This book explores the crucial need for ecumenism in Mizoram, emphasizing the significance of the Common Witness approach in fostering unity among churches. By examining the history of Christianity in Mizoram, identifying factors contributing to disunity, and exploring the consequences of disunity, this study highlights the importance of collaborative mission and witness in promoting ecclesial harmony. The book challenges churches in Mizoram to reconsider their approach to unity and cooperation, embracing humility and rejecting values that hinder unity. Establishing the Mizoram Council of Churches is crucial for achieving this unity, enabling common projects and initiatives that embody Common Witness and continue Jesus' ministry. This book is a vital resource for churches and scholars seeking to understand and promote ecumenism in Mizoram.
C. Lalawmpuia is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church of India, specifically within the Mizoram Synod. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Theology in the Department of Missiology at the United Theological College in Bangalore, India. Residing at the college, he is accompanied by his wife, Cynthia. The United Theological College in Bangalore is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and its diverse, vibrant community of scholars. By studying there, he is immersing himself in an environment that fosters critical thinking, spiritual growth, and academic excellence. This period of study and reflection is likely to enrich his ministry upon his return to Mizoram, enabling him to contribute more profoundly to his church and community.
This book is an adaptation of my Master of Theology thesis, ""Ecumenical Missiology: Its Relevance for the Unity of Churches in Mizoram."" I am deeply grateful to the Senate of Serampore for granting me permission to publish my work.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to my supervisor, Rev. Dr. Vanlalchhuanawma, for his invaluable guidance and support throughout my research journey. His expertise and encouragement played a significant role in shaping my research.
On a personal note, I am grateful to my loving wife, Cynthia Lalhruaitluangi, for her unwavering support and presence in my life.
I remember my parents, who have passed on to eternal rest, with love and appreciation for their lifelong support. I also thank my siblings, friends, and colleagues who have motivated and encouraged me throughout my academic and personal journey. This book would not have been possible without the collective support and motivation of these individuals, and I am truly thankful.
This book explores the unity and cooperation among churches in Mizoram since the advent of Christianity. I pray that readers will find spiritual nourishment and strengthening within its pages.
Mizoram is home to numerous church denominations, each with distinct doctrines and practices that often lead to disunity. Yet, Jesus' prayer in John 17:21 reminds us that unity is essential: ""May they all be one, so that the world may believe that you sent me."" In response to Jesus' prayer and God's desire for unity, this book seeks to promote harmony and cooperation among churches. I hope that readers will be blessed spiritually and inspired to cultivate a heart of unity, reflecting God's love and purpose in their lives.
May this book be a blessing to all who read it, and may it contribute to the unity and cooperation of churches in Mizoram, ultimately glorifying God and fulfilling Jesus' prayer.
This book entitled Ecumenical Missiology: Advancing Christian Unity for Effective Mission is an outcome of a comprehensive research on the inevitability and significance of employing a missiological methodology of Common Witness. It is a timely and crucial contribution towards promoting ecumenism and missiological co-operation in Mizoram. The author's critical investigation of the underlying causes of disunity among churches in Mizoram and the importance of unity for effective mission work shed light on the complex issues of church unity in the state.
A closer look at the meaning and significance of ecumenical missiology convincingly reveals the possibility of varying interpretations. Identification of the 19th century as missionary era and the 20th century as ecumenical era signifies the close connection between mission and ecumenism. This research analysis even goes so far as to highlight the complexity of ecumenism both in the Catholic as well as the Protestant contexts. So much so that drawing a sharp contrast between the missiological concepts of the two traditions is almost impossible. In fact, the author claiming the WCC's model of relating every Church's activity to the mission of spreading the Gospel worldwide leans on conceiving every ecumenical activity as ecumenical missiology. With this notion in view the research opts to pick basic ecumenical priorities set by outstanding missiologists, namely, Church union, promotion of the welfare of all people, promotion of common humanity, and struggle for justice such as gender justice, international economic and political justice and peace without disowning David Bosch's ecumenical priorities circumscribed by missio Dei concept. A historical probe into the ecumenicity of the churches in Mizoram brings to light some underlying factors for the contemporary trend of disharmony in the land, such as, the entry and impacts of various foreign missions and traditions. The existence of more than eighty Christian denominations, sects and cults in the region by the time of celebration of the Gospel Centenary is taken as a clear indication of disunity and conflict among the Christians. Two alien powers that be, namely, the British Raj as well as the European-oriented Missions are held responsible for alienation of different sections of the Mizo society as well as for socio-cultural confusions leading to conflicts of various kinds. As a consequence, the compact body of the Church in question is found to be torn into bits and pieces. These observations are considered to be graphic symbols of the urgency of ecumenical endeavor in Mizoram.
