Member Church News

PACIFIC

Acting President of Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT) Rev Iosefa Mautinoa, The Hon Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Mr Kausea Natano, and the Australian High Commissioner to Tuvalu Ms Karyn Murray were among those who attended a Prayer vigil for the Australian people on 13 January. 1

During the Prime Minister’s address, he said that the Tuvalu government was finalising Tuvalu’s financial assistance towards those affected by the bushfires, and mounting a process for volunteers with the relevant skills to be sent to Australia. 2

Another vigil service to pray for Australia, its people and wildlife, would be held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral, Suva, according to a statement by Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC). Pacific churches would also be gathering on Australia Day to contribute funds towards relief efforts, and trained trauma counsellors placed on stand-by to minister to victims and fire-fighters. 3

(Left to Right) Hon. Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Mr. Kausea Natano and Acting President of Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (EKT) Rev. Iosefa Mautinoa speaking at the Prayer Vigil.

PCC General Secretary Rev James Bhagwan addresses the media and Australian officials in Canberra.

Last December, regional church leaders joined 200 Australian Christians in Parliament to discuss Australia's Pacific Step Up initiative. 4

Facilitated by PCC, with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Micah Australia, Pacific Church leaders addressed the issues of climate change in the Pacific and human rights abuse in West Papua. The Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Tonga councils of churches attended the meeting with Kiribati Uniting Church (KUC), and youth representatives of the Pacific Disability Forum, and the Institute of Mission and Research. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed the group to Parliament and PCC General Secretary Rev James Bhagwan expressed their gratitude “for the opportunity to meet with Australia's decision makers and to discuss what it means to be a part of the Pacific family”. Addressing the media and Australian officials in Canberra, Rev Bhagwan emphasised how the Pacific people seek true partnerships with Australia, not handouts, as they believe that both groups will flourish if they journey hand-in-hand.

In mid-December was Freedom Sunday in the Pacific, a day when churches gather to pray for peace and justice, especially in Bougainville, Kanaky, Maohi Nui and West Papua - territories where many people still seek political self-determination.

Recently, Freedom Sunday has become a time for churches to reflect on, pray for and take action on the issue of modern-day slavery which has crept into the Pacific diaspora. In the context of Kanaky (new Caledonia), West Papua, and Maohi Nui (French Polynesia) people, their land and identity are enslaved through cultural, social, economic and political oppression and colonisation.

Participants at Freedom Sunday (Photo via Pacific Conference of Churches).

In Kanaky (new Caledonia), nickel is extracted and shipped for manufacturing to many Asian countries. As a result, the nickel industry has enriched many Caldoche (European inhabitants), but not the indigenous Kanaks. During the 19th century, Kanaky had been annexed by France and many prisoners were deported to the colony over the next three decades.

In West Papua, indigenous customary landowners are denied the opportunity to consent to extraction or development projects. West Papuans continues to suffer structural violence and institutional racism, gross human rights abuses by the Indonesian military, lack of adequate services by the state and suppression of cultural, social and economic rights. This is despite the fact that it has been almost 60years since the Netherlands granted political freedom to West Papua, which was part of the Dutch East Indies back then. The churches of West Papua are remembered to have helped create the Pacific Conference of Churches.

“At this time of crisis we have to ponder again over our role in this city. Could our beliefs, visions, mission and core values contribute to the present needed restoration of Hong Kong? Through our services and advocacy, are we able to heal the wounded, empower the weak and the poor and establish justice? (Isaiah 42: 1-4)” was the question posed by Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China (HKCCCC) General Secretary Rev Eric So in a year-end reflection last year. He encouraged churches to “become a watchman of this city and to carry out good deeds as in the prayer of St Francis: when there is hatred to sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light”. Reiterating present and future commitment to Hong Kong’s welfare, he also exhorted churches to “pray to God for His mercy upon Hong Kong, for His wisdom and a compassionate heart granted to us so that we can and we in love will fully serve all.”

Read more of his thoughts on Page 38 in his interview with Hong Kong Christian Council (HKCC).

Almost 100 participants from a wide range of church backgrounds, denominations and nationalities attended the Mission Consultation of the Hong Kong Churches 2019 at All Saints’ Cathedral in Mongkok, Kowloon last November. 1

Organised once every decade, the theme was “A Foot Washing Community? – The Identity, the Mission and the Opportunities of Hong Kong Churches.” Among the issues discussed were Ecology and Land, Poverty, Reconciliation, Refugees, Civil Society and Churches, Elderly, Youth and Gender Justice, with emphasis given to platforms for women and youth. The closing ceremony included a symbolic ritual using special Hong Kong Christian Council towels as an act of commitment to follow Jesus’ example to wash the feet of others in service and humility.

