A207 Encouraging Mission as Part of the Beloved Community
Resolved, the House of ________________ concurring,
That the 79th General Convention remind dioceses, congregations, and individuals that “being a beloved community” is being members of a global community honoring our full name: The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church (DFMS); and be it further
Resolved, That this Convention affirm that in baptism we are called to companionship, which is by its very nature, standing with, traveling with, and sharing bread with another; and be it further
Resolved, That this Convention commit to moving away from colonialism and recognize that the work of mission is a Christ-centered, mutual undertaking, which is most effective when the traditional roles of “giver” and “receiver” are discarded, and the gifts of all are accepted, welcomed, and utilized; and be it further
Resolved, That this Convention encourage dioceses, congregations and mission organizations to establish productive, mutual relationships with other outreach communities that have similar intent, but may not be part of the Episcopal Church; and be it further
Resolved, That dioceses, congregations, and individuals be encouraged to pray regularly for specific dioceses and congregations and individuals with whom they are in companionship; and be it further
Resolved, That dioceses, congregations and individuals be encouraged to form personal sharing relationships through messaging and social media with individuals and congregations with whom they are in companionship.
Explanation
In our contemporary globally interconnected world, international mission has evolved from a colonial paternalistic view of mission to an understanding of being sent to share the gospel of Jesus’ love. Mission is now understood as a companion relationship, sharing of gifts, that all parties bring to the relationship. Mission experiences of encountering God in others whose culture may be very different from our own have the power to transform individuals and communities. In the words of Barbara Brown Taylor, “The hardest spiritual work in the world is to love the neighbor as the self- to encounter human being not as someone you can use, change, fix, help, save, enroll, convince or control, but simply as someone who can spring you from the prison of yourself, if you will allow it.” This proposed resolution encourages dioceses, congregations, individuals to develop international mission relationships of mutually shared gifts, shared worship, and shared experiences. It is the intent that there be an understanding of mutual work among faith based organizations when working to live out our baptismal vows. In preparation and implementation of mission engagement, we encourage use of resources from the Global Episcopal Mission Network (GEMN), Episcopal Relief & Development, or other diocesan resources that may be available.