The Mission and City Church Festival attracted several hundred guests in and around the City Church. In dry early summer weather, they enjoyed culinary specialties from different countries, had conversations with Mission 21 delegates and guests from Africa, Asia and Latin America, and were entertained by the Afropop of Kenyan singer Claudia Masika. China expert Tobias Brandner (International Co-worker of Mission 21 in Hong Kong) also informed in a short presentation and discussion about the current situation of the Christian churches in China.
At the annual meeting of the International Mission Synod on Friday and Saturday, the Mission 21 board was expanded to seven members. The Mission Synod elected theologian Dr. Claudia Hoffmann as a new board member. Claudia Hoffmann is an assistant professor at the Faculty of Theology at the University of Basel and conducts research on non-European Christianity. Following the resignation of Rev. Albrecht Hieber from the Mission 21 board in 2017, the board's theological expertise has now been strengthened again.
Declaration for more gender justice
The Mission Synod on Saturday received a statement from the Women's Conference advocating for greater gender equity. It identifies two pressing issues: First, the discrimination of women and girls in education and wage systems. Second, violence against women worldwide. The Women's Conference invites the international network of Mission 21 to support the fight for more gender justice through education and advocacy work. Currently, the solidarity action "I walk with..." aims to bring the issue to the public.
We are happy about the successful synod week and thank especially the Landeskirche Aargau as well as the Stadtkirche Aarau for the good cooperation.
Text: Christoph Rácz
