As “Stories from the Region” unfolded at the CWM Assembly on 17 June, three regions were highlighted: Europe, South Asia, and Caribbean, with East Asia, Pacific, and Africa to be highlighted 18 June.
Regions are highlighted in the order in which they presented.
Europe
Representatives of the Congregational Federation, Presbyterian Church in Wales, Protestant Church in the Netherlands, United Reformed Church, and Union of Welsh Independents offered a series of prayers, as well as Psalm and poetry readings, that expressed their outlook, challenges, and hopes.
As part of a prayer of lament, they acknowledged: “We were born into a ruthless, world-consuming system. We know that every day we fail to stop this system. We fall short in acting and failing to act.”
They also shared a series of Psalm readings, as well as a poem commemorating Pride month, and reflecting the challenges of the LGBTQ+ community. The poem read, in part:
Rise up, o Lord, with love’s embrace,
Let justice shine, and let hate erase,
For in each color, there’s a plea,
A world where all can live and be free.
South Asia
The Church of Bangladesh, Church of North India, Church of South India, and Presbyterian Church of India gathered onstage to highlight their programmes and challenges.
The Church of Bangladesh spoke of the challenges of climate change impacts, waves of fundamentalism, and generating revenue, among many other challenges. “Yet amidst these trials the church stands resilient,” said the narrator of a slide show. The slide show also highlighted ten major strategic ministries focusing on pastoral care and self-sustainability.
The Church of North India offered an overview of major demographics as well as programmes that focused on equipping pastors, empowering women, and training Sunday School teachers, among many other initiatives.
The Church of South India’s slide show depicted its cultural vibrancy, and the foundation of the Church of South India as a missional church. Programmes highlighted included training Sunday School teachers, communications, and many others.
The Presbyterian Church of India named unemployment as a major challenge facing its communities, and shared its aims “to empower women and youth with targeted community initiatives.” The Presbyterian Church of India also shared programmes it operates to curb substance abuse among youth. “Health is a top priority, aligning with moral and social concerns,” stated the narrator.
Caribbean
The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, and Guyana Congregational Union began with lively music and a slide show, then presented some programme highlights.
The United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands offered an overview of the Mt Olivet Boys’ Home, with the following mission: “To provide a loving, safe, nurturing environment that will enable our children to be physically, spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually prepared to maximize their potential and to make a worthwhile contribution to society.”
The school accommodates up to 40 boys and operates primarily on donations.
The Guyana Congregational Union spoke about developing a child policy as well as creating a space for people 65 years and older to engage in social activities, to gain access to information, and to share best practices for improving the health and welfare of seniors.
