The future of world Christianity, emerging patterns in women’s leadership, and developments in the Episcopal Church’s global engagement were three focus areas that attendees at the Missio conference in April sought to apply to their work in global mission.
“What can we learn from one another’s understandings and motivations for our participation in God’s global mission?” was a fourth focus as five mission leaders rotated among small groups to share their own understandings as a way to catalyze attendees’ reflections.
“Rooted in Christ & Dancing God’s Dream” was the theme of Missio 2026, which was cosponsored by the Global Episcopal Mission Network (GEMN) and the Diocese of California and held at St. Gregory of Nyssa Church in San Francisco, April 14-17.
The conference was preceded by the Mission Formation Program, which implemented the case study method for 17 participants as they wrestled with narrative dilemmas drawn from Africa and Latin America. The conference closed with a field trip to Grace Cathedral, Bayview Mission’s hunger outreach, and the Gubbio Project at St. John the Evangelist Church, where unhoused persons can rest, access basic needs, and connect with shelter, treatment options, and health and wellness care.
Trends in world Christianity that should shape mission strategy were outlined by Dr. Todd Johnson, co-director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity. Among the nine paths he cited were: the future belongs to the Global South; the future is post-Western; the future is female; the future integrates both evangelism and social action, “like two wings of a plane”; the future is prophetic about justice; and the mission movement of the future is from all peoples as well as for all peoples. Link to more details.
“What is mission, and what is our motivation for being involved?” was the question posed by the five GEMN Board members who rotated among small groups for in-depth discussion: Dr. Nancy Searby, the Rev. Dr. Paul Rajan, Bishop Alan Scarfe, Mr. Troy Elder and Canon Dr. Titus Presler. Mission concepts included: “Mission is enjoying the global wholeness of the Body of Christ” (Scarfe); “God’s mission is to bring peace and God’s kingdom, blown and guided by the Holy Spirit” (Searby); and “God’s cosmic mission is reconciliation – so are we reconciling in our work?” (Presler).
“When women lead, formally and informally, peace-making happens,” said Canon Dr. Helen Van Koevering, chair of the International Anglican Women’s Network (IAWN), drawing on the February IAWN consultation in Amaan, Jordan, on the effects of war on women. “Investing in women’s meaningful, decision‑making leadership is seen as an effective, evidence‑based strategy for building durable peace and national stability,” she said, noting that the Mothers’ Union this year is celebrating 150 years since its founding in England. Sharing from her global research, the Rev. Dr. Paula Nesbitt discussed the effects of the ordination of women in light of 2026 being its 50th anniversary in the Episcopal Church and this year’s elevation of Sarah Mullaly as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury.
Reorganization of offices in the Domestic & Foreign Missionary Society was outlined by Mr. Alan Yarborough of the Public Policy, Partnerships and Witness Unit. He noted that the Office of Global Partnerships no longer exists and that the Episcopal Volunteers in Mission and Young Adult Service Corps programs are being assessed in light of budgetary constraints and the decrease in volunteers coming forward for global service. He said that all units are being encouraged to include in their perspective the concerns formerly overseen by OGP. He noted that the monthly Companionship in Mission meetings on Zoom are continuing, as is the service of several regional partnership officers.
Bishop Austin Rios of the Diocese of California presided and preached at the Missio Eucharist, in which he alluded to his own missional journey as a Young Adult Service Corps missionary and his rectorship at St. Paul’s Church in Rome, Italy. He noted the threat of Christian nationalism and said that servants of the gospel are accountable for modeling a different way: “We who, through baptism, have been entrusted with this gospel proclamation, are called to be bold as we witness together to the truth that truly sets us free and the peace which passes all understanding.” Board members Bishop Alan Scarfe and Deacon Robin Newman preached at the Morning Prayer services.
Inspired by the floor-to-ceiling wall murals of saints dancing with Jesus in heaven, Missio 2026 featured lots of singing led by local musicians and dancing led by professional dancer Donna Scarfe of the Diocese of Iowa, with Sydney Carter’s “Lord of the Dance” as the conference theme song. GEMN Board member the Rev. Dr. Meredith Crigler of the Diocese of Texas highlighted particular saints on the walls in micro-inspirational moments.
A late-breaking gift to the conference was the evening appearance of retired Bishop William Swing of California and founder of the United Religions Initiative, established in 2001 to “to promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, end religiously motivated violence, and create cultures of peace, justice, and healing for the Earth and all living beings.” He recalled that when he tried to recruit globally recognized religious leaders to found URI, they all declined, which prompted him go to the grassroots, where people responded enthusiastically.
The last evening of Missio featured an opportunity for attendees to stand and share from their work for two minutes each. Education, healthcare, refugees, AIDS and malaria, sustainability, agriculture and hydrology were among the many emphases cited as missioners spoke of how they are participating in God’s global mission.
“Missio 2026 was a gift to us all,” said GEMN executive director Titus Presler. “Presentations and discussions were illuminating, St. Gregory’s was a spectacular venue, and we were blessed by the collaboration with the Diocese of California. As usual, meeting old and new friends and networking were key ingredients. Thanks be to God!”
Missio is held annually during the second week after Easter. In light of General Convention coming next year, Missio 2027 will be held hybrid-online, with local in-person gatherings encouraged, April 6-8.