More than 1,000 Christians from different denominations around the world joined the World Council of Churches‘ Conference on World Mission and Evangelism. Held in Arusha, Tanzania in Africa on March 8-13, 2018, the conference was attended by representatives of Protestant, Orthodox, Evangelical, Pentecostal and African-instituted churches.
The Catholic Church is not a member of the WCC, but Pope Francis sent a message to the gathering endorsing its theme “Moving in the Spirit: Called to Transforming Discipleship,” reports Anglican Communion News Service.
The Pope said the conference “powerfully reminds us that the Lord’s mandate to bring the Gospel to all people is not a matter of power and influence in the world. Rather, it is a pressing call to discipleship which manifests itself in unfailing love of neighbor, whoever that may be.”
The Pope said the conference “powerfully reminds us that the Lord’s mandate to bring the Gospel to all people is not a matter of power and influence in the world. Rather, it is a pressing call to discipleship which manifests itself in unfailing love of neighbor, whoever that may be.”
Dr. Agnes Abuom, the moderator of the WCC’s Central Committee, urged participants to embrace the Holy Spirit and accept the responsibilities and challenges of being Christ’s disciple.
During the closing of the week-long conference, the 12-point Arusha Call to Discipleship was issued to participants. In a time when there are ‘death-dealing forces that are shaking the world order and inflicting suffering on many,’ Christians are called to be disciples of God in transforming the world.
The call said, ‘We are called by our baptism to transforming discipleship: a Christ-connected way of life in a world where many face despair, rejection, loneliness, and worthlessness.’ Also, ‘We are called to worship the one Triune God, the God of justice, love, and grace at a time when many worship the false god of the market system.’
As part of the a special “sending service,” Rev. Dr. Collin Cowan, of the Council for World Mission, asked the participants to push boundaries and “go against the grain of cultural norms and practices” just like what Jesus did. He said Jesus always challenged his disciples “to open up themselves to change their way of thinking and behaving in every situation.”
Sources:
Anglican Communion News Service
Sight Magazine
World Council of Churches