09-13 July 2024, Thailand — A group of us, missionaries sent by the Mennonite Church Canada Witness to various parts of Asia, gathered in Southern Thailand for a time of recreation, relationship building, and deep reflection. This gathering was not just a break from our usual routines but a purposeful retreat designed to foster personal and collective growth through the lens of vulnerability. My personal response focused on decolonizing and liberating the Christian missionary enterprise. For me, it’s essential for fostering a more just and respectful approach to effective Christian witness. By critically examining past practices, prioritizing local cultures, and aligning missionary efforts with the principles of justice-based peace and reconciliation theology, the Christian mission can become a force for genuine spiritual and social transformation.
We’re challenged to be vulnerable
Our community reflection sessions were a core component of this retreat. We focused on our roles and attitudes as Christian missionaries, aiming to understand and improve our approach to our mission work. The facilitators were instrumental in guiding these discussions, encouraging us to embrace vulnerability. They employed various techniques to provoke critical thinking, urging us to question our assumptions and evaluate our experiences with honesty and openness.
Through these sessions, we were challenged to consider our impact on the communities we serve, recognizing that true connection and effective ministry require us to be vulnerable. We reflected on our cultural sensitivity, the effectiveness of our methods, and our ability to embody the principles of love, humility, and service central to our faith. The facilitators’ insightful questions and activities pushed us to move beyond superficial evaluations, delving into deeper self-examination and group discussions.
This process of reflection and evaluation was transformative. We came to understand more profoundly the importance of our posture as missionaries – not as authoritative figures bringing answers, but as humble servants willing to expose our own uncertainties and learn and grow alongside those we aim to support. We recognized the necessity of continuous self-improvement and adaptation in our mission work, driven by our willingness to be vulnerable.
As Canadian Mennonite mission workers, this retreat in Southern Thailand reaffirmed our commitment to our mission. It equipped us with renewed perspectives and a strengthened sense of community, ready to return to our various assignments in Asia with greater empathy, understanding, and a collaborative spirit. Embracing vulnerability, we are better prepared to build authentic relationships and make meaningful contributions to the communities we serve.
My view of Christian missions in history
The Christian missionary enterprise has historically played a significant role in the spread of Christianity across the globe. However, its legacy is complex, often intertwined with colonialism, cultural imposition, and the subjugation of indigenous peoples. As contemporary society grapples with the aftermath of colonialism, there is a pressing need to decolonize and liberate the Christian missionary enterprise to foster a more equitable and respectful approach to faith and spirituality.
Historical Context. Christian missions have often operated alongside colonial powers, with missionaries often times acting as agents of cultural imperialism. This resulted in the suppression of local cultures, languages, and religions. The imposition of Western norms and values frequently accompanied the spread of Christianity, leading to a form of spiritual and cultural colonization that disregarded the rich traditions and beliefs of indigenous populations.
The Need for Decolonization. Decolonizing the Christian missionary enterprise involves acknowledging and addressing its colonial past. This requires a critical examination of historical practices and a commitment to learning from and rectifying past mistakes. Missionary work should prioritize respect for local cultures and traditions, viewing them as valuable and integral to the human experience. This shift calls for a partnership model where missionaries work alongside local communities, rather than imposing foreign beliefs and practices.
Liberation Theology and Mission. Liberation theology, which emerged in Latin America in the 20th century, offers a framework for a more just and equitable missionary practice. This theology emphasizes the importance of social justice, human rights, and the preferential option for the poor. By aligning missionary efforts with the principles of liberation theology, missionaries can focus on addressing the systemic injustices and inequalities that many communities face, rather than merely seeking to convert individuals.
Practical steps towards decolonization and liberation
1. Education and Awareness. Missionaries must be educated about the historical and cultural contexts in which they operate. This includes understanding the negative impacts of past missionary activities and the importance of cultural sensitivity.
2. Partnership and Collaboration. Missionary work should be based on mutual respect and collaboration with local communities. This involves listening to and learning from local leaders and valuing their input in shaping the direction of missionary efforts.
3. Contextual Theology. Developing a theology that is contextually relevant to the local culture and experiences of the people is crucial. This approach recognizes the unique ways in which different communities understand and relate to the divine.
4. Advocacy for Justice. Missionaries should advocate for social justice and work to dismantle structures of oppression within the societies they serve. This aligns with the broader Christian mandate to love and serve one’s neighbor.
Decolonizing and liberating the Christian missionary enterprise is essential for creating a more just and respectful approach to becoming an effective Christian Witness. By critically examining past practices, prioritizing local cultures, and aligning missionary efforts with the principles of justice-based peace and reconciliation theology, the Christian mission can become a force for genuine spiritual and social transformation. This reimagined approach not only honors the diverse ways in which people experience faith but also promotes a more inclusive and equitable global community.
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Written during a gathering of Mennonite Missionaries in Asia | Dolphin Bay, Prachuap, Thailand | 09-13 July 2024
