AACC hosts the WCC Commission for World Mission and Evangelism

Between 6th and 10th July 2024, the 2023-2030 CWME Commission met in person for the first time on the theme, ‘Making the Way: Mission as Counter-Creating’ at the Desmond Dutu Hotel and Conference Centre. Its strategic priority for 2023-2030 is Mission from the margins and decolonial discourse. While discussing the history of the Commission, Rev. Dr. Kuzipa Nalwamba, WCC’s Director for Unity, Mission and Ecumenical Formation highlighted that CWME provided frameworks for grasping the Christian Message as universally applicable and locally inclusive. She explained that this involved reclaiming Together Towards Life as a lens for applying the mind of Christ to issues and questions of marginalization and decoloniality.  

“It is very exciting that you are meeting in Africa; My Home.” Noted Rev Prof Jerry Pillay, the WCC General Secretary in his greetings to the meeting.

“You are a vital link in the ecumenical movement to its source in grassroots Christianity and you will bring to the fore the experience and issues that will form and inform the future theology and practice of ecumenical mission and evangelism.” He wrote.

In his welcome remarks, the AACC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki celebrated the long-standing partnership between the AACC and WCC.  He also expressed his delight that the commission decided to bring the meeting to Africa, and to AACC in particular.  

The AACC Director of Programmes, Rev. Dr. Lesmore Ezekiel affirmed that Evangelism is about affirming God as the essence of mission and evangelism, a call to repentance, and diaconal whiteness. He Highlighted the significance of the Arusha call to discipleship in the work of the commission, describing it as a key resource in the full fulfillment of the commission’s mandate.

“This meeting offers us an opportunity to understand our mandate as a commission better.” Said Ms. Spyridoula Fotinis, a youth member of the CWME. 

Photo Credit: Brian Muyunga.