Introduction
I had the opportunity to attend the Asia Mission Conference 2017 (AMC-2017), organised by the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA). The conference was held in Yangon, Myanmar, from 11 to 17 October 2017. The conference brought together church leaders, mission practitioners, theologians, youth representatives, and delegates from churches and Christian organisations across Asia and other parts of the world.
The theme of AMC-2017 was “Journeying Together: Prophetic Witness to the Truth and Light, in Asia.” The theme reflected the conference’s emphasis on the role of churches and Christians in witnessing to truth, justice, peace, reconciliation, and hope within the diverse social and cultural contexts of Asia.
Participation and Fellowship
AMC-2017 provided an important platform for participants from different countries, churches, and Christian organisations to meet, share experiences, and reflect together on the mission and witness of the church in Asia.
More than 400 to 600 delegates participated in the conference, representing Asian and global churches and Christian organisations. During the combined public gatherings, the number of attendees reached up to approximately 6,000 people.
The diversity of participants made the conference a valuable opportunity for fellowship and learning. It enabled participants to hear different perspectives on the challenges facing churches and communities across Asia and to explore ways of strengthening cooperation and common witness.
Conference Theme: Journeying Together
The theme, “Journeying Together: Prophetic Witness to the Truth and Light, in Asia,” encouraged participants to reflect on the meaning of Christian mission in the contemporary Asian context.
The concept of “journeying together” highlighted the importance of unity, partnership, mutual learning, and solidarity among churches and Christian communities. It also encouraged participants to consider how the church can bear a prophetic witness by standing for truth, justice, peace, reconciliation, and the dignity of all people.
The conference provided opportunities to reflect on the responsibilities of Christians in responding to social challenges and in contributing to peaceful and just communities. It emphasised that mission is not limited to church activities but also involves engaging with the realities and needs of society.
Learning and Reflection
My participation in AMC-2017 broadened my understanding of the mission of the church in Asia. The conference allowed me to learn from the experiences of Christians and churches working in different social, cultural, religious, and political contexts.
I was particularly encouraged by the emphasis on cooperation and solidarity. The experiences shared by participants demonstrated the importance of working together across denominational, cultural, and national boundaries to respond to common challenges.
The conference also strengthened my understanding of the importance of peacebuilding, reconciliation, justice, and interfaith and intercultural engagement. These lessons are particularly relevant to the Asian context, where people of different cultures, religions, ethnicities, and traditions live together.
Diamond Jubilee Celebration of CCA
A significant highlight of AMC-2017 was the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the Christian Conference of Asia, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the CCA.
The celebration was held on Sunday, 15 October 2017, and brought together participants and wider communities in a special gathering. The occasion provided an opportunity to celebrate six decades of the CCA’s journey and its contribution to the life, mission, fellowship, and witness of churches across Asia.
The Diamond Jubilee was also a time to reflect on the achievements and challenges of the past while looking toward the future. It highlighted the continuing importance of ecumenical cooperation and collective Christian witness in Asia.
Personal Experience
Attending AMC-2017 was a meaningful and enriching experience for me. It gave me an opportunity to connect with people from different countries and Christian traditions and to learn from their experiences of mission and ministry.
The conference encouraged me to reflect more deeply on my own role and responsibility within my community. It reminded me that being a Christian witness involves promoting peace, justice, reconciliation, compassion, and respect for human dignity.
The experience also strengthened my appreciation for the importance of ecumenical fellowship and cooperation. Meeting people from different backgrounds helped me recognise the value of listening to diverse perspectives and working together toward common goals.
Conclusion
The Asia Mission Conference 2017 in Yangon was an important gathering for reflection, fellowship, learning, and sharing among churches and Christian communities in Asia and beyond. Under the theme “Journeying Together: Prophetic Witness to the Truth and Light, in Asia,” the conference encouraged participants to reflect on the role of the church in responding to the realities of Asian societies and in promoting truth, justice, peace, and reconciliation.
The Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the CCA’s 60th anniversary added special significance to the conference and provided an opportunity to celebrate the ecumenical journey of the organisation.
My participation in AMC-2017 enriched my understanding of Christian mission and strengthened my commitment to working for peace, justice, reconciliation, and harmonious coexistence in my community and society. The knowledge, relationships, and experiences gained from the conference remain valuable resources for my continuing journey of service and peacebuilding.