Today many ‘movements’ have become ‘monuments’, however the 1910 world Missionary Conference which was a starting point of the modern ecumenical movement has made remarkable progress quantitatively and qualitatively, extensively and intensively. Ecumenism and Mission activities have now moved away from the mere fringes of proselytizing and baptizing to greater and noble areas of work and study, thanks due to the engagement of many creative thinkers, enthusiastic ecumenists and committed missionaries. At the same time ecumenism and mission receives an overwhelming barrage of responses. Initially and even now a large majority of population is negative, skeptical and pessimistic about the whole ecumenical and missionary enterprise and endeavors. Analyzing some of these unfavorable responses, I get the impression that many of these misunderstandings are due to insufficient knowledge of the nature of mission, its background; it’s working its relevance and future prospects or we are too impatient. A well-informed, deeply-reflected and dispassionate study of the ecumenical and missionary movements will lead us to a balanced and positive assessment regarding the contributions of these movements.

Edinburgh 2010 is surely not a ultimate answer for on any of the present ecclesial, missiological or ecumenical issues and concerns, rather it is a humble attempt to reflect, pool together the perspectives and resources of youth, women, and subaltern voices, provide guidance, stimulate reflection, and encourage common action by the Churches and Ecumenical Movements to think and act creatively towards God’s mission. Indian presence is felt in Edinburgh 2010 through the participation among many others like, Rev. Dr. Deenabandhu Manchala (WCC), Bishop Dr. Geevarghese Mar Coorilos (WCC), Rev. Raj Bharath Patta (NCCI), Rev. Dr. Joseph Dayam (UTC), Rev. Dr. Peniel Rajkumar (UTC), Dr. Marina Ngursangzeli Behera (UTC), Mr. Frampton Frar (CMS), Mr. Paul Joshua (SAIACS), Dr. Joshua Kalapati (MCC), Lalhlmingliana Khawbung (ATC), Dr. Atola Longkumer and Fr. Vineeth Koshy. Thus the Centenary Celebration of 1910 Edinburgh World Mission Conference becomes a unique occasion to celebrate ecumenical unity, mapping ecumenical mission mandate, understand the challenges and opportunities faced by the Churches and Ecumenical Movements in the contemporary world.

Fr. Vineeth Koshy

Edinburgh 2010 Study Theme 8: Mission and Unity: Ecclesiology and Mission
Parallel Sessions Resource Person: (1) Reconciliation & Healing (2) Youth & Mission