The Council for World Mission (CWM) marked four decades of ecumenical partnership and shared Christian witness with the Caribbean and North America Council for Mission (CANACOM) during a Faith and Climate Conference and Anniversary Service in Trinidad and Tobago from 11 to 13 September.
Hosted by the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago (PCTT) and the Church of Scotland, the celebrations brought together 250 participants of which young people formed the majority, highlighting the commitment by both organisations to shape and empower the next generation in facing the challenges wrought by climate crises.
Participants gathered at Pax House, where CANACOM was birthed in 1986, for an anniversary luncheon and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. CWM also received a plaque recognising 40 years of journeying together.
Christian mission, youth engagement, and CANACOM’s climate work took centre stage at the Faith and Climate Conference, “From Gardeners to Guardians: The Sacred Pause.”
In his keynote address, Dr C. James Hospedales framed climate change as a pertinent issue that is deeply woven with public health, human rights, justice, and faith.
“Creation is a gift, not a commodity, and climate justice is an expression of the love of God,” Hospedales said.
Delivering greetings on behalf of CWM, Janet Marie McConnell, mission secretary for Social Justice and the Caribbean region, reflected on the significance of CANACOM’s anniversary and the historical relationship with CWM.
“CANACOM’s history bears witness to four decades of cooperation, mutuality, and shared Christian witness,” McConnell said.
She noted that CANACOM’s anniversary theme, “Trusting God’s Faithful, Ongoing Preservation of All Creation,” points towards a mission agenda attentive to justice, peace, environmental stewardship, resilient communities, and the formation of a new generation for mission.
The celebrations culminated in worship at St Ann’s Church of Scotland, where Rev. Carlington Keen, immediate past chair of CANACOM and United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands minister, reminded the participants of God’s preserving grace and called on the church to renewed missional outlook.
On the cusp of its fifth decade, new possibilities have been identified within CANCOM’s collaboration with CWM on climate and ecological justice, with particular focus given to youth formation, advocacy, and leadership.
In addition, eight eco-justice projects developed during the conference offer an exciting and hope-filled opportunity for member congregations to turn prayerful reflections into faithful action.