Mission Consultation of the Hong Kong Churches 2019.

The International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) representative members from many countries gathered for the ICMA World Conference 2019 in Kaohsiung from October 21 to 25, to mark 50 years of maritime ministry around the globe. The ICMA is an ecumenical association of Christian non-profit organisations that works with seafarers all over the world.

During the opening ceremony, Pope Francis congratulated ICMA for its humble service and global impact through a pre-recorded video, encouraging those present to persevere in serving seafarers and fishers in the spirit of ecumenism. The Pope also quoted John Paul II’s letter, Stella Maris’ invocation to “provide seafarers abundantly with whatever is required to live holy lives”. In his keynote address, Vice President of Taiwan Dr Chen Chien-jen thanked God for His grace and blessing this gathering of those who cared for seafarers and reaffirmed the Taiwan government’s dedication to supporting fishers and seafarers all over the world.

Among the speakers were the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan (PCT) Moderator Rev David Chen, who expressed gratitude that the conference was held in Kaohsiung, an acknowledgement of PCT’s long service to seafarers. In recent decades, the labour force of the Taiwanese fishery has shifted from the Taiwanese to migrant workers.

The PCT’s Seamen’s and Fishers’ Service Centre (PCTSFSC) provides them with care and counselling, as many are left alone facing challenges beyond their control, said PCTSFSC Chairman Rev Daniel Wu.

PCT General Secretary Rev Lyim Hong Tiong delivered the sermon, sharing the brave missionary story of Rev Dr William Campbell, early Taiwanese Christian Ko Tiong and others. The conference provided the opportunity for those in seafarers’ and fishers’ ministries to worship and fellowship together, bonding over their common commitment.

Representative members at the ICMA World Conference 2019.

4th World Conference of Women’s Shelters held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The event was graced by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung.

The Fourth World Conference of Women's Shelters (4WCWS) kicked off at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Centre in southern Taiwan on November 5, which gathered government and NGO representatives from over 100 countries to share knowledge and exchange ideas on how to strengthen women’s shelters and end gender-based violence. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung both attended the opening ceremony, where President Tsai spoke about laws enacted for protection against domestic violence and to foster gender equality in schools and workplaces. Through the combined effort of activists and the government, Taiwan has progressed greatly in gender equality and will continue its efforts in this area, she said.

Co-organised by the Global Network of Women's Shelters (GNWS), the Conference is reportedly the world's largest international meeting on the protection of women's rights and the prevention of gender-based violence. This was the first time that the conference was held in Asia, and an international helplines project was launched during the event, with the aim of garnering support for a database of accurate helplines and creating a website that could contribute to women’s safety worldwide. GNWS is the largest and most diverse global coalition of women’s protection services and resources.

In order to encourage Christians to carry on reading and proclaiming the good news to Taiwan society, The Bible Society in Taiwan held a centennial thanksgiving of the Chinese Union Version (CUV) of the Bible at Grace Baptist Church in Taipei on October 26, 2019. During his sermon, Chairman of The Bible Society in Taiwan Rev Chang Yuang-ron urged the audience to carry on preaching the good news and overcoming discrimination based on gender, race and class. He also called on Christians to better utilise modern cloud technology and smartphone apps to share God’s Word, faith, hope and love, with more people around the globe.

Church of North India (CNI) launched its year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations on November 28, 2019 in All Saints Cathedral Nagpur, where the Church was born in 1970. The inaugural event began with Bible study by Rev Dr M. Mani Chacko of The Bible Society of India, a worship service, as well as workshops for Presbyters, lay leaders, women and youth focused on specific discussions and outcomes. The next day featured a procession where all the dioceses and institutions were represented with flags and bands, and children along the streets. Bishop Sameer Khimla was consecrated during the thanksgiving service, and CNI Moderator The Most Rev Dr P.C. Singh delivered messages of thanksgiving and unity on both days.

In his New Year Message, the Moderator stated that the theme he had chosen for Christmas and New Year was based on John 10:10 – Abundant Life, or Life in all its fullness. He believed that “the time has come for them (us) to have a closer look at the value and purpose of life” in a culture of materialism and hedonism. The greed, competitiveness, aggression and selfishness are fruitless, and an abundant life is possible when they share their lives with others and give it away like Jesus did.

