I am always delighted when a particular issue of Missiology: An International Review reflects the diversity of our discipline as well as the diversity of the American Society of Missiology’s constituency. This issue exemplifies that diversity. The articles are historical, theological and eminently practical. The perspectives are Roman Catholic, Conciliar and Independent. The topics include Christian leadership among the Millet in Bulgaria, “hidden Christians” in Japan, and Nigerian Catholic priests working in the USA.
First, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker deepens our understanding of mid-19th-century missionaries’ perception of “civilizing” Cook islanders by exploring the formative role of theology in shaping “Pacific missionary anthropology and ethnography.” Then, Evelyn Hibbert and Richard Hibbert, drawing on research among the Turkish-speaking Roma of Bulgaria (aka, the Millet) “describe a process that missionaries can use with local leaders to define a God-honoring, culturally appropriate pattern of Christian leadership.” Craig Ott, then, addresses a current “hot issue” in the USA exploring “the paradox of American evangelical views on immigration.” Fumitaka Matsuoka, as he explains the kakurekirishitan (hidden Christians) in Japan, challenges readers to reflect on “how far a Christian identity can be stretched” while still remaining “Christian”. Colin Patterson analyzes papal documents on Mission ad gentes to weigh the question, “What has Eschatology to do with the Gospel?” Charles James Fensham writes on missiological methodology. Making application to Turtle Island, he argues that methodology “should be rooted in a christomorphic engagement with Scripture and context”. Finally, Leonard Ahanotu creatively addresses the practical issue, “cross-cultural challenges of Nigerian Catholic priests working in the United States.”
I pray you will find at least some of the articles in this issue, as well as the book reviews, relevant to you and for your missional engagement.
Richard L. Starcher
Editor-in-Chief