Through this study, the author highlights the imperative of collaborative mission engagement, characterized by cooperation, mutual understanding, and unity, and demonstrates how Common Witness can promote a more unified and effective witness among the churches in Mizoram. The research provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the churches in Mizoram and offers practical suggestions for promoting unity and cooperation. The unity proposed in this research is not simply uniformity in traditions, theological expressions and practices, but unity in multiple expressions of common faith and common mission.
This research is a significant resource for churches, scholars, and mission practitioners seeking to understand the complexities of church unity and mission collaboration in Mizoram. In an era of ecumenical cooperation and collaboration as this it seeks to serve as an inexorable catalyst for inspiring absolute ambition for unity, peace and cooperation among the churches. The author's commitment to ecumenism and passion for unity is crystal clear in this work which makes the research compelling for scholars of all levels to read.
In recent years, churches have come to recognize the imperative of collaborative mission engagement, characterized by cooperation, mutual understanding, and unity. This realization stems from the alarming rise of rivalries, competition, and even poaching of members among churches in various parts of India, including Mizoram. The churches in Mizoram are therefore prompted to reassess their approach to mission, focusing on crucial aspects such as: Unity and cooperation among churches, common witness and collective outreach and more responsible and harmonious relationships in mission and unity. By re-examining these key issues, the churches in Mizoram can work towards a more collaborative and effective mission strategy, one that prioritizes unity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to spreading the Gospel.
It seems that various churches in Mizoram have little or no unity and good cooperation. Each church has been trying to spread the gospel in its own way as far as it can. It can be assumed that disunity of the church is the outcome of the wrong concept of mission that the churches are developing.
The messenger is the message in a mission. It may mean that the messenger has an ecumenical mind that will follow the message with ecumenical in their mission. Therefore, as long as there is unity of churches in Mizoram, there will be unity in our mission fields; if not, there will be no unity in the fields. Also, we are able to identify many problems in the practice of mission by the churches in Mizoram. A pressing concern in Mizoram's mission landscape is the phenomenon of denominational overlap, where multiple churches establish missions in the same location, often without collaboration or coordination. This leads to unnecessary duplication of efforts, confusion among new believers due to differing denominational approaches, and a competitive atmosphere where ""sheep stealing"" becomes a concern. The competitive mindset also results in exorbitant financial expenditures, as churches vie for influence.
This situation hinders the effectiveness of mission work and undermines the unity of the Church. Therefore, embracing Common Witness is crucial for the churches in Mizoram, as it promotes cooperative mission engagement, mutual understanding, and a unified approach to mission. By working together, churches can minimize confusion and competition, prioritize the spread of the Gospel, and exercise responsible stewardship of resources.
Our Lord's Prayer for unity was based on the one plea ""that they may all be one"" (John 17:21). But there seems to be disunity among the churches in Mizoram. A very urgent question is as to why the same tribe could not have unity and cooperation. So, we shall consider some reasons why unity is necessary for the sake of the gospel. Church unity and better cooperation is very important for the sake of mission.
This book explores the necessity and significance of employing the missiological methodology of Common Witness in promoting ecumenism in Mizoram. It delves into the concepts of ecumenical missiology and Common Witness, grounded in biblical foundations. The study focuses on Common Witness as a crucial aspect of the ecumenical movement, tracing its roots back to Jesus Christ's prayer for unity in John 17:21, where He implores for unity among believers so that the world may believe.
This biblical foundation serves as the primary criterion for this research, highlighting the importance of Common Witness in achieving unity and advancing the mission of the Church. By examining the needs and importance of Common Witness in Mizoram, this study aims to contribute to the ecumenical movement and promote a more unified and effective witness among churches in the region.
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