The leadership of four new member churches — the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago (PCTT) from the Caribbean, Presbyterian Church of Mauritius (EPIM) from Africa, and the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu (PCV) and Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) from the Pacific — gathered at CWM’s Singapore office for a three-day induction programme from 9-11 September.
The programme introduced them to CWM’s history, policies, programmes, finances, and communications.
Opening: A call to faithful witness
The induction opened with prayer and a sharing by Kenneth Ben, general secretary of CICC, who encouraged the delegates to “work, walk, and witness faithfully in the Lord who has called them to a mission in a world that is impatient, noisy, and restless.”
“In a world that stands on many truths, the church must stand on one unshakeable truth — Jesus Christ,” Ben exhorted.
Warmly welcoming new members
CWM General Secretary Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum welcomed the new members with heartfelt joy, likening the induction to a long-awaited reunion. He acknowledged the early challenges that delayed the joining of the four churches, expressing gratitude that these obstacles had now been overcome.
CWM Moderator Dr Natalie Lin echoed the welcome, describing the induction as the beginning of an invaluable journey of learning and collaboration:
“I am so glad to be able to work with all of you and to walk alongside your churches and your people.”
CWM Treasurer James Ronnie Kaboke also shared his reflections, framing the induction as a living testimony to CWM’s mission of inclusivity:
“CWM is all about ecumenism, the sharing of resources, and reaching out to the marginalised. It is my joy to see all of us — who share a common DNA from the LMS — working closely to advance God’s kingdom here on earth.”
Greetings from new member churches
The four new churches conveyed their gratitude and commitment to CWM’s global mission.
Douglas Nelson, moderator of EPIM, opened the responses with a simple yet powerful message:
“We are blessed to be a part of CWM, and I look forward to working together for the Lord.”
Ashford Tamby, general secretary of PCTT, called this moment a milestone:
“This marks a significant step in our journey of faith, fellowship, and shared mission. May this be a time of deep connections, spiritual renewal, and mutual learning.”
Kenneth Ben, speaking again for CICC, referenced Rev. Dr Keum’s earlier presentation that spoke of CICC’s homecoming:
“CWM has given us the opportunity to witness the gospel not just in our community, but regionally and globally. We are ready to deepen our partnership and share resources to further the mission field.”
Pastor Collin Keleb of PCV closed the responses with gratitude:
“On behalf of PCV, we are honoured to join the CWM family, where together we can share resources, ideas, and visions on how best to evangelise the world around us.”
Symbolic conclusion
The opening session ended with a symbolic and heartwarming gesture: CWM stoles were bestowed upon the representatives of the new member churches. This act formally cemented their place in the CWM global family and affirmed their shared commitment to building life-flourishing communities in their regions and beyond.
The programme concluded on 11 September with video interviews featuring the four new member churches, marking the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration within the CWM family.
