Rethinking European Mission:
Can mission find a unique and unified voice where politicians have failed?

Issue 6 Editors: Rob Hay, Jonathan Ingleby,
Kees van der Wilden

It seems appropriate that we write this introduction as we wake up to discover the French people in their referendum have said no to the EU Constitution.  Other countries were expected to say no too, although many countries expected a close result, and all are wrestling with what it means to be part of Europe. 

It seems appropriate because, responding to a number of requests from colleagues across Europe, we are asking the question: Should Encounters become a space for European missiological reflection?

We have articles by two of Europe’s leading missiological researchers Ruth Robinson and Darrell Jackson, highlighting issues that are confronting Europe, its constituent countries and specifically its churches and missions - things like secularism, immigration and multiculturalism. 

We also have an article from Jonathan Ingleby exploring the historical voice (or indeed silence) of Europe in mission and finally an Editorial on the idea of a European Encounters.  Together we ask with a large question mark: Europe – A Unique and Unified Voice in Global Mission?   

• Editorial:  Europe:  A Unique and Unified Voice in Global Mission?  (Rob Hay, 1093 words) 
  
  
• Article 1:  Mega-trends Europe:  1999-2004.  (Ruth Robinson, 4962 words)
  
  
• Article 2:  Beyond the Preamble:  Searching for God in a secularising Europe.  (Rev Darrell Jackson, 2864 words) 
  
  
• Article 3:  Europe, Britain and America:  Extracting a European voice from the historical debate about mission.  (Dr Jonathan Ingleby, 1655 words) 

In previous issues we have had some excellent and lengthy responses to articles.  However, in this issue we would like encourage briefer responses to the general issues raised, such as:

• Can Europe speak with one voice?
• What issues are unique to Europe?
• Where does the UK sit with the American-European divide? 
• Does Europe need to be heard? 
• Should Encounters become a space for European missiological reflection?

Read what others are thinking on the Discussion Board.  Use the Voice your comments form to add to the debate.

Please Note: The views expressed in articles are those of their authors
and do not necessarily reflect the position of Redcliffe College.