News and Updates
| A Letter from CCA - 10/2/10 |
 A Letter from CCA No. 6/10 February 2010 | | | Only 64 days to 13th General Assembly!
"Called to Prophesy, Reconcile and Heal"
14-21 April 2010 Asia Sunday 2010
“Called to Prophesy, Reconcile and Heal”
16 May 2010 | Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
URGENT APPEAL!
The United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) urgently requests us to be in solidarity with the 43 Filipino health workers who were arrested and detained on Friday, February 6, 2010.
In the early morning (6 a.m.) of February 6, 2010, the 43 health workers including Dr. Alexis (Alex) Montes was illegally arrested and detained by the army and police. The Community Medical Foundation, Inc. (COMMED), where Dr. Alex Montes is currently employed, co-sponsored a First Responders Training for health workers in Morong, Rizal beginning February 1, 2010. Dr. Montes was assigned in conducting the training. Initial reports say that more than 300 military and police raided the retreat center at gunpoint. They arrested the 43 participants even before searching the premises. It is suspected that Dr. Alex and the others are being held Camp Capinpin, Samaploc, Tanay, Rizal, but access has been denied to lawyers, family, colleagues and pastors who have tried to visit them.
The military alleges that the training was actually on bomb-making. They claim to have found C4 explosives, a pistol, a revolver, three grenades, three Claymor mines and an improvised landmine. (Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 7, 2010) However, Dr. Melecia Velmonte who owns the retreat center where the training was being conducted asserted that the military had no witness to their search operations and would have easily planted the ammunitions. Dr. Velmonte also gave a lecture on infectious diseases at the training, but was not arrested with the other participants.
Dr. Alex Montes has been a long-time staff of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. From 1988-2003, Dr. Montes served as the Health Ministries Coordinator of the Christian Witness and Service program of the UCCP. He also served as Executive Secretary of Bishop Elmer Bolocon from 2001-2002. Dr. Montes has been instrumental in the development of UCCP hospitals, but his passion has always been providing health services to the underprivileged. He helped develop the community-based health programs of many of UCCP institutions. Immediately prior to his service with The Community Medical Foundation, Dr. Montes was developing community-based health programs of the UCCP Visayas Community Medical Center in Cebu City. He served as Assistant to the Administrator for Internal and External Programs and Projects from 2007 to 2009. He was at one time a member of the Commission on Faith, Witness and Service of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines.
CCA today wrote to the Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and to other government agencies for the immediate release of the 43 health workers.
“CCA believes that these health workers who are trying their best to be effective ‘Good Samaritans’, should be released from illegal detention and hand them over to the care of their families and loved ones. We reiterate the call of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) for the Philippine government to support non-government initiatives whose leaders and constituents, more often than not, represent the ideals of genuine community service and Christian selflessness.”
We have also sent out a letter of appeal to the member churches and councils urgently requesting solidarity and support to the 43 detained and to the Philippine churches. We call on all members, partners and colleagues to continue praying for our brothers and sisters in the Philippines. Remember as well those sharing the same concerns like Sri Lanka, Myanmar and others.
Assembly materials now available
Bible Study materials and assembly songs are now available from the CCA website at www.cca.org.hk
In preparation for the 13th CCA General Assembly, assembly delegates and guests are encouraged to access and use the materials for community or church reflection sessions. Feedbacks about the materials are welcome. Please send to cca@cca.org.hk
Dialogue and discussion on religions and the ecumenical movement
On February 5, ecumenical friends gathered at the CCA Office conference room for a dialogue and discussion with Rev. Dr. Shanta Premawardhana, director of the of the Inter-Religious Dialogue and Cooperation Program of the World Council of Churches.
Friends from Payap University’s McGilvary College of Divinity, Asian Muslim Action Network, Institute of Religion, Culture and Peace, and the Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism, together with the CCA executive staff discussed with Dr Premawardhana the challenges of religions to the ecumenical movement, especially in the context of Asia. How can religions thrive and exist in harmony with each other without being exclusivist? What is common among religions that will bring them together in a truly ecumenical movement in Asia?
It was affirmed that stories and methodologies of interreligious dialogue and cooperation need to be lifted up, especially those coming from the grassroots communities. The ecumenical movement has to go beyond working together with other faith communities to working with the grassroots people who share the same aspiration of fullness of life for all. Prawate Khid-arn
General Secretary |
posted by cbs on Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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| A Letter from CCA - 3/2/10 |
 A Letter from CCA No. 5/3 February 2010 | | | 71 days to...
