“Mutual Exchange of Energies” Mission in Cross-Cultural Perspective An African Point of View

In the new context of mission, all have bread to give and to receive. Mission becomes a “mutual exchange of energies” (AG:19) among churches and groups. The growth of missionary consciousness in the “Third Church” is outlined, and the possible contribution of this church, particularly the church of Africa, is detailed. For the first time in centuries, the gospel is being transmitted without its Western cultural embodiment, making more urgent the demand that the church become truly catholic, identified with no particular culture. The heart of mission is shown to be a humble and transforming dialogue of experiences of God and the Christ.