Karongi, Rwanda, a seven-day Global Mission Consultation officially opened today at Bethany Hotel in Karongi District, bringing together church leaders, scholars, and delegates from more than 36 countries. Organized jointly by the Council for World Mission (CWM), the Community of Churches in Mission (CEVAA), the United Evangelical Mission (UEM), and the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR), the conference runs from 26 November to 1 December 2025 under the theme: “Let Your Light Shine” (Matthew 5:16): Witnessing to Radical Hope in Catastrophic Times.

In his welcoming remarks, Rev. Dr. Pascal BATARINGAYA, the President of EPR, as host organization, he said that this highly anticipated consultation seeks to address the world’s intersecting crises, climate change, economic inequality, rising nationalism, technological disruption, and widening social injustices, while reimagining how global mission can respond with prophetic courage, justice, and transformative hope.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, Félicien Usengumukiza, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) delivered the official opening remarks, noting that the conference theme resonates strongly with Rwanda’s own experience of reconstruction, resilience, and moral leadership after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He emphasized that Rwanda’s transformation is a living testimony of what he called “radical hope in action”, made possible through unity, accountability, and trust. In his speech, he highlighted the essential role played by faith-based organizations in reconciliation, rebuilding institutions, and strengthening the social fabric:

“Churches and other faith communities became part of our transformation journey. They accompanied citizens through healing, education, health services, women’s empowerment, and the rebuilding of moral values that anchor peace and dignity,” he said.

He also underlined the Government of Rwanda’s commitment to partnering with religious institutions to promote good governance, ethical leadership, community development, and inclusive social services, noting that faith communities remain crucial actors in shaping resilient and value-driven societies. He thanked organizers for choosing Rwanda as the venue, particularly Karongi District, an area known for its beauty, hospitality, and historical significance. He stressed, therefore, that global crises require collaboration: “Governments cannot act alone. Churches cannot act alone. International organizations cannot act alone. This moment demands far-sighted leadership, collective effort, and transformative partnership.”

A gathering in response to a catastrophic world

According to the organizers, this Global Mission Consultation is not a conventional church meeting but a space for critical reflection, lament, and renewed vision for global mission in an era defined by instability. They describe current global realities as a “catastrophic convergence” of crises, including:

·        Ecological destruction and climate injustice;

·        Economic instability and widening global inequality;

·        Armed conflicts and the resurgence of nationalism;

·        Technological disruption, including AI-driven alienation of labor;

·        The rise of authoritarianism and weakening of democratic institutions;

·        Ethical dangers posed by the merging of religion, money, and extremist politics.

In this perspective, the participants are expected to examine how global mission can move towards justice, solidarity, ecological protection, and a renewed understanding of discipleship rooted in the experiences of marginalized communities. Over the next seven days, participants will engage in keynote lectures, missiological sessions, group discussions, worship services, and exposure visits.
Key areas of discussion include:

·        Reading the signs of the times in an era of global upheaval;

·        Reviving the prophetic witness of the Church;

·        Mission from the margins and radical discipleship;

·        Transformative ecumenism for a just and interconnected world;

·        Liberating mission amidst ecological and economic injustices;

·        Reimagining the future of mission through reparative and healing approaches;

·        Rethinking partnership models to overcome colonial legacies;

·        Forming younger mission leaders with eschatological and justice-centered approaches.

Speakers include Rev. Dr. Roderick Hewitt, Rev. Dr. Jooseop Keum, Prof. Fundiswa Kobo, Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki, Prof. Simone Sinn, Rev. Dr. James Bhagwan, and many other leading missiologists and scholars from across the world.

As the world faces intensifying crises, the Global Mission Consultation aims to produce new theological reflections and practical strategies that reaffirm mission as a movement of justice, solidarity, environmental responsibility, and radical hope. For the organizers, the message is clear: “In catastrophic times, the Church must be a light that shines, not in silence or withdrawal, but in prophetic action for life, dignity, and the healing of creation.”

The consultation will culminate in the articulation of a new vision for global mission and a closing worship service led by Rev. Claudia Schulz from Cevaa.

By Pr. Deogratias NIYITEGEKA