Christian Conference of Asia

Over 400 people took part in the Christian Conference of Asia in Jakarta from 20-27 May. The conference theme was “Living Together in the Household of God” with ‘household’ being interpreted very broadly. It brought together Christians representing over 100 churches across Asia. Five of us from the Uniting Church in Australia attended: Sally Andrews the youth delegate, Terence Corkin UCA delegate as General Secretary, President Andrew Dutney, Ji Zhang from UnitingWorld and me, Chris Walker National Consultant, Christian Unity, Doctrine and Worship.

The opening worship was impressive with Indonesian dancers leading the procession in. The Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs spoke. He mentioned the issue of terrorism and the need for peace with justice. He affirmed the role of the Church in peace-building.

Each of the worship sessions made use of Indonesian musical instruments, singers and dancers with songs from around the world. On the Saturday evening the worship was led by women who had participated in a pre-Assembly Women’s event. They used drama in telling the stories of women and issued a statement for all to take back to their churches. The youth did something similar another night as there was also a pre-Assembly youth event. The biggest celebration was at a nearby Convention Centre for the 65th anniversary celebration of the Indonesian Communion of Churches. Many outstanding singers and dancers were involved including a large invited choir. Again a government official came and spoke, this time the Minister of Transport. The offering was going to support victims of the Nepal earthquakes.

A new Constitution was approved on the first day. Terence Corkin was involved in this and was later elected to the Executive for the next five years. A valuable resource book was provided titled, Living together in The Household of God – Asian Reflections with several leading Asian thinkers sharing on different issues.

There were a dozen elective sessions called ‘Saraschans’ on issues in Asia. These included: United in witness and mission; Authentic Asian theological undergirding; Inter-religious co-operation amidst religious intolerance and the politicisation of religion; Migration and human trafficking; Moving beyond conflicts and building peace with justice; Militarisation, nuclearisation and the arms race; Health and healing; Marginalisation of indigenous and vulnerable communities; Dignity and the rights of children; Discrimination and violence against women; Economic justice, ecojustice and sustainability amidst Asia’s economic development; and Diaconia and prophetic witness. I was involved in the authentic Asian theological session and later in the health and healing one.

The D.T.Niles lecture was given by Isabel Apawo Phiri, an African woman who is the Associate General Secretary for Public Witness and Diaconia of the World Council of Churches. She pointed to the challenges of human trafficking, violence against women, the dangers of migration, and the degradation of the environment. As a WCC person she related this to the WCC theme, Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace. She spoke of peace-building, economic justice, social justice and climate change being informed by spirituality, formation and theological reflection.

There was also the opportunity to review the CCA’s major programs for the past five years. There were specific programs in relation to the following: HIV and AIDS; Justice, International Affairs Development and Service; Ecumenical Formation; Gender Justice and Youth Empowerment; and Faith, Mission and Unity.

Directions were set for the coming five year period drawing on the Saraschan sessions and the review of past programs.

The Public Issues Report at the end of the conference gathered up a range of issues under three healings as follows.
Suffering of people: human trafficking, forced migration, marketing of motherhood, organ trafficking, violence against women and children, the Armenian genocide, refugees and displaced persons.
Peace and Security: militarization, peace and justice in Myanmar, peace and human rights in West Papua, the rise of religious fundamentalism and violence.
Commitment to Climate Justice: it was pointed out that Bangladesh is already affected by climate change.

There were four Bible study sessions which enabled people to share in a small group. I led one of these as did Andrew Dutney. On the Sunday people went in small groups to local churches in the Jakarta area where they took part in worship and had lunch together. I preached at the Pulo Asem Lutheran church and had a Q & A session with people after lunch. We were each given a colourful blanket called an ‘Ulos,’ a traditional Batak gift.

Such conferences are not only about business and worship. The opportunities to network and make new contacts with people from across Asia were very valuable, especially over meal times and other breaks. One also has time to spend with fellow Australians deepening relationships and enjoying our common values and faith.

Apart from the conference itself, what stood out to me was the contrast between rich and poor in Indonesia. The conference was held at Ancol, a recreation district with hotels, convention centres, rides, beach, waterway, and art market. When we went by bus a short distance away to the 65th Anniversary celebration we drove past a marina with a great number of luxury yachts. Yet not far away when we were driven to church on the Sunday we drove past slums next to polluted waterways.

The diversity of Indonesia stood out with different ethnic groups and many churches in the various parts of this predominantly Islamic nation of many islands. Asia and Indonesia itself is characterised by ethnic diversity, religious pluralism, development and poverty. Asia is the biggest continent with the largest population. This century has been called ‘the Asian century.’ China in particular looms large not only as an economic and political power but already it has a very sizable and growing number of Christians. A new thing is emerging across Asia and God is in it. The Christian Conference of Asia can contribute to God’s mission in this region. It was a privilege to share in this conference and gain a sense of the Christian movement in Asia.