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2006 - Thailand - Integral Mission in a World of Conflict

Dates:
11- 16 September 2006.

Venue:
Duangtawan Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

This global consultation provided an exceptional opportunity to focus on the challenge of integral mission in the context of violent conflict and oppression. 330 participants - Christian relief, development and advocacy practitioners, as well as development NGO and church leaders from 52 countries, joined together for Biblical reflection, prayer, and the sharing of personal stories, experience and ideas.

Participants also contributed workshops, seminars and case studies designed to facilitate practical learning and sharing. There was a particular focus on the conflict theme, but many other issues were addressed, including: HIV and community development, advocacy, churches as catalysts and centres for community development and working with business and government.

Program Plenary Sessions: (find out more about the speakers)

  • Global Conflict, Dr Vinoth Ramachandra, Secretary for Dialogue and Social Engagement, for the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students.
  • Integral Mission and Conflict: Journey towards Shalom, Deborah Storie, Deputy Chair TEAR Australia, teacher in Aid and Development and Biblical Studies and former development worker in Afghanistan
  • Peace and Reconciliation, Bishop Alexis Bilindabagabo, Anglican Bishop of Gahini in Rwanda.
  • Religion and Conflict, Dr Chris Marshall, Senior Lecturer in Christian Theology at VictoriaUniversity of Wellington.
  • Church and Community, Rev David Coffey, President of the Baptist World Alliance.
  • Final word, Dr René Padilla, Founder and President of Kairos Foundation, International President of Tearfund and President of Micah Network.
  • Devotions, Dr Elaine Storkey, President of Tearfund UK, Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford and Vice President of the University of Gloucestershire.

Stories of faith and hope in conflict situations:
Micah Network members and friends from Zimbabwe, Angola, Colombia and North East India inspired the gathering with their personal stories of faith and hope.

Case Studies:
Participants had the opportunity to hear 4 case studies on integral mission (from 16 options). There were a range of case studies from Christian groups working in conflict situations in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America as well as sectoral case studies on HIV, advocacy, community development and relief. Many of the case studies offered are available for download from this site.

Seminar and workshops:
More than 35 different seminars and workshops were offered. Many of the seminars and workshop presentations are available for download from this site.

Post-Conference Seminar:
Seminar on Theological education related to HIV/AIDS: A half day seminar was held for Thai theological educators on HIV and AIDs on Saturday 16 September at the Duangtawan Hotel. Theological educators from other countries also attended.