No.1, January - April 2005

Editorial

It has been a great joy for me to work with the WSCF Asia Pacific region for the last 7 years and 4 months.  The vision and hope of the Federation has introduced me to an entirely new world where students and youth are seeking for truth and justice with a strong ecumenical commitment.  Even though the Federation has faced serious challenges and difficulties in terms of finance and leadership, it should not be forgotten that the Federation has never lost its vision and hope for a new heaven and new earth, and struggled with people to transform the churches, societies and academic communities.  As I reflect all my years with the Federation, I am really proud of being a family member of the Federation. 

The WSCF, in particular, and the ecumenical movement in general are experiencing a turning point in their existence.  Nowadays many people in the ecumenical circles agree that the ecumenical movement is situated in a critical moment towards a radical transformation.  Then, how can we transform/reconfigure it?  I think the answer to this question is not easy.  But I would like to highlight three critical points in the discourse of the transformation/reconfiguration of the ecumenical movement.  First, we should go back to the root of our faith and listen to what God requests us to do, reflecting what the Reign of God means to us all who are living in an extremely unjust world of globalisation.  “Going back to the root” enables us to read the signs of the time and transform the world.  Second, a sincere metanoia should be a staring point of our transformation process.  This metanoia empowers us to transform and move to the new kairotic era of the ecumenical movement. Third, we should revive the spirit of glass-root ecumenism, that is, “ecumenical movement from bottom”, and empower the marginalised groups in the churches such as women, lay, Minjung, Dalit, students and youth. I am sure that the Federation can plan a critical role in empowering the youth and student leadership.   

In this issue, we reflected on the women’s issue from various perspectives. Chang Hee Won from Korea SCM contributed to the Perspective revisiting the issue of “Women and Globalisation”, and the experience of migrant women workers in the era of Globalisation written by senior friend of GMKI, Mona Saroinsong.  In Solidarity, there is a highlight on the treatment experienced by women in the tsunami affected countries.  You will also find a biblical reflection on the need to challenge the silent role of women in the church and urge to listen to the voices of women.    

Finally, as I wrote the last editorial as regional secretary, I would like to express my gratitude to all Praxis readers for your prayers and continuous support for the student ministry in the Asia-Pacific region.  I believe that we will continue to move forward together to open up a new history for the grass-root ecumenism. 

Shin Seung Min
Regional Secretary