The Council for World Mission has announced plans to relocate its secretariat to Singapore.
Until now, the leadership of CWM has been based in London.
The historic decision was taken by CWM trustees meeting this week in Durban, South Africa.
It followed a lengthy and emotional debate that resulted in the
production of a special statement withdrawing Johannesburg as a possible
location.
CWM general secretary Rev Dr Collin Cowan said the decision would
have "far-reaching" implications for the future of the CWM family.
“The decision to relocate to Singapore was arrived at through a
commitment to discernment and a consensual decision-making process," he
said.
“This decision is not to be interpreted as rejection of any other location that we considered, including the UK.
"Rather, it is to be seen as part of the dynamic involvement of God's spirit for the time.”
He added: “I am pleased with the outcome and I am looking forward to
being part of a team that will serve CWM from a context that is
geographically central to the CWM family.”
The resolution moved "to rescind the decision that the CWM
secretariat shall remain in London" and proposed "that at this time in
the life and work of CWM, the CWM secretariat shall be relocated to
Singapore".
It was approved unanimously on the grounds that Singapore would be
"strategically important" for CWM as it seeks to implement a strategy
challenging injustice, inequality and giving a voice to the voiceless.
Dr Cowan said: “The decision to relocate the CWM secretariat to
Singapore has far-reaching implications for the future of the family and
especially for the staff. It is our prayer that the way forward will be
full of hope and possibility for all of us.
“Our colleagues in Singapore are ready to receive us. Singapore is
where CWM's model of partnership in mission was born in 1975 and there
is a feeling that we are returning home."