London, United Kingdom | 22 September 2026 – Friends, colleagues, ecumenical partners, church leaders, and representatives of member churches gathered at Crossway United Reformed Church in London to celebrate the ministry and service of Revd. Dr Graham McGeoch, outgoing Mission Secretary for Discipleship, Spiritualities and Dialogue at the Council for World Mission (CWM).
The farewell luncheon, hosted by Janet Marie McConnell, CWM Mission Secretary for Social Justice and the Caribbean Region, invited people to give thanks for Dr McGeoch’s contribution to CWM’s global mission over the past three and a half years.
Opening the gathering with prayer, Revd. Nan Wyn Powell-Davies, General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church of Wales, expressed gratitude for Dr McGeoch’s faithful service, commitment to justice, and solidarity with communities experiencing marginalisation and oppression.
In her tribute, Janet McConnell highlighted Dr McGeoch’s significant role in advancing CWM’s vision of transformative discipleship, ecumenism, interfaith dialogue, theological education, and mission from the margins. She noted that his work consistently connected theological reflection with the realities faced by communities around the world, helping churches engage more deeply with issues of justice, peace, and life-flourishing communities.
“Graham’s contribution reflects an understanding of mission that is both deeply theological and profoundly engaged with the realities of the world,” McConnell said. “His leadership has strengthened relationships across the CWM family and the wider ecumenical movement.”
During the luncheon, friends and colleagues offered personal reflections, expressing appreciation for Dr McGeoch’s humility, humour, mentorship, commitment to young people, and willingness to build partnerships beyond traditional networks. Several speakers praised his advocacy for Palestinian voices, his encouragement of grassroots mission initiatives, and his ability to connect theological vision with practical action.
Messages of appreciation and congratulations were also received from church leaders and ecumenical partners who were unable to attend, including representatives from the United Reformed Church, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, the Congregational Federation, Fresh Expressions, and other partner organisations.
A special welcome was given to Dr Alison Ruth Gray, who will succeed Dr McGeoch as Mission Secretary for Discipleship, Spiritualities and Dialogue. Participants affirmed their commitment to continue supporting CWM’s ministry and mission through this leadership transition.
In his response, Dr McGeoch reflected on the relationships that had shaped his ministry during his time with CWM. He thanked churches, partners, colleagues, and friends for their support and collaboration, noting that mission is fundamentally about people journeying together in service of God’s transforming work in the world.
“Working in a mission organisation is not about an office or a programme,” he said. “It is about churches, communities, and people serving together. The partnerships and friendships formed during these years have been a tremendous gift.”
Dr McGeoch also expressed confidence in the future of the work, emphasising that CWM’s commitments to justice, discipleship, dialogue, and life-flourishing communities would continue through the leadership of Dr Alison Ruth Gray and the ongoing collaboration of member churches and partners around the globe.
The gathering concluded with a blessing offered by Revd. Dr Michael Jagessar, former CWM Mission Secretary, who prayed that Dr McGeoch would enter the next chapter of his journey with peace, joy, wisdom, and renewed purpose.
As participants shared fellowship and gratitude, the occasion celebrated not only the achievements of one individual but also the enduring strength of the relationships and shared mission that continue to unite the global CWM family.
About the Council for World Mission
The Council for World Mission (CWM) is a worldwide partnership of churches committed to sharing resources, mission, and prophetic witness for justice, peace, and the flourishing of life. Through global partnerships, theological reflection, and transformative mission, CWM works alongside communities seeking a more just and sustainable world.
Revd. Dr. Graham McGeoch (R), the outgoing Mission Secretary for Discipleship, Spiritualities, and Dialogue, was presented with a farewell gift from the Council for World Mission (CWM).
Revd. Dr Graham McGeoch speaking at his Farewell Luncheon.
Revd. Dr Michael Jagessar (R), former CWM Mission Secretary, offered a blessing for Graham McGeoch.
Janet Marie McConnell, CWM Mission Secretary for Social Justice and the Caribbean Region, hosted the the farewell luncheon for Graham McGeoch.
A special welcome was given to Dr Alison Ruth Gray, who will succeed Graham McGeoch as Mission Secretary for Discipleship, Spiritualities and Dialogue