Asian churches challenged to reclaim diakonia as a theological and missiological mandate at CCA conference on Ecumenical Diakonia

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) Moderator, Bishop Reuel Norman O. Marigza, speaking on the second day of the Asian church leaders’ conference on ecumenical diakonia, urged churches across Asia to reclaim diakonia as a theological and missiological mandate and to rediscover it as a foundational expression of Christian faith and mission.

Bishop Marigza emphasised that diakonia, often reduced to acts of charity, is in fact a core theological identity rooted in Scripture. He reflected how Jesus Christ is the ultimate diakonos, the Suffering Servant who came “not to be served but to serve,” embodying humility, sacrificial love, and the use of power for the peace and well-being of others.

Bishop Marigza highlighted how the early church embraced this calling. In Acts 6, the appointment of the first deacons demonstrated the essential connection between the “diakonia of the word” and the “diakonia of the table.” He stressed that worship and service should never be separated; rather than saying “worship has ended, service begins,” the Church must affirm that “worship and work must be one.” This seamless movement from liturgy to the “liturgy after the liturgy” is central to an authentic Christian witness.

He reaffirmed that diakonia is not the responsibility of a select group of deacons or specialised church agencies but the vocation of all the baptised and of every church community. “Reclaiming diakonia means moving beyond relief work to embrace a transformative and prophetic role, which includes confronting systemic injustice, challenging the concentration of power and wealth, and addressing root causes of suffering”, stated Bishop Marigza.

Bishop Marigza further noted that reclaiming diakonia as a missional mandate requires far more than good intentions or isolated acts of compassion. It calls the Church into four interconnected areas of transformative engagement.

First, addressing systemic injustice, by challenging structures that perpetuate inequality, violence, racism, and gender discrimination. Prophetic diakonia focuses not only on caring for victims but confronting the forces that create victimisation. Second, holistic engagement, rejecting false divisions between spiritual salvation and social well-being, and recognising that the Gospel addresses the fullness of human life: physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. Third, empowerment and accompaniment, by walking alongside marginalised communities, strengthening their agency, and enabling them to become participants in their own transformation. Fourth, care for creation, or eco-diakonia, acknowledging environmental stewardship as part of God’s mission and resisting the exploitation that threatens the integrity of creation.

Highlighting CCA’s Asia Mission Statement of 2017, which called on the Asian Church and ecumenical communities to “re-envision that (prophetic) witness, as we respond today to the challenges of God’s mission in Jesus Christ …”, Bishop Marigza emphasised that the Asia Mission Statement must not remain dormant but become a living manifesto guiding prophetic witness, servanthood, and participation in God’s mission today.

Bishop Dr Samuel San Myat Shwe delivered the biblical reflection based on the Gospel of John 13:1–17, titled “Washing Feet in a World of Dirty Roads”, highlighting diakonia as the essential expression of Christian faith, rooted in the self-giving love and humility of Jesus Christ.

Bishop San Myat Shwe emphasised that the foundation of Christian service lies in Agape love, the unconditional love commanded by Jesus: “As I have loved you, you must love one another.” The Bishop explained that this love, along with Christ’s kenosis – His self-emptying in becoming a servant – forms the theological heart of diakonia and stands in contrast to worldly notions of power and self-interest.

Reflecting on Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, Bishop San Myat Shwe described the act as the ultimate model of humble service. He noted how it dismantles pride, challenges cultural hierarchies, and establishes service as essential for discipleship. He further underscored the significance of the timing: Jesus washed the disciples’ feet on the eve of His Passion, demonstrating that service is sacrificial, urgent, and central to the Church’s mission.

Speaking to the current crisis in Myanmar, Bishop San Myat Shwe stressed that the spirit of diakonia is urgently needed today. He highlighted examples such as MCC volunteers who served during the pandemic and peace-support teams working in conflict zones. He also called on the Church to uphold its identity through inclusive service, transformative education, courageous love, and advocacy for the powerless.

Photos of Day 2 of the Asian Church Leaders’ Conference on Ecumenical Diakonia can be found here.