More than six decades ago, when church leaders in Asia gathered to envision a new form of Christian unity, they laid the foundation for what would become the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), the first regional ecumenical organisation in the world. Their guiding vision still resonates today: “Believing that the purpose of God for the […]

More than six decades ago, when church leaders in Asia gathered to envision a new form of Christian unity, they laid the foundation for what would become the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), the first regional ecumenical organisation in the world. Their guiding vision still resonates today:

“Believing that the purpose of God for the Church in Asia is life together in a common obedience of witness to the mission of God in the world, the CCA exists as an organ and a forum of continuing cooperation among the churches and national Christian bodies in Asia within the framework of the wider ecumenical movement.”

With this spirit of shared witness and cooperation, the CCA has faithfully served as a space for unity, dialogue, and mission. Rooted in its founding purpose, the CCA has continually responded to the challenges and opportunities facing churches across Asia.

Asia today is marked by complex realities. Ethnic and religious conflicts persist and, in many cases, have intensified. From sectarian violence in Myanmar and Sri Lanka to growing religious intolerance in India and Pakistan, minority faith communities often live in fear and uncertainty. In recent decades, over twenty-six subnational conflicts have plagued South and Southeast Asia, many enduring for generations.

In such a volatile context, the work of the CCA in conflict resolution and peacebuilding is more crucial than ever. The CCA continues to stand alongside its member churches and councils as they work toward justice, reconciliation, and healing.

Religious extremism is not limited to one tradition. Groups claiming allegiance to Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and even Christianity are contributing to an increasingly polarised landscape. This threatens interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence in nations such as Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Fundamentalist ideologies (politicised and weaponised) have created deep divides. Attacks on Christian communities, as well as other religious minorities, are growing in frequency and brutality. The very notion of freedom of religion is under immense pressure across the region.

In response, growing trends of religious intolerance, sectarian strife, persecution against religious minorities, ethnic and religious conflicts, human rights, struggle for democratisation, peace, and security, freedom of religion in Asia, the impact of artificial intelligence in Asia, changing family values, strengthening of Asian ecumenical diakonia, ecumenical leadership formation, interreligious dialogue, eco-justice and care for creation, women and youth, migration, human trafficking, and statelessness in Asia, health and healing, mission and witness in a pluralistic Asia, good governance and stewardship are just some of the areas where CCA intends to continue to focus attention and invest time and resources for organising programmes as well as engaging CCA member constituencies.

The breadth of these priorities shows the CCA’s deep commitment to holistic mission, one that engages the full spectrum of human and societal challenges through the lens of Christian discipleship.

When the CCA (originally the East Asian Christian Conference) was founded in 1957, it faced opposition, even from global ecumenical leaders. There was concern that a strong regional ecumenical body would threaten the unity of the World Council of Churches (WCC), itself still young at the time.

But over the past 65 years, the CCA has proven its resilience. Despite the fragmentation and complexity of the global ecumenical movement today, the CCA remains a vital regional expression of Christian unity and mission. It has become a prophetic voice within Asia and the global Church.

We live in what many are calling “Post-Normal Times” (PNT), an era in which the boundaries between present and future have blurred. In such times, the mission of the Church must be ever more responsive, adaptable, and rooted in hope.

The future of the ecumenical movement is not something far off; it is already unfolding in the here and now. As churches respond to emerging global realities (pandemics, climate change, technology, and displacement) our witness must be both local and global. A single tweet, a protest, or a prayer meeting can now reverberate across the world in real time.

The work of the CCA, and the global ecumenical movement more broadly, is a testimony to the Holy Spirit at work: gathering, driving, binding, and sending God’s people into the world to be salt and light.

As we walk this path together, we may still ask: Does the ecumenical movement have a future?

Scripture answers: “Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 23:18

In a fragmented world, Christian unity is a powerful witness. The future of the Church, its mission, its service, its hope, is in God’s hands. The CCA invites churches, including the Lutheran Church of Australia, to continue walking together in this calling.

Let us live today as people of the future, rooted in Christ, open to the Spirit, and committed to the unity of God’s Church for the sake of the world.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray