Delegates from Guyana Congregational Union (GCU) and the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI), ecumenical guests and resource persons were among those gathered virtually for the CWM Caribbean Members’ Mission Forum (MMF) from 18 to 19 May. Themed “Rise to Life: Confessing witness to life flourishing communities”, the MMF was a time for delegates to share, affirm, peer assess and plan their engagement in mission.
A series of worship sessions, theme reflections, responsive context readings and virtual exposure visits echoed the call to “breathe life into dead and dying situations”, as delegates reflected on life-denying issues in their respective contexts.
While grateful for technological advancements that helped the church during the pandemic, Caymanians wrestled with job losses, health and family relationship issues, and violence against persons, while the Jamaican economy was affected by easy access to guns and the cost of crime. Racial tensions between two major ethnicities in Guyana also challenged the church to consider the ways they need to re-imagine mission and ministry that are life-flourishing.
They shared the view on the prophetic role of the church in embodying peace and creating an alternative future, and were encouraged to be led by their vision to shape options for both themselves and those they minister to.
In confessing witness to life-flourishing communities, member church delegates were challenged to redefine discipleship to include their expression in the public arena or public square, and to find ways to assist, accompany and advocate for the disenfranchised, motivated by the love of Christ and his offer of full life for all.
Click here to read the full report: https://archive.cwmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MMF-Caribbean-Report.pdf