Dr Afe Adogame, Convener of Theme 7 Christian Communities in Contemporary Contexts, has sent the following report:
Theme 7 has its focus on the key themes: Poverty, suffering and marginalized communities - the challenge that it presents to the Church; HIV/AIDS, the Church and Mission; Christianity and socio-political action; Identity, Gender and Power; Globalization and the reproduction of hierarchies; the interface of migration, diaspora and ethnicity; Reverse mission dynamics.
The Study Group comprises 15-20 core members drawn from all continents and diverse Christian traditions. In investigating the above-mentioned themes we have sought to incorporate the views of academics, researchers, church leaders, religious NGOs, as well as policy makers. We are convinced that such a multidimensional perspective is necessary for critical thinking about how missions is articulated and practiced in contemporary contexts and also to seek new directions for engagement in Christian Mission in the 21st century.
To date we have successfully held two consultations. A one-day Workshop was held on December 5, 2008 with 20 participants drawn mainly from the leadership of churches of immigrant/diaspora communities in Scotland. Papers/discussions at this seminar focused on ‘Challenges in Urban Mission’, ‘Understanding the Impact of Power Dynamics’; and ‘Gender and Youth’. The second, much larger consultation was a two-day international conference held on June 12 – 13, 2009. The over 35 participants were drawn from Africa, North America, Asia and Europe; with a paper presented in absentia on behalf of a contributor from Australia. The conference had its focus on the themes of Church and Reconciliation; Gender and Identity; Church and Poverty; Media, representation and Pentecostalism; Conducting Mission in Edinburgh; Church and Society; and Mission in Diaspora. Most paper contributions from these two events are being reviewed and prepared in an edited book volume. Besides, the study group is preparing a 10,000- word Summary Report for the Edinburgh 2010 Project.
