The Council for World Mission has announced plans to relocate its secretariat to Singapore.

Until now, the leadership of CWM has been based in London.

The historic decision was taken by CWM trustees meeting this week in Durban, South Africa.

It followed a lengthy and emotional debate that resulted in the production of a special statement withdrawing Johannesburg as a possible location.

CWM general secretary Rev Dr Collin Cowan said the decision would have "far-reaching" implications for the future of the CWM family.

“The decision to relocate to Singapore was arrived at through a commitment to discernment and a consensual decision-making process," he said.

“This decision is not to be interpreted as rejection of any other location that we considered, including the UK.

"Rather, it is to be seen as part of the dynamic involvement of God's spirit for the time.”

He added: “I am pleased with the outcome and I am looking forward to being part of a team that will serve CWM from a context that is geographically central to the CWM family.”

The resolution moved "to rescind the decision that the CWM secretariat shall remain in London" and proposed "that at this time in the life and work of CWM, the CWM secretariat shall be relocated to Singapore".

It was approved unanimously on the grounds that Singapore would be "strategically important" for CWM as it seeks to implement a strategy challenging injustice, inequality and giving a voice to the voiceless.

Dr Cowan said: “The decision to relocate the CWM secretariat to Singapore has far-reaching implications for the future of the family and especially for the staff. It is our prayer that the way forward will be full of hope and possibility for all of us.

“Our colleagues in Singapore are ready to receive us. Singapore is where CWM's model of partnership in mission was born in 1975 and there is a feeling that we are returning home."