The Transformative Ecumenism Steering Group, established to promote the Transformative Ecumenism Movement worldwide, gathered in Bangkok from 27-28 July to discuss strategies and plans for expanding the movement into a broader global context. This was the Steering Group’s first in-person gathering since the launch of Transformative Ecumenism in Nairobi in August 2023. CWM General Secretary Rev. Dr Jooseop Keum welcomed the members of the Steering Group, who represent regions including Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Pacific.
In his opening remarks, Keum expressed his profound gratitude to the members of the Steering Group for their commitment to the Transformative Ecumenism Movement. While sharing his personal experiences and challenges, he encouraged the members to continue expanding the vision to address the challenges faced by the global community. Emphasising CWM’s commitment, Keum said, “Decolonising mission and ecumenism is one of CWM’s primary focus areas in doing the mission.”
CWM Deputy General Secretary Dr Sudipta Singh also thanked the Steering Group and assured them of CWM’s continued support in promoting and strengthening the Transformative Ecumenism Movement.
The Steering Group members, coordinated by Rev. Dr Deenabandhu Manchala, have met several times virtually and brought forth proposals for expanding the concept and scope of the Transformative Ecumenism Movement, developing a communication strategy, mapping and networking, and working alongside The Onesimus Project, which seeks to address the roots of racialised inequalities and injustices within the CWM family of church and the wider world.
The Steering Group collectively emphasised the need to further develop Transformative Ecumenism into a “movement of movements” and stressed the urgent necessity of involving more young people from diverse regions and contexts who are committed to addressing contemporary global challenges. They also recognised the importance of collaborating with other movements that are already addressing challenges in their respective contexts and developing regional expressions.
The Steering Group plans to hold another global gathering in 2025 in solidarity with communities struggling for peace and stability in the Middle East. There are also concrete plans to develop a global youth forum to provide a continuous platform for young people to address the challenges they face.