The Council for World Mission’s (CWM) Programme Reference Group (PRG) and The Onesimus Project (TOP) met in London from 24-26 April. Those gathered for the biennial meeting reviewed CWM programmes and TOP initiatives in the past two years, identified key trends and priorities, and set strategic directions that aligned with CWM’s programmatic and project goals.
With close collaboration with the CWM Programmes Team, the PRG, comprised of regional members and ecumenical partners, plays a key role in the evaluation of programme outcomes, and provides strategic recommendations to improve the programmatic direction, ensuring the mission, values, and visions are aligned.
Serving as a companion to the PRG, the TOP core group works and builds upon the foundations laid by the preceding Legacies of Slavery (LOS) programme.
With the aim of addressing injustices rooted in the colonial heritage of the London Missionary Society through promoting reparatory justice, empowering communities, advocating for liberation, and reimagining ecumenical solidarity, the TOP working group members engage closely with CWM by providing oversight on four main areas: Legacies of Slavery, Modern-Day Slavery, Education for Liberation, and Transformative Ecumenism.
As the PRG and TOP working groups were newly elected since the Assembly last year, feedback was also solicited and documented with an eye towards enhancing programmatic effectiveness for the year ahead, while ensuring coherence and alignment with CWM’s overarching goals.
Discussions were also marked by collaboration with the programmes team and dialogue to refine and strengthen existing programme strategies.
Transforming power in catastrophic times
In his opening address to the working group members of the PRG and TOP, Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum, CWM General Secretary, reflected upon the nature of power, global forces, and God’s mission for justice and renewal.
Citing the issues of economic inequality, numerous climate crises, technological advancements, and the erosion of democratic values, Keum emphasised the importance of the Holy Spirit as the source of transforming power and called for a mission that promotes love, faith, and hope.
His address stressed the need for decolonising mission and the value of ecumenism, advocating strongly for reparatory justice and transformation that leads to life-flourishing communities.
CWM’s indelible impact on communities
Meeting with the PRG members, CWM Deputy General Secretary for Programmes, Dr Sudipta Singh, along with the Programmatic Mission Secretaries, provided a comprehensive overview of the programmes organised during the review period.
“Each CWM programme is designed to reflect the organisation’s vision and missional priorities, underscoring their importance in addressing global challenges such as climate change, economic injustice, and social inequality,” said Singh, reiterating CWM’s commitment to transformative mission work.