Mission Director's Report to the AGM 2025

Good afternoon.

It is lovely to see you all here today, to worship with you, to give thanks for God’s blessing on the work of CMS Ireland over the past year and to set the scene for what is to come. I hope you have been inspired by what you have heard this morning. As a staff team we are accountable to you, CMS Ireland members, and speaking on behalf of the staff team, we are immensely grateful for all that has been enabled by your prayerful, practical and financial support. Thank you, our CMSI Stars.

In my Mission Director’s report a year ago, I listed some of the distressing developments facing our global partners and I quote:

‘In South Sudan and DR Congo, the civil wars rage on. In Nepal the atmosphere for Christian witness has become more sensitive … Egypt finds itself in the maelstrom of the conflict in the Middle East, Rwanda and Burundi closed their common border; Kenya, along with all our partners, is struggling with climate change, causing food shortages and inflation.’

As the year rolled by, each of these situations worsened. We find ourselves operating in an increasingly conflicted world, one where suffering and destruction seems to intensify daily for many. David has already referred to the sudden and drastic cuts in USAID. As soon as the USAID cuts were announced we received WhatsApp messages from several of our global partners letting us know that health and educational programmes had been halted, development workers laid off and food distribution stopped. The impact for those most vulnerable is immense – babies are not being immunised, schools are shut, families are going hungry, crops are not being planted, lifesaving medicine is being withheld… but these are stories that will remain untold. It was even more distressing to learn that, just a few days later, the UK government announced that they were diverting funds allocated for international development programmes to invest in armaments. Unbelievable.

Is this turning ploughshares back into swords?

With so much political uncertainty and conflict, it really does feel as if dark storm clouds are gathering all around. The role of the church in offering kingdom hope, working for reconciliation, opening doors for sanctuary and providing practical support has never been more critical. Thankfully, the church is not dependent on government aid programmes for its ministry, nor is it subject to changes in political climate.

The challenges across the Anglican Communion have also deepened during the past year. Navigating the divides in theological understanding and culture have been further complicated with the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The committee responsible for the appointment is looking seriously at how the position can more truly reflect the changing communion demographic.

So what does all this mean for CMS Ireland as we seek to support our partners in mission here in Ireland and across the global church?

CMS Ireland has taken part in discussions around The Lambeth Calls and it is encouraging to see that work is taking place to ensure that voices from across the global church are heard. CMSI will also participate in the upcoming ‘Mission and Evangelism Call’ discussion.

Our annual theme ‘Wading into Justice’ has helped us wrestle with issues of injustice from a Biblical perspective and think about the responsibilities we have as Christians. This has confirmed the importance of our partnership model enabling parishes to develop bonds of fellowship, share gifts and resources, and encourage one another’s ministry. Emma has worked hard to help us all communicate mission in new ways and delve into complex issues. I would like to commend the new Children's Resource to you: Fair Play.

The image of a ship is perhaps helpful in thinking about practical strategies to deal with internal and external challenges.

My daughter Abigail is currently sailing around Antarctica in a 3-masted square-rigged tall ship - the Bark Europa. From Cape Horn via Antarctica to Namibia, the crew have experienced all sorts of weather from calm, still, cold days to the roaring forties and screaming fifties. They have navigated dangerous rocky coasts and unpredictable ice floes, keeping vigilant watch day and night. They have had to learn the complex ropes fast, adjust to the unpredictable and often ferocious weather, recognise one another’s strengths as they work together and support each other through times of challenge. Most importantly of all, they have had to follow their Captain’s commands, alert and obedient.

In CMS Ireland we have been keeping vigilant watch on the fast changing political and security environments impacting our church partners. We are thankful to all who have responded to the Emergency Appeal launched on behalf of DR Congo partners. The escalating conflict is impacting the church in DRC, Rwanda and Burundi. We have already sent funds to support families taking in displaced people. The fund remains open. Thanks are due to Anne who takes great care to ensure we find ways to navigate the increasing complexities of international transfers.

Changing charity legislation has also kept us on our toes and I am thankful to our trustees for support in ensuring CMS Ireland is compliant and demonstrates good practice.

Our partners in Egypt show us what good teamwork can look like as they continue to promote dialogue across divides of culture, language and religion. They have proved wonderful hosts to several CMSI visitors who have learnt much about respectful relationships across difference. CMSI’s partnership is deeply valued, especially in prayer, as the world watches the Middle East.

Gillian has been tried and tested through the constant changes to air travel arrangements, but, working together with Linda and Roger, managed to set up and facilitate visits to or from all our partners this year except DR Congo. Careful preparation and team training ensures a deep and rich experience. Keith Scott met Bishop Bahati from DR Congo when he sought sanctuary in Burundi. These face-to-face visits are invaluable in strengthening church relationships as we stand in solidarity with one another.

Parishes around Ireland have been faithful in prayer and support for our global partners, sharing news and hosting prayer events to draw attention to places often overlooked and deepen commitment to prayer. The generosity of many has enabled financial support for ministry programmes, many of which you have heard about this morning.

Our valued partnerships within the CMS Network have helped us support the new Local Mission Partners as well as providing workshops and teaching materials to strengthen discipleship and church leadership.

South Sudan is of particular concern at present with escalating political tension. The UN report that the country is teetering on the edge of full-scale civil war. Elections were postponed. With Andrew and Joanne on personal home leave, we will be careful to monitor security. We are delighted that a new partnership was formed with the Diocese of Ezo. Ezo borders with DR Congo and CAR. Bishop Ephraim has worked with great commitment and is delighted to partner with the Church of Ireland.

CMSI continues to be active in the Association of Mission Societies and on the Council for Mission, and we are thankful for the financial support from the Council that enabled the visit of Rev Arsène from Burundi. This global church exchange programme has now been established by the Council.

We continue to deeply value the work of All Nations Ministries as they seek to give practical help and friendship to new comers in and around Belfast. Gillian spends half a day a week helping with administration.

Our Strategic priorities continue to guide decisions in prioritising work, and it was lovely for the staff to meet with the trustees in January to review progress on the Strategic Plan.

Let me finish by thanking the staff team for their commitment and dedication over the past year, for their heartfelt work and their friendship. It is a privilege to lead such a team.

Thanks are also due to the trustees and those serving on the sub committees. You have been an invaluable source of support and wisdom. Thanks are especially due to David who has given endless time, guidance and advice.

Thank you to all of you for coming today, to our members, supporters and parishes around this island. CMS Ireland would not exist without you.

To return to the lessons from Bark Europa – let us pray for one another, that we will follow the captain’s orders, listening with attention and obeying wholeheartedly.

Perhaps we can pray together now using the prayer attributed to Sir Francis Drake.