Mission synod current
Mission Synod 2024
Once again this year, around 40 delegates from four continents met online. Under the motto "Sharing Power in a Decolonized World", the synod took place on Thursday, 27 June and Friday, 28 June. In addition to statutory business and strategic decisions, the committee also discussed the specific situations and concerns of people in the partner countries.
The 2024 Synod was also marked by farewells and change: Johannes Blum, a member of the Board since 2011 and President of the Mission 21 Board since 2015, stepped down and his work is warmly thanked. The Synod elected new Board members and decided to revise the Articles of Association. This means that the presidency can be filled in an upcoming election at the end of July 2024.
On Saturday, June 29, the joint event of Youth Summit and Alumni reunion took place. The international youth ambassadors - on an exchange trip to Switzerland from June 21 to July 7 - met with former Mission 21 employees.
The final event was the mission service, this time in Basel Cathedral, on Sunday, June 30, 2023, at 10 a.m. Pastor Lukas Kundert conducted this service, supported by contributions from the international youth ambassadors. Board President Johannes Blum was given a ceremonial farewell.
â–º More about the Mission Synod
â–º The final report on the Synod and the tribute to the outgoing President
Mission Synod 2023
This year, around 40 delegates from four continents met online for the first time. From Thursday, June 29 to July 1, 2023, they set the course for Mission 21 for the second semester of the current year and the following years. The committee sets the framework for the organization's work, but also discusses the specific situations and concerns of people in the partner countries.
Mission 21 also cordially invited everyone to the public closing mission service on July 02, 2023.
Mission Synod 2022
The international mission synod is the highest decision-making body of Mission 21, with partner churches and organizations from Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America represented. The first international mission synod took place in 2004 and since 2013 the delegates have met annually. The body sets the framework for the organization's work in each case. However, the delegates also discuss the concrete situations and concerns of the people in the partner countries.
We were able to hold the Synod 2022 as guests of the Cantonal Church of Graubünden. We were happy about an inspiring week with enriching encounters and diverse exchange.
Mission Synod 2021
Around 40 delegates and guests from four continents met online from Thursday, June 10, to Saturday, June 12, and set the course for Mission 21 in 2022. The burning issues revolved around the effects of the past pandemic year on the people in Mission 21's 20 partner countries. The various statements from the respective continental assemblies impressively explained how existing problems have worsened and what new challenges Mission 21 and its partner churches and organizations must face. Whether in Africa, Asia or Latin America, the pandemic has led to more poverty and also to more violence against women and children.
The pandemic once again prevented a meeting in Switzerland. While last year's agenda was handled via email communication, this year the delegates met for the first time via video chat for the 2021 Mission Synod. The synod week was brought to a festive close with a service on Sunday, June 13, which was also streamed online.
