Archbishop Rowan joins in applause "of thanks to God for CMS" led by Pastor Agu Irukwu of the Redeemed Christian Church of God(Photo: (c)CMS)A Chinese artist who survived the Cultural Revolution, Kenyans now working in mission in inner city Britain and the heads of a dozen international charities greeted the Archbishop of Canterbury as he opened the new UK base of the Church Mission Society in Oxford on Friday 26 October.
It certainly reflected the Archbishop’s view that “CMS is far from the stereotype of missions that most people hold.”
The Archbishop, Dr Rowan Williams, was greeted with sustained applause during the service, and hailed by the CMS General Secretary as "a leader in mission".
The Archbishop dedicated a major new artwork by the Chinese Christian artist He Qi, who has been painting this unique commission on site at the CMS mission centre in Blackbird Leys, East Oxford.
During the Cultural Revolution, the young He Qi was forced into farm labour in rural China, although he was the son of a renowned university professor. He taught himself to paint portraits of Chairman Mao to make a better living, painting Mao by day and versions of Raphael’s Madonna at night.
Other guests include Helen and Patrick Mukholi, who for five years have been CMS mission partners in Blackbird Leys, just over the road from the new centre.
During the service Patrick spoke of the "cultural jump" the family had to make. "From a Kenyan perspective Blackbird Leys does not look like a poor place." But the Mukholis had worked hard to enter ito people's struggles on the estate.
Dr Williams also dedicated a new piece of public art by up-and-coming glass artist Saga Arpino. The sculpture – constructed in bronze and three kilometres of glass rods, hand cut into 10,000 sections – is called Light of the World, which was the theme of the dedication service, at which the Archbishop preached.
Dr Williams commented, “CMS is far from the stereotype of missions that most people hold. Its work all over the world is sensitive and celebrates diversity of culture and expressions of faith, while remaining unashamedly committed to proclaiming the Lord Jesus Christ.
“I hope this stunning new centre at Oxford will be a springboard for the increasing role CMS has in mission in Europe and in the wider world – as well as a wonderful resource for the local churches and community.”
CMS General Secretary, Canon Tim Dakin, said the guest list reflected the diversity of the charity’s international network. “It reflects what CMS is – a global family of people serving God wherever they live.”
Canon Dakin paid tribute to the outgoing Chair of Trustees, the Rt Rev David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham, and to the President of CMS, Viscountess Brentford OBE, whose term of office shortly comes to an end.
The Society also welcomed its new Chair of Trustees, the Rt Rev Paul Butler, the Bishop of Southampton.
Councillor Mary Clarkson, the Sheriff of Oxford, headed the list of local dignitaries.