13th CCA General Assembly
"Called to Prophesy, Reconcile and Heal"
14-21 April 2010 Asia Sunday 2010
“Called to Prophesy, Reconcile and Heal”
16 May 2010 | Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Seventy-one (71) more days and we will all come together in Kuala Lumpur.
Time is running so fast. Every Wednesday, we make it a point to update each other what is going on in each one’s area of assignment.
We are also contacting the Council of Churches in Malaysia (CCM) regularly for updates on the social-political situation in Malaysia, especially in relation with the tensions resulting from the use of the word “Allah” by different religious communities. This recently became an issue when the government prohibited non-Muslim communities from using the word "Allah" in their publications. We have been assured that this problem will not affect our plans for the Assembly in Kuala Lumpur.
The local preparations for both the pre-assemblies and the general assembly are moving forward smoothly. Every thing is in order.
All participants will be met at Kuala Lumpur International Airport upon arrival. The local staff will be at the “Arrival Hall” to welcome and lead participants to the transportation that will take everybody to the assembly venue, the Hotel Grand Seasons. We request you to send your flight (arrival and departure) details to Rev. Freddy de Alwis (freddy@cca.org.hk), staff in-charge for registration and accommodation.
Please reserve your round trip ticket now. April is still high season for tourism in Malaysia.
For voting delegates who will receive travel subsidy from CCA, kindly send your ticket cost quotation to Rev. Freddy de Alwis as soon as possible. For the non-voting delegates - invited speakers, guests, ecumenical representatives, media team members, ecumenical friends and other observers – we also request you to send us your flight (arrival and departure) details, and how many days of board and lodging you need. For further inquiries, please contact Rev. Freddy de Alwis immediately.
For your convenience, we are in contact with local authorities in arranging a special channel for customs formalities. We strongly encourage all participants requiring a visa for Malaysia to secure it in your home country soonest. We have already sent out invitation letters for visa purposes signed by Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri, General Secretary of CCM, our local host.
Resignation and Search for New General Secretary
Rev. Michael Wallace, General Secretary of the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF), based in Geneva, Switzerland, has been called back to Aotaeroa New Zeraland. He will serve as the priest of the All Saints on the campus of the University of Otago and to be chaplain to a university college (Selwyn College) in Dunedin.
The WSCF’s Executive Committee announced a timetable for the recruitment process for the new General Secretary:
o The applications will be received until 28th February 2010
o The short-listing will happen in March 2010
o An interview will take place in April 2010
o The appointment decision will be made by the Executive Committee in April 2010.
For more information on the job description and for application forms, please contact Ms. Monika Rawcliffe by e-mail: mra@wscf.ch Prawate Khid-arn
General Secretary |
posted by cbs on Friday, February 05, 2010
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| International church body asks gov't to take swift action |
MalaysiaKini: Jan 15, 10 8:06am The World Council of Churches has called on the Malaysian government to take immediate action to end attacks on churches sparked by a row on the use of the word 'Allah'. The WCC said in a letter to Malaysian churches: "we hope that immediate measures will be taken to resolve the problem and that all perpetrators of these acts of violence will be brought to justice." Eleven churches have been been fire-bombed or vandalised in the past week, after the High Court decided on Dec 31 to lift a government ban on non-Muslims using 'Allah' as a translation for 'God' in the Bahasa Malaysia section of a Catholic publication. Pointing out that Christians living in neighbouring Indonesia - the world's biggest Muslim-majority country - has been using the word 'Allah' for centuries, the WCC said it was "very disturbing to hear about this new controversy generated by a small sector of Muslims." "In fact, this action will only challenge tolerance and restrict religious freedom as well as negatively affecting the 'One Malaysia' policy commitment made by the government..." said the church group. Gov't accused of stoking Malay nationalism The Malaysian government has strongly criticised the attacks, but has been accused of stoking Malay nationalism so as to protect its voter base after the opposition made unprecedented gains in 2008 elections. After the latest attacks, Prime Minister Najib Razak said yesterday that probes were underway to bring the perpetrators to justice and that "several" suspects had been identified. The WCC brings together 349 Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican churches representing more then 560 million Christians in about 110 countries.
posted by cbs on Friday, January 15, 2010
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| URGENT! |
Dear Churches and Ecumenical Partners:
The year 2010 began with another catastrophe in human history. A 7.0 magnitude quake struck Haiti last Tuesday (January 12, 2010) shattering buildings and forever changing lives. While authorities still do not know the extent of the damage, it is estimated that 3 million people may be affected by Haiti’s worst earthquake in 200 years. One survivor reports there are thousands of people roaming the streets, looking for shelter.
Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 80 percent of its people living with less than day 2 US Dollars a day. Thus the humanitarian assistance needs are greater than ever before.
CCA has received information from ecumenical organizations, namely: Church World Service (CWS), Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), and the ACT Alliance, which are actively providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Haiti. Many of them are already in Haiti.
CCA encourages member churches, councils and ecumenical partners to extend support in any form and in whatever way to help the people of Haiti. They are really in desperate need.
This natural calamity reminds us again what we, in the global community, have the responsibility together in responding to the cries of the suffering people affected by grave disasters.
CCA urgently calls for immediate humanitarian assistance to the people affected, and for a systematic and sustainable remedy to the aftermath of the calamity. Please send your contribution/s directly to organizations which you deem convenient to work with.
I humbly appeal to member churches and councils, ecumenical partners and friends to remember the afflicted in your daily prayers.
May God continue to sustain and strengthen us in love and compassion as we uphold each other.
Prawate Khid-arn
General Secretary
posted by cbs on Friday, January 15, 2010
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| Announcement from NCC Bangladesh |
To
All Concerned,
Ecumenical Greetings from the National Council of Churches, Bangladesh [NCCB]!
We are pleased to inform you that by the Grace of the Lord we have successfully completed the 58th Annual General Meeting of the NCCB dated 31 October, 2009. Thank you for your prayer and cooperation with the Council.
The Councillors of NCCB had shared how to reflect the following contextual issues by 2009-2011:
1. Promoting Ecumenical relationship and initiatives between all Churches in Bangladesh
2. Building national network to reflect contemporary issues as communal violence, youth empowerment, climate change, women and indigenous people's rights, national food security system and HIV/AIDS prevention etc.
We have a new Executive Committee with Mr. Joyanta Adhikari as the President, including 15 Officers and Executive Members from our 11 Member Churches. Please thank God that this year the Bangladesh Christian Church and the Bawm Tribal Baptist Church had been accepted as Member of our movement. At present the number of our family membership is thirteen, including six others Associate Members.
We do need your prayer and support to activate the ministry of the Council and participate together with you towards our Ecumenical journey in Asia. We do pray to the Lord to maintain active cooperation and solidarity with you to reflect different contextual issues in Bangladesh.
Together with all who are weak and helpless!
Thank you,
Sincerely yours,
David A Das
General Secretary
posted by cbs on Monday, November 09, 2009
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| TSUEN WAN COMMUNIQUE |
International Consultation on
Peace, Reconciliation and Reunification of the Korean Peninsula:
Towards an Ecumenical Vision beyond the Tozanso Process TSUEN WAN COMMUNIQUE 1. One hundred and thirty-seven church leaders from across the world have today recommitted the ecumenical community to the goal of Peace, Reconciliation and Reunification of the Korean Peninsula. 2. Marking the 25th anniversary of the Consultation convened by the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches and by the Christian Conference of Asia held in Tozanso, Japan in 1984 - the first ecumenical gathering to take steps towards the peaceful reunification of the divided Korean peninsula - the World Council of Churches and the Christian Conference of Asia brought together church leaders and participants from the two Koreas and from across the world in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, 21-23 October 2009. The Tsuen Wan Consultation included presentations from the churches of North and South Korea, a keynote address from WCC general secretary Rev Dr Sam Kobia, an overview of developments over the past 25 years, input from political analysts, a joint celebration of the Eucharist led by North and South Korean church leaders, and engaged in worship, Bible study and prayers for God's guidance and inspiration towards the goal of peaceful reunification. 3. The healing and reconciling spirit of the Tozanso process was affirmed by participants throughout the Tsuen Wan Consultation. They recalled the 1989 WCC policy statement on "Peace and the Reunification of Korea". This statement commenced by referring to the WCC 1983 "Statement on Peace and Justice" and then went on: "The yearning for peace, justice and unity converges most poignantly and in a unique manner in the case of Korea. The Korean people have been divided by foreign forces, and remain divided by force and have been submitted to coercive systems of control which perpetuate this division and are justified by it. Opposing conceptions of justice have been created and systematized in Korea, where "security" imposes a continual state of confrontation. A so-called "peace" is maintained at the cost of the largest concentration of military force in the world." (1989 WCC Statement) 4. The Consultation recognised the many positive developments since Tozanso, including: - opportunities for visits by Christian leaders to North Korea and for North Korean Christian leaders to visit other countries, especially the opportunity for North and South Korean church leaders to meet and to gain in understanding and trusting each other;
- the governments of North and South Korea committing to a process towards reunification in the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration (2000), and in the October 4 Declaration (2007) which further spelt out the steps towards reunification;
- increasing contact between the people and the governments of North and South Korea through people to people exchanges, family reunions, tourist visits, the sharing of resources and economic cooperation;
- growing understanding and trust between North and South Korea.
