"That All may have Life in Fullness" is the biblical theme around which the Reformed family worldwide has begun to gather itself for the 24th general council in Accra, Ghana in 2004.

An adaptation of John 10.10, the theme is both a model for faithful living and a call for critical reflection on what it means to be Reformed Christians living in the 21st century.

Though the theme is essentially concerned with life, it evokes the need to contend with the forces of death and disparity that pervade our world. The whole creation yearns for fullness of life and in response we are called to a ministry of reconciliation, a mission of renewal and a witness of more visible unity and inspired to pray "that all may have fullness of life".

The Accra preparatory committee meeting this July

In a world where many struggle simply to survive, our faith in Jesus Christ asks us what fullness of life means and what fullness of life for all requires. What are the issues we face together and how are they intertwined? What is God's will for our response? What are the implications for our mutual covenant, mission and spirituality? Reflecting on these questions and the general council theme, WARC's executive committee proposed the following sub-themes:

Fullness of life for all: Healing

The world is in need of reconciliation and spiritual wholeness. Much healing is needed before "life in fullness" can be the hope of all. Armed conflict, the increasing destruction of the environment, the staggering divisions among Reformed churches, the epidemic spread of treatable and curable diseases all call Reformed Christians to a ministry of healing and reconciling mission.

In spite of advanced technology, the HIV/Aids epidemic continues to steal life from many. The disease devastates whole communities, leaving men and women to perish and children orphaned. Though living with HIV in fullness and curbing the spread of infection from mother to child are possible in many parts of the world, many countries struggle for access to the medicines that improve life.

Fullness of life for all: Honouring diversity

We are men and women of many colours, young and old from many cultures, and yet in Jesus Christ we are all one. Accepting our unity in Christ as the foundation of our relationships inspires us to honour the rich diversity of cultures and faith experiences that characterize the Reformed family.

Overcoming Christian divisions by respecting diversity strengthens the mission of the church. But we also share life with brothers and sisters professing other living faiths. Religious pluralism is part of everyday life for most Reformed Christians, who live and witness alongside Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and followers of other faith traditions. Honouring religious diversity is a challenge that we as a Reformed family must face together.

Fullness of life for all: Inclusiveness and participation

In both church and society many people are excluded from full participation because of age, gender, colour, ethnicity, physical disability, sexual orientation or financial resources. On a global level the domination of a few nations limits the participation of the "two-thirds" world in the international system of governance. Praying that all may have life in fullness calls us to embrace the stranger, empower the marginalized and welcome all God's children as partners in mission.

Fullness of life for all: Peace

International conflict, civil wars, urban violence, even family violence are on the rise. The more than 40 active armed conflicts around the world lead to untold human suffering, environmental destruction and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. In response churches around the world have declared the years 2001-2010 a "Decade to Overcome Violence". This decade offers the Reformed family an opportunity to work ecumenically to promote peace and reconciliation as a way of life.

Young people pay a high price in a violent world. More than 300,000 children worldwide are involved in armed conflicts. Reformed youth are taking peace into their own hands. Among the many initiatives, youth leaders in Angola are training young people to be peacemakers. Fostering a culture of peace is critical in a country where after years of war, violence itself is mistaken as the way to achieve peace.

Fullness of life for all: Gender justice

Though men and women have been created in partnership, Christian traditions and social norms often marginalize the role of women in human partnership. Though women bring untold life to the church, they are not always welcomed in positions of leadership and ordained ministry. Though they are responsible for 65% of the world's production, women earn 20% of the world's income. Though "home" is often seen as a safe place, for many women it is a place of danger where they suffer domestic violence. Seeking gender justice challenges the Reformed family to transform the relations between women and men, calling them to work as partners for the sake of God's mission and the renewal of the church.

Fullness of life for all: Creation

Charged by God to be stewards of the earth, we have not cared faithfully for the creation with which we have been entrusted. The spirit of competition and limitless growth has left much of our natural environment devastated. Rediscovering our place in creation reminds Reformed Christians that the land, air, seas, animals and plants also rejoice in the Lord on the Sabbath day of rest. Our covenant with one another for the sake of the whole creation challenges us to promote a more equitable and sustainable use of the earth's riches.

While scientists debate and governments argue, it is not only the temperature which is rising. Sea levels are rising and in the Pacific the consequences are devastating. Islands that are only three metres above sea level are threatened with submersion. Already some island people have been relocated - refugees not from war but from ecological greed

Fullness of life for all: Economic justice

The prevailing global economic system promises greater wealth for all, but has resulted in increased wealth for very few while reducing many to absolute poverty. The system favours trade for profit over an economy for life. Many countries are burdened by international debt and enslaved to a system that reinforces their dependence on global financial institutions. In recent decades, the flow of speculative finance has increased a hundred-fold while in many places families cry out for daily bread. In response the Reformed family is challenged to support the self-determination of peoples around the world over and above the interests of international business and finance, while promoting models of sustainable development and a more just distribution of resources.

The 23rd general council called WARC member churches to engage at all levels of their life in a process of progressive recognition, education and confession in response to economic injustice and ecological destruction. Moving forward with an effective covenant for justice in the economy and the earth is perhaps the key challenge facing the Reformed family in its pursuit of fullness of life for all.

These are some of the pressing life issues that Reformed Christians must bear in mind as we engage in biblical reflection on the theme "That All may have Life in Fullness". Seeking to discern God's will for our response, we are challenged to do more than issue statements and resolutions. Jesus' promise of inclusive salvation has implications for our covenant as a family of Reformed churches, for our mission among God's people and for the spiritual life of our congregations.

Doug Chial with Anna Jackson and JOY Mante
Doug Chial (l) with Anna Jackson and JOY Mante

Still there are many more pressing issues that we face today. As we journey towards Accra 2004, members of the WARC executive committee hope that Reformed Christians around the world will add their voices, naming issues, offering insight and reflecting biblically on what "fullness of life" means and how the witness of Reformed Christians can make a difference for life.

Douglas L Chial