Conference Theme

The theme for the XIth IAMS International Conference draws attention to an ongoing, lively debate about the nature and justification of mission in the world of the twenty-first century. "Integrity" points to both the nature of and the motivation for mission in a plural world of diverse religions, philosophies, ideologies and cultures. There are three principal "integrities." The first concerns the wholeness of the church’s calling in any age or situation. The Christian community is under an obligation to its Lord to engage in certain specific tasks, irrespective of the circumstances in which it finds itself. It is sent to tell (out) the story of Jesus Christ, as interpreted by the apostles, and invite people, without discrimination, to become part of that story by turning to him in repentance for the forgiveness of their sins. It is given a commission to be a reconciling and healing agent by resolving conflict, bringing peace with justice, comforting and empowering people excluded from belonging to families and civil societies, caring for the environment and restoring people to physical and psychological well-being. It is summoned to a purity of life in all its relationships, in the midst of much political and business corruption and the loss of high standards of honesty and decency in personal relationships. The conference will continue to debate the scope of what belongs essentially to mission.

The second integrity has to do with the relationship of the gospel to contexts with which it becomes involved. It concerns the appropriate form of the good news of Jesus Christ given specific situations. It is a truism to say that there is an inevitable tension between the content of a message and its organizational expressions which, on the one hand, are relevant and fitting in particular circumstances and, on the other hand, are faithful to the apostolic testimony from which they derive. How is the dual integrity to context and text to be maintained, so that the message remains universal and, yet, can be owned by local participants?

The third integrity has to do with the means of mission. Here, the words of 1 Peter 3:15-16, which speak of giving a reason for our hope in Christ "gently and with respect," are pertinent. The ends of mission, however laudable, never justify the means used to carry them out, in the sense that the ends themselves demand a compatibility of means. Thus, the way mission is carried out demands the highest sincerity, fairness and esteem towards others. The call itself may not be compromised, but the nature of its fulfilment must not demean the personhood of the other. There is much to be discussed about different kinds of mission projects and strategies, not least attitudes to power that may be implicitly present.