The Diocese of Rajasthan was the sixth Diocese visited by CNI Synod Office bearers for the Stewardship Seminar themed “Envisioning the New Vision of CNI: Stewardship of God Given Resources” last year. They were welcomed with garlands and music bands led in procession to St. Andrew’s CNI Church, Jaipur, where the Church’s choir led them in praise and worship and a welcome dance by the Sunday School children and youths. The dignitaries, together with Bishop of Rajasthan Diocese The Rt Rev Darbara Singh, lit a lamp and CNI Deputy Moderator The Rt Rev Bijay K. Nayak shared the devotion.

During the session on the new vision of CNI Synod, CNI Moderator The Most Rev Dr P. C. Singh spoke about the new approach on stewardship, reminding them of leaders who have been chosen to work for the Church’s ministry, while CNI General Secretary Mr Alwan Masih shared about Synod level Gospel Conventions and insights on the Synod’s initiatives and work on mission and evangelism.

(Photo by CNI). Children in revelry of the celebration. (Photo by CNI)

Setting doves free (Photo by CNI).

(Photo by CNI).

Nearly 600 delegates representing 23 CNI Dioceses participated in “The Festival of Hope 2019”, a programme for rural women from October 28-31, 2019 held at Bishop Westcott Girls School, Namkum, Ranchi. Organised by the Stewardship Committee, the event was aimed at helping participants understand and fulfil the church’s objective by experiencing God’s presence and understanding God’s Word and plan, as well as strengthening the unity of rural women and providing them with an opportunity to attend a programme at the Synod level. The women were encouraged to know and exercise their rights and stand up for justice, since they have equal opportunities to contribute to the life and growth of the church.

CNI General Secretary Alwan Masih also emphasised new CNI initiatives such as coaching for students aspiring to enter civil service, training for willing pastors, and international scholarships for doctorate studies in theology.

St. Thomas Church, Meerut, Diocese of Agra, CNI celebrated 150 years of its life, witness and service in October 2019, a joyous celebration attended by The Rt Rev Dr P. P. Habil, Bishop, Diocese of Agra and both active and retired diocesan presbyters. Bishop Habil consecrated and blessed the altar, which had been renovated to mark this occasion and presented to the congregation. The Bishop expounded on God’s Word, focusing on the life of St Thomas and the purpose of a Church, and many presbyters – both serving as well as retired – were honoured for their faithful service in the Church.

(Photo by CNI).

The 36th Session of the Synod Council meeting of the Church of South India (CSI Synod) began a day after a welcome ceremony where presbyters of Valparai District Church Council danced along with the beating of country drums (Thappu). Held at the Bishop Heber College, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, hosted by CSI Trichy-Tanjore Diocese on January 11, the theme was “Towards a Koinonia of Love and Equality”. The synod meeting commenced after the procession led by the Moderator and Deputy Moderator, and preaching by Rev Detlev Knoche, Director of Centre for Ecumenism of Protestant Churches in Hessen and Nassau & Kurhessen-Waldeck, who emphasised service to God and to fellowmen.

After Rt Rev Dr D. Chandrasekaran, Bishop, Trichy Tanjore Diocese, welcomed the delegates, the Synod session proceeded with official reports, announcements, confirmation of minutes and reading of obituaries to honour the departed. One such report was by the CSI General Secretary, who presented the scope of work, projects, income, international relations and systemic changes in the past triennium.

Elections were conducted, with Most Rev. A. Dharmaraj Rasalam elected as the new CSI Moderator, Rt Rev Reuben Mark as Deputy Moderator, Adv C. Fernandas Rathina Raja as General Secretary, and Prof Dr Vimal Sukumar as Hon. Treasurer. The newly-elected officers for the next triennium 2020-2023 assumed office after a worship service and public reception at CSI Synod Centre in Chennai, where they lit the traditional lamp in the middle of a flower arrangement near CSI’s mission statement.

(Photo by CSI).

(Photo by CSI).

Rev Nigel Uden and Mr Derek Estill, Moderators of the United Reformed Church (URC) General Assembly, and Mrs Yvonne Campbell, General Secretary of the Congregational Federation (CF) were among the leaders of British Church denominations and networks who released a joint statement on January 24 about the upcoming official Brexit on January 31. They called for “both resolve and close international cooperation” to effectively address “the continuing challenges of the climate crisis, global inequality and conflict”, and affirmed their churches’ commitment to work and pray for “a just economy that enables the flourishing of all life, a planet where the environment is renewed, and a politics characterised by listening, kindness and truthfulness.”

