The World is Not My Parish: Toward a Post-Coloniala View of Christian Witness

One of John Wesley’s famous quotes, “The world is my parish” is often used to support international missions in Methodism. However, the original intent of the quote was a way for Wesley to justify his irregular practices of preaching in local parishes where he was not the priest in charge. Drawing on research in Post-Colonial studies in theology and biblical studies, the paper provides a critique of Wesley’s view of mission. It also provides the following avenues of Christian practice toward a Post-Colonial form of Christian witness: Re-membering Christ’s body, table fellowship (hospitality), ecumenical engagement, and storytelling.