We began the day in worship, talking about justice. We sang a wonderful
song - "Until all are fed."
Our Bible studies looked at a story of injustice in the Bible - Naboth's land being taken by Ahab. It was not hard for us to think, in our small
group, of examples of this from our own contexts - land being taken
from people for mineral and oil development in Nigeria and Canada, farm
land being taken from Palestinians, difficulties with finding affordable
housing in the UK, Sweden and Korea. How can the church be more like
Elijah? How can we speak out against these injustices? How can we stand
with those who are having their land taken away?
The Justice Plenary looked more deeply at some of the injustices facing us today, and what the church should be doing about them. Martin Kohr talked about the world financial crisis, unfair trade rules, and climate change. Dr. Julia Duchrow told us that churches must work with civil society organizations to ensure that human rights are respected by governments and multi-national corporations. Bishop Iosif of Patrara reminded us of the basis of our faith: we are to love God, and to love our neighbours. Rev. Phumzile Mabizela said that justice should be at the core of our church. She identified that the church has often silenced voices - an affront to those peoples' dignity - and that the church has used sacred texts to justify gender injustice. She said that the gospel must be re-interpreted for people like her - a village woman living with HIV.
All panelists said that Christians must pray and act for a more just world. Rev. Mabizela challenged us to leave our comfort zones: "Stress those who are comfortable, and comfort those in distress."
The Presbyterian Church in Korea hosted its partners for a lovely lunch. Was interesting to meet Presbyterians from all over the world, and the food was delicious :).
During a business plenary session, we succeeded in electing a new central committee that will guide the work of the WCC until the next assembly. We also adopted statements on the human rights of stateless people and on the politicisation of religion and rights of religious minorities.
Before we discussed a statement on peace and reunification of the Korean Peninsula, the WCC General Secretary read greetings from the churches in North Korea. This is the first time in some years that North Korean churches have not been at a WCC Assembly. They expressed their support for the WCC, and for the peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula.
The day ended with fun and fellowship as Canadian delegates from all churches gathered together. Much laughter over the menu (pizza = a "non-runny, ready-to-eat dish with heterogeneous ingredients") and much sharing about our experiences at the assembly and about our churches back in Canada.
Our Bible studies looked at a story of injustice in the Bible - Naboth's land being taken by Ahab. It was not hard for us to think, in our small
group, of examples of this from our own contexts - land being taken
from people for mineral and oil development in Nigeria and Canada, farm
land being taken from Palestinians, difficulties with finding affordable
housing in the UK, Sweden and Korea. How can the church be more like
Elijah? How can we speak out against these injustices? How can we stand
with those who are having their land taken away?The Justice Plenary looked more deeply at some of the injustices facing us today, and what the church should be doing about them. Martin Kohr talked about the world financial crisis, unfair trade rules, and climate change. Dr. Julia Duchrow told us that churches must work with civil society organizations to ensure that human rights are respected by governments and multi-national corporations. Bishop Iosif of Patrara reminded us of the basis of our faith: we are to love God, and to love our neighbours. Rev. Phumzile Mabizela said that justice should be at the core of our church. She identified that the church has often silenced voices - an affront to those peoples' dignity - and that the church has used sacred texts to justify gender injustice. She said that the gospel must be re-interpreted for people like her - a village woman living with HIV.
All panelists said that Christians must pray and act for a more just world. Rev. Mabizela challenged us to leave our comfort zones: "Stress those who are comfortable, and comfort those in distress."
The Presbyterian Church in Korea hosted its partners for a lovely lunch. Was interesting to meet Presbyterians from all over the world, and the food was delicious :).
 |
| Canadian fellowship at the end of the day |
Before we discussed a statement on peace and reunification of the Korean Peninsula, the WCC General Secretary read greetings from the churches in North Korea. This is the first time in some years that North Korean churches have not been at a WCC Assembly. They expressed their support for the WCC, and for the peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula.
The day ended with fun and fellowship as Canadian delegates from all churches gathered together. Much laughter over the menu (pizza = a "non-runny, ready-to-eat dish with heterogeneous ingredients") and much sharing about our experiences at the assembly and about our churches back in Canada.
How long will we sing? How long will we pray?
How long will we write and send?
How long will we bring? How long will we stay?
How long will we make amends?
Until all are fed, we cry out. Until all on earth have bread.
Like the one who loves us, each and every one
We serve until all are fed.
- T. Brown and B. McFarland
- T. Brown and B. McFarland
No comments:
Post a Comment