“Our country should be one that offers sanctuary to refugees and is intolerant of those who hate because of a person’s race or nationality. Both Leave and Remain campaigns agreed on this”, the statement also noted. In her Christmas message, President of the Union of Welsh Independents (UWI), Rev Jill-Hailey Harries, emphasised the importance of spiritual solidarity post-Brexit, as it is key to allaying fears and suspicion during this uncertain period. “As Brexit severs the UK’s political and economic relationship with the EU, it’s crucial that the relationship with churches in Europe is maintained and strengthened. The churches have a duty to challenge intolerance and insularity, while striving to heal deep social and political divisions,” she wrote. She also reminded them that “faith transcends boundaries”, and that “there are no custom posts or tariffs in God’s kingdom.”

Given the continuing decline in church attendance and the closure of chapels, UWI General Secretary Revd Dyfrig Rees challenged churches to “take innovative action to halt the potentially terminal decline” in this new decade. In his New Year’s Message, Rev Rees warned of the possibility that without taking risks, “Christianity will continue to die out in their (our) communities, until Wales becomes almost a wholly secular nation”.

Since last September, bushfires have swept over parts of Australia, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. More than 8.4 million hectares have been burnt by the first week of January, and integrated into the emergency response is the largest scale disaster chaplaincy response on record. 1

Following a trip to Sydney, the Rev Neil Thorogood, Principal of the URC’s Westminster College in Cambridge penned a reflection and prayer for everyone affected by the tragedy. Even though Australians are “used to bush fires”, this year’s fires are “unprecedented in their scale and ferocity” with at least 25 people and millions of animals dead, and more than 2,000 homes razed to the ground.

“There's a big debate across Australia surrounding climate change and its consequences. But no one can doubt the reality of loss being endured by people and by nature,” he wrote.

1 https://bit.ly/2HYDnIx

Earlier last year, Mr Derek Estill also led the URC’s educational visit to Israel and Palestine, where their group could observe and hear first-hand the plight of indigenous Christians living in occupied Palestinian territories. This included seeing the consequences of expanding Israeli settlements which are illegal under international law. Mr Estill offered an Advent reflection, for all to respond to the needs of those suffering from persecution and a lack of justice, and to remember them in prayer and conversations. He also urged the government to “work for justice and equality”, and to work with other governments to remove discriminatory policies and towards “greater equality of opportunities for all.”

AFRICA

Zambia is experiencing the worst drought in a century 1

. According to the Zambia Meteorological Department, the 2018-2019 rainfall season was one of the poorest that the southern half of Zambia has faced, and this has affected crop production, food availability and food access. There has also been a marked decrease in maize production, their main staple food item. 2

After visiting the town of Livingstone at Victoria Falls, United Church of Zambia (UCZ) General Secretary Rev. Peggy Mulambya-Kabonde said that people had ploughed their maize crops which had shrivelled in the heat, “are desperate not to have a repeat of 2018 and 2019 when it did not rain in some area” and “are worried they may not be able to take their children to school”. 3

She added that “young people are working with the ACT Alliance and other organisations giving people food relief and drought-resistant crop seeds, and “in some areas the people are so badly off, we are even having to provide them with soap.”

Tourist attraction Victoria Falls, found on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, has slowed to a trickle after an unprecedented decline in water levels. Both countries have suffered power cuts as they rely heavily on hydropower from plants downstream from the falls.

(Photo by Laurie MacGregor, ACT).

The Valedictory Service of Rev Ian Booth as the Interim General Secretary of United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) was held on 19 January 2020 at St Lukes congregational church, North of Durban. The service was attended by the UCCSA leadership; Clergy and members of KZN region. The Interim General Secretary handed over the stole to the new General Secretary Rev. Kudzani Ndebele. 4

Even though 70 to 80 per cent of South Africa’s population self-identify as Christian, around half of them do not attend worship service, and statistics indicate a possible decline in church membership, wrote Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA) Moderator Rt Rev Dr Langerman in a letter last October. There, he cited a few factors, including secularisation, “consumerism” (going to church to be entertained), and “the de-churched” (who still are on a spiritual quest but have been stumbled by church scandals). There is also the factor of “expressive individualism” which subverts the Christian teaching “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever”, and is encapsulated as “the chief end of religion is to glorify the human person so he can enjoy himself forever”.

In the letter, he shared about meaningful expressions of the future church, grounded in development of meaningful relationships, inter-dependence, community building, and ecumenical partnership. He also suggested a radical paradigm shift in the approach to life, faith and discipleship. This includes seeing opportunities in obstacles; embracing the process, being prepared to launch seasonal ministries, commitment to journey alongside people in one-to-one ministry.

Sixteen days of activism against violence against women and children is observed between 25 November to 10 December every year, to raise awareness about the rampant scourge of violence in the society. The UPCSA General Secretary Rev Lungile Mpetsheni released a statement encouraging congregations and church members to establish gender desks and youth desks to look into this issue, among others, as well as “help build communities of peace and justice” where all are treated with respect.

