10th Assembly: Colombo, 1995

Presentations were made on ‘Hope in God in a Changing Asia: Emerging Socio-Economic and Political Issues’, ‘Hope in God in a Changing Asia: A Theological Reflection’, and ‘Hope in God in a Changing Asia: Church Renewal’. A Lecture was delivered on ‘Religious Fundamentalism and the Culture of Non-Violence’. Bible studies were on ‘God makes No-People of the World as Partners in the Struggle for Justice’ and ‘Intact Communion of Christians: Pre-condition for being the True Bearers of Hope’.

Excerpt from the Report ‘Direction for the Future: Hope in God and Church Renewal’:

“Hope in God in a Changing Asia” is an important theme as the church approaches 2000. For people outside the church, do we represent hope?... Church renewal is the result of the work of the Holy Spirit’s divine power and human power combined in renewal. It is an ongoing journey, with personal and corporate aspects. The warning is that the church can be bound by tradition and structure and thus have difficulty in addressing current issues e.g. gender bias. Renewal will come as the church interprets its mission in the light of its response to social justice issues, such as child abuse, and exploitation of labour."

In a changing Asia, the following issues affect the church renewal:

• the rapid change in society;
• a need for security as people move from rural to urban areas, expressed in clinging to traditional ways and worship;
• presenting an authentic understanding of the gospel and theology in a modern context;
• the church should be integrated with and not separate from society;
• the fear expressed by adults in dealing with understanding youth.