5. However, in recent years difficulties have emerged which have challenged the process towards reunification. These difficulties include: - hostility towards the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on the part of other countries, especially from the USA and also from Japan, leading to even greater reliance on military power and military threats;
- the change of government in South Korea in February 2008 which brought a sharp change in outlook and policies towards North Korea;
- the cessation of tourism into the North and the downturn in economic co-operation.
6. Participants in the Tsuen Wan Consultation strongly affirmed that the gospel of Jesus Christ commits Christians to work against evil, injustice and suffering in all its forms, and to pray and work for God's justice, peace and unity in the world. The Korean people have suffered for too long from their forced division. They are one people, one culture, one nation, yet they remain divided. Justice demands that they be reunited in peace and in common commitment to one another. The rest of the world needs to step back from policies, prejudices and pressures which hinder the Korean people from moving forward in the process that will lead to their peaceful reunification and from shaping their future together. 7. In the spirit of the Tozanso Conference, and seeking to advance the principles and tasks declared at Tozanso, the Tsuen Wan Consultation offers the support of the ecumenical community for new steps towards reunification by: - North and South Korea fully implementing the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration and the October 4 Declaration;
- calling for the lifting of all sanctions against the DPRK under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874, while also noting that Resolution 1874 allows for assistance for humanitarian aid and for sustainable development;
- promoting the concept of "reunification as a process" which could involve progressive steps for peaceful co-existence, further economic co-operation, and inter-Korean confederation, leading to complete reunification;
- establishing immediate bilateral negotiations between the DPRK and the USA in order to reduce current tensions;
- calling for the normalizing of relations between the DPRK and Japan;
- urging the USA to withdraw its hostile policies towards the DPRK, and advocating for the cessation of all multinational military exercises in and around the Korean peninsula;
- encouraging the international community to allow space and time for direct negotiations between North and South Korea towards a lessening of tensions between them and towards peace, reconciliation and reunification;
- supporting the WCC's statements and initiatives towards a world free of all nuclear weapons;
- encouraging the Christians of North and South Korea to celebrate a turning point in their endeavours for peace and reunification at the 10th WCC Assembly in Busan, Korea, in 2013.
8. It is the fervent hope and prayer of all participants at the Tsuen Wan Consultation that the divided people of Korea will be reunited soon. We long for the day when the people of the Korean peninsula, together with the rest of the world, can join together in thanksgiving and joy to celebrate that they are again one people and one nation. "In the name of Christ Jesus, our peace, in whom we are made one, who has broken down the wall of hostility, creating in himself one new people, reconciling all people to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end…" (from Ephesians 2:13-16). Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
23 October 2009.
posted by cbs on Monday, October 26, 2009
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| CCA calls for support for people displaced by continuing violence in Pakistan |
12 October 2009 Mr. Victor Azariah
General Secretary
National Council of Churches in Pakistan
P.O. Box 357
Lahore 54000, Pakistan Dear Mr. Azariah: In the just-concluded Meeting of the General Committee of the Christian Conference of Asia, concerns have been raised on the continuing violence in Pakistan. In August, CCA received information on the killing of Christians in Central Punjab Province. The Christians who have been killed and the families whose houses have been burned based on false accusation of desecrating the Quran; with the perpetrators using the Blasphemy Laws against the Christian community is a high price that Pakistani Christians continue to pay in the name of the so-called blasphemy. The killings and burning of places of worship have continued and the Christians continue to suffer the brutality and displacement resulting from the violence in the northern region of Pakistan. Recent spate of violence have again rendered Pakistanis victims in other cities, including Lahore, Shanti Nagar, Sangla Hill, Gojra and Sialkal, while the Pakistan Government claims it is finally defeating the Taliban forces in the Swat Valley. Sporadic violence in the meantime has spread to different parts of the country in Punjab, