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“I want to argue that Christian mission can be crucial—one might almost say redemptive—in addressing the problems of our world at their deepest root,” he said. “Attempts to define Christian mission have resulted in prolonged and relentless debates.”
Even more difficult is the task of determining the aims of the mission, Pillay noted. “We must embrace the holistic view of mission.”
He named dynamism, justice, diversity, and transformation as key concepts of mission today.
“The cry for freedom and justice is loud for many in the world today,” he said. “The church needs to stand where God stands and not get mixed up with the rich and powerful.”
Together, Pillay urged, we can make a difference in the world. “There is so much of brokenness, pain and suffering in the world,” he said. “What is the message of the church in such a context? How do we work toward healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation?”
In addition to the lecture on 24 September, Pillay will attend an International Ecumenical Symposium at the Pannonhalma Archabbey on 25-26 September. The theme of the symposium is “In the School of the Lord's Service.”
The archabbey will host the International Ecumenical Symposium for the sixth time, drawing prominent international representatives of the ecumenical movement. Pillay will speak on “Opportunities and Challenges of Christian Mission Today – Can Mission Be Learned and Taught?”
H.E. Metropolitan Emmanuel, Metropolitan Elder of Chalcedon, will speak on “How Can Churches Learn the Spirit of Ecumenism? – Theory and Praxis in Harmony.” Other speakers addressing ecumenism will include Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe OP; Archabbot of Pannonhalma Cirill T. Hortobágyi OSB; Júlia Berecz, head of the Department of Ecumenical and Foreign Affairs, Office of the Synod, Reformed Church in Hungary; Prof. Dr Márkus Keller, head of the Department of Comparative Historical Sociology and the History of Professionalization Research Group, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest; and Dr Tibor Görföl, editor-in-chief, associate professor at the University of Pécs, Hungary.
During his visit, Pillay will also attend Holy Mass in the Basilica, speak at the Assembly Hall of the Benedictine Secondary School, and participate in a roundtable discussion with Hungarian bishops.
Pillay will also preach at Ecumenical Vespers, as well as at the Great Church of Debrecen.
