BRINGING OUT TREASURES THAT ARE OLD AND NEW: Thoughts on Mission Engagement Today from a Latin American URM Perspective

Abstract

Eighth Assembly of the World Council of Churches is taking place at the same time as the 50th anniversary of the First Assembly in Amsterdam. No doubt will be a historical milestone and an outstanding ecumenical event - a real jubilee assembly, as well as an ideal opportunity for us to examine relevant topics relating to ecumenical work in mission. Of particular interest to us in the Urban and Rural Mission movement is reflection on key aspects of mission today, the renewal of our commitment to the poor, actualizing our ecumenical perspective on mission and discovering reasons for hope in the future. I should like to share some thoughts on these subjects. 1. challenge of mission today Mission means many things: evangelizing, protecting life, bearing witness, practising solidarity, fighting injustice and struggling for liberation. Each of these aspects is linked to the others (and this list is by no means exhaustive). priorities and emphases that are set depend on the respective context and the historical moment is traversing. God's mission is universal in scope, is ecumenical: The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, and those who live in it (Psalm 24:1). All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.... (Matthew 28:18) church's mission is to continue the redeeming, liberating work of in the and to proclaim the kingdom of God: As the father has sent me, so I send (John 20:21). mission to go into all the world means we have to place ourselves in the whole of reality and not remain confined within the boundaries of the church. Bible does not give us a recipe for fulfilling our mission because our mission is constantly being renewed, but does offer some clues to guide us in our task of being God's faithful co-workers in the work he has already accomplished in the for the building of his kingdom. Let me mention the main ones: Incarnation New Testament tells us of Jesus Christ that though he was rich, yet...he became (2 Corinthians 8:9); though he was in the form of ... he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave (Philippians 2:6). This is how refers to the theological meaning of his presence in the world, his humble birth, his option for the lowliest, his acceptance of the cross. For the churches of the 'poor world', this means identifying fully with and being committed to the poor and the victims of injustice and oppression. It means becoming part of the real of the poor, putting down roots in this difficult but fertile soil. This is the price to be paid if our testimony is to be true and credible, the proof that we take the gospel seriously: Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God (Luke 6:20). Co-responsibility Mission is not one-way. It is a task that involves all disciples and all churches. Mission should not be understood as service rendered unilaterally by some to others, but as a process of mutual giving and receiving in which we grow together and are enriched and deepen our faith. Happily, this approach is increasingly accepted by those involved in mission in different contexts. Thus we are learning to give generously of possessions and goods (2 Corinthians 8:2), to share worship, bread and celebration in simplicity of heart (Acts 2:46) and to let ourselves be infected by the simple but profound faith of the humble (Matthew 15:28). Unity and Universality of the Church This double dimension reminds us that the church is one because is united by the one triune and that will not truly be what is called to be until has brought about the unity of all believers. This task is still pending. church is universal because is called to overcome the narrow limits of nation, race and class and turn its eyes to the whole of humanity, living in the service of peace and justice among human beings (Wolfhart Pannenberg). …