CWM Africa Members’ Mission Forum (MMF): Building life-flourishing communities at the margins

by CWM Communications Team

Council for World Mission (CWM) Members’ Mission Forum (MMF) for the Africa region was held based on the theme “Africa in the context of building the life flourishing societies: Face to face with the reality and brutalities of Babylon” on 25 February – 3 March 2023 in Nairobi. The event brought together church leaders from CWM Africa member churches to collectively discern and seek the will of God as He works in the margins of society.

Rev. Dr Fidon Mwombeki delivering his keynote address

The event commenced with a keynote address by the General Secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), Rev. Dr Fidon Mwombeki, on “The other side of slave history: Untold stories and hidden truths”. Calling for research to be conducted on slave trade from East Africa through the Indian Ocean to Arabic countries, he highlighted the need for teamwork with those around the world who are also combatting systemic injustice and modern-day slavery. In addition, he urged Africa to acknowledge its complicity in the slave trade, and upon self-reflection, to seek justice, restoration and reconciliation.

CWM General Secretary Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum brought greetings, where he recognised the multi-faceted challenges besieging Africa, which included social, economic, and political instability, community polarisations, military conflicts, as well as climate crises.

“Coming together as the representatives of the member churches to this MMF, it is very important that we reflect on our context and seek ways to equip and mutually challenge one another to do the mission of God in the light of our social, political and economic issues,” said Dr Keum.

Member church delegates in table discussion groups

Against the backdrop of communities struggling to be ‘church’ again post-COVID-19 lockdowns, participants engaged in discussions on the concept and definition of reverting to the pre-COVID-19 normal, especially considering the predicament of people with disabilities, the poor, the survivors of gender injustices and racial discrimination.

Kibera, the largest slum in Africa

Over several days, they engaged in discussions on the life-flourishing, post-pandemic normal they envision creating for these marginalised communities. As part of their exposure visit, participants visited Kibera, the largest slum in Africa, where they came face to face with the realities in the margins.

Delegates were able to relate the presentations and discussions to their specific situations, and place them within regional and global context.

Finally, the delegates affirmed that recognizing God’s work in their respective communities, and joining Him as mission agents is essential.

 

 

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