“We live in a world of border zones, places where the security, well-being, dignity and freedom of individuals and groups is contested. Sometimes these are physical walls and sometimes they are in minds. Where they are the Church must be too - to witness something different, a different vision” The Revd Dr Duncan Dormor, General Secretary
From 9 to 11 July 2024, USPG welcomed nearly 100 delegates for an event to delve into the theme of United Beyond Borders. The timing was significant, coming just a week after elections in the UK and France, and all attendees were keenly aware of the challenges of borders in our increasingly volatile and divided world.
We were privileged to be joined by three excellent keynote speakers throughout our time together. The Rt Revd Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Bishop of Edmonton opened the conference by recounting the common childhood experience of looking at a map. Questioning why physical borders are drawn across certain places is the same sort of question we should be asking about the immaterial, spiritual lines that divide us. In stark contrast, Bishop Anderson highlighted the expansiveness of God’s Kingdom and our roles as ‘critical pilgrims’ to act justly in the knowledge of eternal life to come (Ephesians 2:19-22).
The next speaker was The Very Revd Dr Kelly Brown Douglas, Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary and Canon Theologian at Washington National Cathedral. Dr Kelly explored the question of whether we, as Christians and the Church, are brave enough to welcome strangers and challenge prejudices against displaced people who are on the move. She raised the idea of just-peace by painting the picture that “love and justice are extremely natural dance partners” - an idea that led to a stirring Q&A time.
Later, we heard a touching testimony from Bradon Muilenburg, Anglican Refugee Support Lead in Northern France. He shared about the tragic and harsh reality for people in Calais who find themselves exiled by war and persecution. Amid the ‘fake news’ furore that dominates our headlines, Bradon told a simple of message of hope: Jesus is close to those on the margins. He emphasised that the current situation is why the Church must not turn away and must advocate in prayer, word and deed.
The Right Reverend Dr Dalcy Badeli Dlamini, Bishop of Eswatini, enriched our time together each day by leading us in Bible studies. She used a Swazi homestead – centred around Grandmother’s Hut (kagogo) - as a metaphor for the Church centering itself around the teachings and life of Jesus. It begs the question, what borders of violence and difference could be broken if we were more Jesus-centred?
Additionally, three participatory workshops delved deeper into areas related to the theme: gender justice, racial justice, and inclusion led by the Gypsy Roma and Traveller Friendly Churches. We were delighted to welcome contributions from our partner networks who helped us see the world differently.
The two-and-a-half days brought together people of all ages, backgrounds, and traditions in fellowship and prayer. It was a time of great reflection but also a time to think about how we can practically act to remove borders and unite people to enable flourishing lives for all.
Would you or your church like to dig deeper into these subjects? Our accompanying resource “United Beyond Borders” a five-week study course is available to order or download here.
