Headline: Anglican Leaders Unite in Bangkok to Expand Southeast Asia Ministries
A historic gathering of Anglican leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia met in Bangkok from October 22-25, 2023, focusing on enhancing church growth in Southeast Asia. Themed “Planting Future Dioceses,” the Missions Consultation Roundtable organized by the Diocese of Singapore brought together clergy, deans, and mission partners from across the region. The purpose was clear: to collaboratively support the burgeoning Anglican presence in communities where churches have transitioned from expat-focused chaplaincies to thriving local congregations.
A Strategic Vision for Southeast Asia
The Anglican Church in Southeast Asia is a vast and diverse entity, encompassing four dioceses across Malaysia and Singapore, with mission deaneries extending from Indonesia to Nepal. With a combined population of nearly 497 million, this area has historically had a limited Anglican footprint, but recent years have seen significant growth. The Diocese of Singapore serves as a crucial hub, facilitating the establishment of local churches and ministries throughout this expansive region.
“This gathering is vital in coordinating efforts to manifest Christ’s love in areas where the need is great,” explained the Rev. Canon Yee Ching Wah, Dean of Thailand. “We are not just planting churches; we are planting future dioceses, nurturing a sustainable Anglican identity that resonates with local cultures.”
Successful Ministries in Action
Participants in the Consultation had the opportunity to visit the Lat Krabang Anglican Church, a vibrant Thai-language congregation that began with just ten members. Launched in 2013 and strategically located near a major metro station, the church has seen remarkable growth—tripling its Sunday attendance from 40 to 110 within the last year alone. With plans for a new kindergarten and a larger church that may serve as a diocesan cathedral, Lat Krabang stands as a beacon of hope in Thailand, where fewer than 1% of the population identifies as Christian.
“Our methodology may not be the fastest, but it’s thorough and spiritually grounded,” stated Rev. Canon Yee. “We believe in cultivating life among local believers, fostering a church that reflects their identities and communities.”
Hub Cities and Mission Strategies
The notion of “hub cities” plays a pivotal role in the church-planting strategy within Southeast Asia. Centers of growth are identified based on various factors, including transport accessibility, educational institutions, and population dynamics. These hubs act as springboards for establishing smaller mission congregations, creating a network of support and interdependence.
- Key Areas of Interest:
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Vientiane, Laos
- Kathmandu, Nepal
In Cambodia, the Deanery of Phnom Penh has welcomed both Khmer and Mandarin-speaking congregations. Interestingly, many Chinese families, seeking alternatives to the educational restrictions in China, have gravitated towards the Anglican community, fostering a diverse cultural exchange.
Navigating Challenges in Creative Access Nations
Southeast Asia comprises regions known as "creative access nations," which presents unique challenges for clergy and church leaders. Countries like Laos impose restrictions on religious activities, requiring Christians to adopt "tent-making" methods—using secular employment as a platform for ministry.
Rev. Ian Dierdan, Dean of Laos, voiced the challenges faced: “Our mission must align with social norms, emphasizing peace and cooperation. Every government aims to preserve social order, which can make traditional religious efforts complicated.”
In Nepal, where Anglicanism was virtually non-existent until 1999, notable strides have been achieved. The Anglican Church has grown to 11,316 members, marking its 25th anniversary this November. Rev. Prem Tamang, a local leader from the Tamang community, is set to guide the diocese in the near future, bringing indigenous leadership to the forefront.
Building Partnerships for a Greater Purpose
The Consultation served as a platform for fostering partnerships across regions. Attendees from organizations such as the Church Mission Society and Anglican Frontier Missions collaborated with their Global South Fellowship of Anglicans counterparts to explore future missions proactively.
Rev. Kimberley J. Beard from the Diocese of Toronto reflected on the mutual benefits of these partnerships: “Our experiences help bridge cultural divides and promote genuine engagement with the communities we serve. The diversity within our missions reflects the Kingdom of God in a beautiful way.”
The Role of the Holy Spirit
Emphasizing the spiritual underpinnings of this mission work, Archbishop of Southeast Asia, Dr. Titus Chung, noted, “We gather to strengthen our commitment to grow together. The Holy Spirit works across all boundaries, uniting us in our shared mission.”
Rev. Jonathan Wong, Dean of Vietnam, reiterated the notion, urging attendees to shift their focus from institutional success to divine providence: “Please don’t think ‘what a great diocese,’ rather, recognize the greatness of our God.”
This consultation not only strengthened existing ties among Anglican groups but also ignited new possibilities for reaching the community. As the Anglican presence flourishes throughout Southeast Asia, the spirit of collaboration and commitment to local leadership signifies a promising future.
As the Anglican Church continues to grow and embrace the challenges of mission work in Southeast Asia, it remains vital to celebrate and support efforts that nourish the faith and communities in the region.
Engage with us and share your thoughts—what do you believe is the future of the Anglican Church in Southeast Asia?
For further reading, explore articles on our website about the growth of Christianity in Asia, and check out our links to authoritative resources on global Anglican missions.
