Reflections from the World Council of Churches Commission on World Mission and Evangelism.

MCNZ General Secretary Rev Tara Tautari recently co-facilitated a high-level meeting of global theologians, church and religious organisation leaders, and religious scholars in Nairobi, Kenya. Sharing our own origins and mission story Maea te Kupu provided a powerful and personal perspective that captured the minds and imaginations of those gathered.

From July 5-11, I had the privilege of attending the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on World Mission and Evangelism meeting, held at the All Africa Conference of Churches headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. In my capacity as Vice Moderator of the Commission, I co-facilitated this significant gathering, which brought together theologians, heads of church institutions, religious scholars, and church leaders from around the globe. Our discussions focused on crucial questions related to colonialism, decolonisation, reparations, and restoration within the context of mission and evangelism.

One of the central themes of our discussions was the intricate relationship between land, creation, and mission. This is an area where our unique perspective from Aotearoa New Zealand provided valuable insights. I had the opportunity to share our own origins and mission story, Maea te Kupu https://www.methodist.org.nz/assets/DownloadsFiles/Maea-te-Kupu.pdf  and shared the story of missionaries and fences at the Kaeo mission, where land was divided and controlled. This imagery resonated deeply with participants and sparked powerful reflections on the historical impacts of colonialism and the need for restorative justice in mission practices. Moreover, our Climate Justice Decade initiative, Rekindle the Vā of Papatūānuku, also captured the imaginations of attendees. It was heartening to see how our local experiences and initiatives could contribute to the broader discourse on mission and creation care.

The sharing of local context is crucial in global gatherings, where it is easy to get caught up in high-level discussions with a focus on theology and doctrine. The lived reality and experiences of people and their communities can often be overlooked, which diminishes the value and impact of the meeting. Highlighting local stories and initiatives ensures that the conversation remains grounded and relevant, ultimately enriching the overall discourse and fostering more meaningful and effective outcomes.

Interestingly, our meeting coincided with significant protests on the streets of Nairobi. These protests were a poignant backdrop to our discussions, highlighting the urgency of addressing systemic injustices and the need for the church to play a prophetic role in society. The kōrero on the streets inevitably impacted our kōrero within the meeting rooms. As we discussed counter-creating as a form of resistance to prevailing hegemonic powers, the protests served as a stark reminder of the realities faced by many communities around the world.

One of the key takeaways from our discussions was the necessity for churches to maintain a strong prophetic voice in the public sphere. We must resist being co-opted by governments or other powerful entities and instead advocate for justice, equity, and peace. The protests in Nairobi underscored the importance of this stance, as they reflected the community's call (led as they were in this case by the youth) for accountability and systemic change.

Looking ahead, I am excited to announce that the Methodist Church of New Zealand will host a small workgroup of the Commission next year. This workgroup will include members from the Ecumenical Disabilities Advocacy Network and the Ecumenical Indigenous Peoples Network. Our focus will be to further explore the intersection of mission, land, and spirituality. This gathering will be an essential step in preparing for the World Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in 2028.

Hosting this workgroup presents a unique opportunity for us to deepen our understanding and engagement with these critical issues. It will allow us to draw from our rich heritage and experiences in Aotearoa and contribute meaningfully to the global conversation. We will delve into how mission practices can be decolonised, how reparations and restoration can be effectively pursued, and how we can foster a more profound connection with creation.

In conclusion, the WCC Commission on World Mission and Evangelism meeting in Nairobi was a deeply enriching experience. It highlighted the need to address the legacies of colonialism and underscored the church's role as a catalyst for justice and restoration. Together, let us uphold our prophetic voice and advocate for a world where justice, peace, and the well-being of all creation are realised.