Our gathering together was with genuine warmth, and friendship. Long-standing members brought their many skills and perspectives, and new members were welcomed, and quickly felt part of things. Fruitful activity from the year past, some necessary restructuring, enlightenment on AI from expert speakers, and a vision for the years ahead filled our thoughts and times together. It was a delight to meet and to hear participants from many denominations and Charities and Networks in Association (CNAs) working together, sharing their stories and listening to each other in fellowship, reflection, worship and prayer. The many conversations at meal times and in breaks were invaluable as well.
This Enabling Group included the CTE Annual General Meeting. A notable feature was great appreciation of the hard work of all the staff. We trust they heard this, and are encouraged as they press forward to enhance ecumenical unity. Some necessary restructuring, to save funds, was embraced with grace, and we trust the staff will not be demotivated in any way by this adjustment. Proceedings went swiftly and smoothly, the treasurer’s report accepted, and everything looks set through to the CTE Forum in March 2028!
‘Artificial Intelligence (AI): Friend or Foe?’ was a major focus for this gathering, with input and interaction spread over three sessions. There is much scaremongering reported in the media, forecasting doom from killer robots, global pandemics, or cyber warfare. However, the overall tone of the discussions was measured and positive about the potential gains from AI. We don’t want to unleash a dangerous technological monster; but we do want to have our cancer identified and cured in a timely and effective manner.
Our three guest speakers were Prof David Wilkinson, Phil Hewinson, and Rev Chris Goswami. David introduced the theme with a theological reflection. He spoke of the importance of the Kingdom of God. From a Kingdom perspective, Jesus sometimes affirms culture, sometimes critiques culture, and sometimes subverts culture. Let us learn to do those things with godly wisdom, and continue to pray “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, Lord.”
<Prof David’s video will be available shortly>
Phil Hewinson from Multiply Academy joined us virtually on a recorded presentation as he was away in the United States.
had us moving around the room for a straw poll on his questions, and there was plenty of time for discussion around our tables. AI can be beneficial, can enhance people’s capabilities, and can greatly improve efficiency. However, it is a tool, and should be treated as an intern, and not an expert.
The AI Christian Partnership’s Rev Chris Goswami, whose organisation wrote the ‘AI gudelines for Christian Ministry’ was our third speaker.
In the ‘From our tradition’ slot, we heard presentations from two Member Churches.
Hilary Treavis, from the Baptist Union of Great Britain (“Baptists Together”), explained some of the commonality and diversity within that tradition.
Download Hilary’s slide presentation.
Akpo Onduku shared the story of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in the UK. This dynamic network of churches is growing rapidly, particularly in urban areas. Each church, or small group of churches, plans a time of outreach every Easter and Christmas, with the aim of planting a new church on each and every occasion. We were invited to join RCCG at their annual convention in Lagos, Nigeria. Last year the main meetings were attended by 5 million people on their 9 square kilometre church site.
Download Pastor Akpo’s slides.
Overall, the conference was marked by friendship and unity, and a renewed determination to continue and expand our shared ecumenical ministry.
You can read an alternative report on the CTE Autumn 2026 Enabling Group by Church of England representative Rebecca Boardman-Neilson. <link coming soon>