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WCC Faith and Order Commission member Dr. Kuriakose Theophilose, Metropolitan of The Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary. Photo: Claus Grue/WCC

WCC Faith and Order Commission member Dr. Kuriakose Theophilose, Metropolitan of The Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary. Photo: Claus Grue/WCC

When the Asia Mission Conference in Yangon, Myanmar, came to an end last Tuesday, delegates from around the world had enjoyed six days of reflection, learning, socializing, worshiping and sharing experiences in an Asian context.

The comments after the conference were overwhelmingly positive.

Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) moderator and WCC Central Committee member, Bishop Willem T.P. Simarmata in his opening speech described the AMC gathering in Yangon as ”a landmark in the history of our churches”. He pointed out that Christians represent a minority in most Asian countries and that mission is important in order to find answers to challenges.

 

After the conference he had reason to be very satisfied: ”The hospitality of the hosts and the contribution of the participants has been amazing. The speakers have had the ability to be resource persons sharing their own visions and knowledge. We’ve heard contextual speeches touching upon economic, social and religious realities. This has been a fantastic opportunity to listen to each other and learn from each other’s struggles, so that we can journey together and share our resources as one body. We’ve also paid special attention to the youth, which is very important”, Simarmata concludes.

Mai Kaythi Min Din, associate general secretary of Myanmar Council of Churches: ”As co-hosts we are very excited about having the conference. It is an inspiration for the whole ecumenical movement in Myanmar. It really is something special to be here for the first time. Being gathered here inspires being involved more and to walk more in the ecumenical movement.

I bring back different aspects on mission and we are reminded to think about mission in our own contexts. I particularly appreciate the liturgic work, where the Asian context is integrated in Christian worship by using traditional Asian instruments. That has been a spiritual enhancement for me.”

 

 

China Christian Council associate general secretary and WCC Central Committee member, Rev. Manhong Melissa Lin: ”This conference has helped us towards a new and better understanding of mission. It has helped the Chinese Church to be heard. We need to contextualize our missiology which involves de-westernization and de-colonization. We must find our own inclusive approach to mission, which this conference inspires us to do. It echoes what we are doing right now which is called ”zhongguohua” and means Chinazation”.

 

 

Dr. Kuriakose Theophilose, WCC Faith and Order Commission member and Metropolitan of The Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary in Cochi, Kerala, India: ”We are journeying together to give witness. To see and experience the lively Christian community in Myanmar and the hospitality of the church of Myanmar is a great inspiration and motivation. Also, meeting and sharing experiences with colleagues from different countries is both inspiring and challenging. The most beautiful thing is the communion, the deep sense of Christian fellowship as brothers and sisters”.

 

Rev. Dr Ann Borquist, global servant, International Ministries ABCUSA (American Baptist Church), Wellington, New Zealand: ”The most valuable thing is meeting sisters and brothers in Christ from other countries and sharing stories of how God is working and how we might work together in the future”.

 

 

 

Rev. Dr Joseph Deva Komar, professor at Malaysia Theological Seminary, Seruban, Malaysia: ”I am very excited about meeting all these people and seeing their journeys and challenges. I am trying to understand what it is to be Christian in different contexts.”