An international group of bible scholars, mission theologians and mission leaders is meeting this weekend at the Ecumenical Institute, Bossey, Switzerland to draft a paper on 'Foundations for mission', theme 1 of the Edinburgh 2010 study process. Members of the working group are drawn from different confessional groups and represent different institutions and organisations in all continents. Their paper will form the first chapter of the pre-conference publication which will inform discussion in Edinburgh and around the world in 2010.
The group will draw on their own expertise and also on the work of groups already working on this theme for Edinburgh. A consortium of umbrella ecumenical, evangelical and academic mission groups in Britain and Ireland have been studying how organisations and individuals are motivated to do mission and how they justify it. This research will be represented at the consultation by Canon Janice Price and Dr Paul Rolph. A working group of the Francophone Association for Mission Studies, represented by Revd Jacques Matthey, is researching 'mission in the Bible'. 'Towards 2010' which met in Scotland between 2002 and 2007 invited mission scholars from many different parts of the world to reflect on the original commission themes of Edinburgh 1910. Dr Emma Wild-Wood will be representing their work.
Other participants are: Dr Edmund Chia, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, USA; Dr Simanga R. Kumalo, University of Kwazulul Natal, South Africa; Dr Christina Manohar, Union Biblical Seminary, Pune, India; Rev. Dr Nestor Miguez, Instituto Universitario ISEDET, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Dr Peniel Rufus, United Theological College, Bangalore, India; and Prof. Petros Vassiliadis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
The event is hosted by Dr Deenabandhu Manchala, who leads the World Council of Churches project on 'Just and inclusive communities', which has also been considering 'Foundations for mission'. The International Director of Edinburgh 2010, Dr Daryl Balia will also be participating, and the Research Coordinator, Dr Kirsteen Kim will be the facilitator.
