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The conference is reflecting on what it means to work on radical renewal in times of major crisis and systemic injustices, while anticipating in hope for the promised new heaven and new earth. It is a conference for academic theologians, students, pastors, and all who want to celebrate Christian renewal in an ecumenical perspective.
Riley, speaking during the conference, reflected that the theme of “radical renewal” is quite apt, because this vision of all things being made new, is not business as usual. “Of necessity this new heaven and earth will involve radical reordering and even reversals,” she said. “Human pretensions are brought to judgement.”
She also spoke of “sustained resistance” against the powers and forces which are in opposition to the truth of the word of God. “Much is sacrificed on the altar of political expediency,” said Riley. “What appears to be the intentional dismantling of gains of the civil rights and other justice movements, should not go unchallenged.”
The voice of the church must be heard loud and clear—and not as a coopted agent of the state, added Riley. “The church should practice self-giving solidarity as Jesus did throughout his life and ministry, welcoming the stranger and those in need of safety and security,” she said. “The fellowship of God’s people reflecting the unity of Christ is a part of the outworking of this new order.”
She went on to reflect that the old divisions and distance which prevent us from being in full communion one with another will be eroded as we create bonds of solidarity in Christ. “The church’s witness should be of such that our oneness in Christ, is evident through our solidarity in the embrace of the common vision of a new heaven and earth,” she said. “This self-giving solidarity is redemptive because we make ourselves available to be instruments of God, mindful of the power and presence of God through Jesus the Christ which cuts across all divides and makes healing and renewal possible.”
Ultimately, God is sovereign, Riley concluded. “There is coming a day when God will manifest God’s self among us such that our selfish attentions will be refocused and our lives reordered,” she said. “May we avail ourselves to be used as instruments of God, in whom we continue to hope and trust as enabled by the Holy Spirit.”
