USPG were pleased to have been able to participate at the recent South Asian Forum (SAF) which met in Stuttgart, Germany between the 7th-9th March 2023. Hosted by Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS), there was much excitement in the room as this was the first time that the annual event has been in-person for two years due to Covid-19.
The Rev’d Davidson Solanki, USPG Regional Manager for Asia and the Middle East said:
“It was wonderful that the 22+ people attending were able to take time together in person. It provided us with the opportunity to listen and learn from one another, share, and take time to have a mutual exchange of ideas and updates”
In attendance were Moderators from the Church of North India (CNI), Church of Pakistan (COP) and the Church of Bangladesh (COB). Also in attendance was the General Secretary of the Church of South India (CSI) and Treasurer of CNI. Along with USPG, other European partners were present at this gathering.
Key highlights from the forum included the Church of Bangladesh sharing how they are successfully journeying towards self-sustainability. Accompanied by USPG and the Anglican Communion Fund, they have taken their learnings and built this into a ten-year strategy development plan which will enable them to become self-sustainable by the end of the plan.
The Rev’d Davidson commented:
“It was great to see the whole forum engage with the processes that the Church of Bangladesh have undertaken and the desire for collaboration and learning. It was great to discern how USPG has accompanied the Church of Bangladesh in this process accompanying them throughout, providing facilitation and listening and being a reflective friend for them to support their critical thinking. A notable example of how USPG engage with their partners throughout the world.”
The Church of South India affirmed their focus and commitment on care for the environment. They shared about their programme, “Climate Resilient Schools and Communities” through their Department of Ecological Concerns for which USPG are facilitating and providing financial support. The environmental programme will see 10,000 students equipped to go out into communities, churches, and institutions to talk about environmental change and justice. A fantastic way for the church to equip the younger generation to speak out on relevant issues that affect us all.
As a result of the forum the four United Churches expressed a desire to meet more frequently in region, to learn, support and collaborate. USPG are delighted to have been asked to facilitate this process and we look forward to supporting this going forward.