Cape Town 2010

4,200 delegates, from almost 200 countries, gathered in Cape Town in October 2010. Notably, 200 from China were missing – refused permission to travel – and their seats were left empty as a reminder throughout the congress. Nine delegates from Ireland represented a wide range of different ages, denominations, traditions and backgrounds. VOX brings you some of their initial reactions. Find out more online at www.lausanne.org or see the Irish blog www.irishincapetown.wordpress.com

Bishop Ken Clarke shares: The congress aired painful subjects and tackled hard questions. The address by fellow Irishman, Chris Wright, was powerfully prophetic. Idolatry is still alive among God’s people. We need to repent and clean up our own backyard. Elevated status, manipulated success and selfish greed have no place in the life of the church.

Richie Sommerville adds: An often-referenced congress Bible verse that evokes passion within me is, “The children of Issachar…were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do (1 Chronicles 12:32)”. The summation of a talk that resonated with me was the following by Mark Greene; “Globally, 98% of Christians are neither envisioned nor equipped for mission in 95% of their waking lives. But, just imagine if they were…”

“The evangelical church has rightly put an emphasis on bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to every people group, but we have perhaps been a weaker in our attempts to apply biblical principles to every area of society…” - Lindsey Brown

Ken Gibson comments: There was an acknowledgement that “the centre of gravity” of Christianity has shifted southwards. Sitting uneasily alongside this, however, was a Western-led Congress. Perhaps the Church is still catching up on what it has only recently acknowledged.

Grace Deegan responds: Partnership is costly, co-operation is challenging. Unity requires an out-working of God’s call, we must be eager to maintain it (Ephesians 4: 3, 4). In a culture that is disintegrating, we need to be an example of removing barriers. I want to be part of a church in Ireland that is willing to pay the price!

Jennifer Lewis says: One phrase stuck out - “Truth is a person”. Have we lost the irresistible mystery and wonder of Jesus? Are we convinced that that the Gospel has the power to change lives and transform communities?

Tom Slattery explains:I thought of the disunity between the churches in the south of Ireland and those in the north. How is this stopping the gospel progressing on both sides of the border? Why can’t the church be a powerful example to Irish (and British) society in our comradeship for the Kingdom?

The message on humility, integrity and simplicity was very appropriate. Around every Irish corner lies something else beckoning to us to buy, join, watch, listen to, include, go to etc. I think the call to a radical simplicity is needed here and now.

Read the full article in VOX magazine - OUT NOW! in all good bookshops and newsagents!

Join the Conversation: Post your comments, questions and opinions about Cape Town 2010 below.