From the Minister
What Is Our Mission Here?
In the last little while I’ve had the opportunity to attend two special gatherings. The first involve representing the Methodist Church of Great Britain at a meeting of the Anglican Methodist International Commission on Unity Mission {AMICUM}. I should perhaps explain that I’m not a member of the Commission, but it was visiting Britain, and some local Methodist’s were needed to be on hand to welcome the international representatives and to join them for a tour of Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, and Westminster Abbey. It was a great privilege to share in conversation with Anglican and Methodist leaders from many parts of the world, to find out how the ecumenical dialogue is developing in different countries, and participate together in evening prayer in the Abbey.
The second gathering took place much closer to home. It was an iftar, hosted by the Alyth Synagogue in Temple Fortune, and it happened on a Sunday afternoon during Ramadan. Members of the Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities gathered to study the Scriptures, to experience the call to prayer at the breaking of the Ramadan fast, and to eat together. At the time of considerable international tension, it was especially powerful and poignant to hear the Muslim call to prayer intoned in a synagogue. I learned that Alyth pioneer the invitation to neighbours of other faith to share the iftar; a practice that has now spread too many other places. And it was also very moving to sit in a teaching session as the story of Jonah (Yunus in the Quran) was explored by scholars from the traditions. It was additional cause for celebration that all three speakers were women.
How do we engage in mission in a world of many faiths? Some resorts to the megaphone, trying to out-shout everyone else. Others conclude that courtesy requires us to keep our beliefs to ourselves and soft-pedal what we think, lest we give offence to those whose culture or convictions differ from ours. My experience of the two dialogues, one an ecumenical gathering of Christians and the other a meeting of representatives of three of the world‘s great faith, suggested to me that we can be both true to ourselves and respectful of the views of others. No-one wants us to hide what we believe to be true. We can be honest and open about faith, while at the same time listening carefully to the insights and experiences of others. I know this isn’t a new discovery! But it remains important, especially in the world where people live in silos and echo-chambers, engaging only with those who will simply reinforce what they already think and believe.
May we heed this encouragement, in Richard Jones hymn 'Come, all who look to Christ today' (Singing the Faith, number 678).
'Bring your traditions' richest store,
Your hymns and rights and cherished creeds;
Explore our visions, pray for more,
Since God delights to meet fresh needs.'
Yours in Christ,
Martin Wellings.
A Word in Season
More of Revd Dr Martin's reflections can be found in A Word in Season, a 13-part series of talks reflecting on the seasons of the Christian Year. Click the image for more information.
Last Updated: 13 July 2026
