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2010 is the centenary of the World Missionary Conference of Edinburgh in 1910. This conference is said to be what it kick-started twentieth century commitment to ecumenism, but it only did so because it saw it as an instrument of more effective mission.
Edinburgh 2010 has issued a COMMON CALL –
It is a renewed vision of our mission:
“As we gather for the centenary of the World Missionary Conference of Edinburgh 1910, we believe the church, as a sign and symbol of the reign of God, is called to witness to Christ today by sharing in God’s mission of love through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. …
Remembering Jesus’ way of witness and service, we believe we are called by God to follow this way joyfully, inspired, anointed, sent and empowered by the Holy Spirit, and nurtured by Christian disciplines in community. As we look to Christ’s coming in glory and judgment, we experience his presence with us in the Holy Spirit, and we invite all to join with us as we participate in God’s transforming and reconciling mission of love to the whole creation.”
In the same way a vision needs to undergird what we are doing, a vision that arises out of a passion for a brave new world: a vision of the God whose wholehearted love is revealed in Jesus Christ, and of that God’s mission, in which we are called to join.
The Surrey and Sussex Synod Area brings together some 50 churches in a council that has devolved to it significant elements of the Synod’s life and work and authority. When it meets it is Southern Synod.
It embraces people from each of the churches and therefore it is representative, it has significant responsibility. Its key words are care, encouragement and equipping…
...I’d like to finish with three comments from Edinburgh 1910:
1. Robert Elliott Speer, 1867-1947 (American Presbyterian)
Opening Speech of World Missionary Conference Edinburgh, 14th June 1910
‘.. the things which make sure common ground:
“the Fatherhood of God, the love of the Son, the power of the Holy Ghost, the purity of the Christian life, the splendour of the Christian Hope.”’ [1]
2. Randall Thomas Davidson, 1848-1930 (Archbishop of Canterbury 1903-1928)
Opening Speech of World Missionary Conference Edinburgh, 14th June 1910
“… the place of mission[s] in the life of the church must be the central place, and none other: that is what matters. …in our plans, our policy, our prayers.”
3. V. S. Azariah, 1874-1945 (1st Bishop of Dornakal, 1913-1945)
and one of the very few indigenous representatives at Edinburgh 1910
‘Through all the ages to come the Indian Church will rise up in gratitude to attest the heroism and self-denying labours of the missionary body. You have given your goods to feed the poor. You have given your bodies to be burned. We also ask for your love. Give us FRIENDS!’ [2]
Let those three speakers offer you the focus that you need for the Surrey and Sussex Synod Area:
a firm grasp on the essence of the Gospel,
a real commitment to mission
and a deep sense of belonging to one another.
And to God be the glory.
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