The Council for World Mission (CWM) Board of Directors convened for its first meeting of 2026 from 23-24 February in a hybrid format.
Taking up the cross to follow Christ
CWM Moderator Dr Natalie Lin opened the meeting with a reflection on the contrasting realities of today’s world, where many communities face disaster and famine while others live in abundance. She also spoke of the suffering caused by spiritual emptiness when people feel unloved, uncared for, and without meaning, expressing the hope that all may recognise God’s love and purpose for their lives.
Drawing on the Lenten season and Jesus’ temptation in Matthew 4:1–11, she invited directors into deeper discipleship. She emphasised the call to carry the cross, worship and serve God alone, and model radical discipleship in leadership. The Board was reminded of its responsibility to help itself and others walk out of darkness and “light up” the world through faithful witness.
CWM to remain a steadfast witness in 2026 and beyond
In his report, CWM General Secretary Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum described a world marked by geopolitical instability, economic inequality, climate catastrophe, religious nationalism, and violence against vulnerable communities. He named these as life-denying powers that contradict God’s intention for creation and called the communion to prophetic courage, deep discernment, and justice-centred mission.
The report highlighted major programme activities from late November 2025 to mid-February 2026, including the Global Mission Consultation in Rwanda, the School of Intersectional Ecotheology and Ecojustice Witness (SIEEW), the Global Consultation on Transformative Masculinities against Gender-Based Violence, and the School of Transformative Evangelism.
CWM commitment to regions in need
Keum also updated the Board on CWM’s solidarity with member churches during national crises. He commended the Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China (HKCCCC) for its emergency response following the deadly fire in the Tai Po District on 26 November.
He further highlighted the witness of the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI) during Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, and commended the participants in the Training in Mission (TIM) programme who joined local relief efforts, embodying CWM’s commitment to accompaniment in times of suffering.
Concluding his report, Keum reiterated that the work of CWM remained deeply anchored in the conviction that God’s mission continues to call the church into courageous witness in a troubled world.
“As we journey toward Jubilee 2027 and Assembly 2028, it is a prophetic invitation to restore relationships, confront life-denying structures, and renew our vocation to build life-flourishing communities where all may experience dignity, justice, and hope,” he said.
Memorandum of Understanding with WCRC
The Board approved the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) for 2026-29.
