina Landman, University of South Africa, in the attached article. Prof Landman is also the editor of Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae (SHE). Responses to the article are invited to Kirsteen Kim (k.kim (at) leedstrinity.ac.uk) for forwarding to the conveners of study theme 3 and possible posting on this site.