19 January was a Sunday that Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM) dedicated to pray for the new work year and their President Rev Irako Ammi and his family. The Analamahitsy Coliseum was packed, not only by the FJKM believers from Antananarivo but also by those from the other regions of Madagascar. Combined choirs from different FJKM churches led an early praise and worship session, and the service also received publicity on Radio Fahazavana, the FJKM Radio. Pastor Andriamampianina Zaka Hary Masy spoke about the correct, biblical mindset of acquiring money, and emphasised submission to God. 5

Following this, the President delivered his message on focusing on the work of God; maintaining a mindset centred on the eternal rather than the temporal; standing firm in faith; and working with enthusiasm. He shared about how 407 unreached towns were reached in three and a half years, and they now have either churches or prayer cell groups. Towards the end of his speech, he urged everyone to pray for the preparation of the “Synoda lehibe” that will take place in Sambava from 12 to 19 August. He explained that it will be a week of prayer for every decision taken during the week, since the new President and his new co-workers will be elected from the week’s meetings and voting.

CARIBBEAN

EVANGELISM - #HEARTBEAT OF THE CHURCH United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI) has declared 2020 to be “The Year of Evangelism”, with their focus to fulfil the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Organisations and congregations have planned activities with an evangelistic thrust. Castleton United Church, St. Mary, is one such, which held their first weekend crusade last year. The gathering of both congregation members and community members unattached to the congregation bore fruit, with 13 people receiving Christ into their lives and some will be baptised this year. The western region of UCJCI undertook evangelism training to prepare members to share the gospel.

CHILDREN’S HOME RECEIVES MATERIAL AND SPIRITUAL SUPPORT “To provide a loving and nurturing atmosphere where hurts are healed and hope is nurtured, so that the children may maximise their potential and fulfil their purpose with the engagement of all partners”. This is the mission of UCJCI’s Pringle Home for Children, where girls currently reside, having come from situations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and with issues of low self-esteem and psychological, social and moral challenges.

Situated in the hills of Carron Hall, St Mary, the Home is licensed to accommodate 36 children between four to 18 years old, and many have received care since it was established in 1922. Chaplain, Rev Donald Burke, who is the Minister of the Carron Hall United Church, holds regular spiritual sessions with the girls, who have been integrated into the worship experience of the church, through music ministry and Youth Fellowship. The girls are also engaged in group and individual counselling, social skills training, and regular recreational activities, and the UCJCI’s Women’s Fellowship has been a tower of strength to them.

A public nod of acknowledgement for their work came through the annual “Grant a Wish” initiative, where well-wishers can nominate and vote for communities in Jamaica to receive aid from the National Commercial Bank (NCB) foundation. With the votes of these well-wishers last December, the Home received J$1 million to support its work.¹

TWO YOUNG MINISTERS ORDAINED The UCJCI ordained two young people to the Ministry of Word and Sacraments last November, supported by its leadership and ministerial fraternity, ecumenical and civic leaders, and members of the community of the United Theological College of the West Indies. In recognition of the value of the ordinands’ decision, Moderator Rt Rev Dr Gordon Cowans delivered the challenge through a sermon encouraging them to be comfortable in themselves and to resist pressure to conform to the likeness and activities of others.

The blessing and ordination of fellow Ministers (Photo by UCJCI). Rev Alex Hayden co-signs the official register with Rev Norbert Stephens, General Secretary, UCJCI (Photo by UCJCI).

CHURCH, STATE AND CORPORATE JAMAICA IN PARTNERSHIP IN EDUCATION UCJCI has joined forces with the Ministry of Education in offering primary education in the Hannah Town community in Kingston, Jamaica. Chetolah Mel Nathan Education Centre is a merger of the Mel Nathan Preparatory School (established by the UCJCI), and Chetolah Park Infant and Primary School. Grounded in biblical precepts and well-involved with community, the educational institution brims with promise. Chetolah Mel Nathan has made progress since the merger in September 2018.

The merged school has a student population of 180, and guides students to improved academic performance in external examinations. The school practises differentiated learning, which assists in developing the children’s individual skills. A Special Education Unit was built by the Digicel Foundation, a corporate partner, for children with disabilities, in its quest to be a needs-meeting institution. Stewardship of the environment is another pillar of the school’s operations, with special environmental wardens to keep this in focus.

Students on their trip to Seville Great House (Photo by UCJCI).

A student votes for head boy and head girl (Photo by UCJCI).

1 https://gratitude.jncb.com/grant-wish A student riding a horse on their trip to Seville Great House (Photo by UCJCI).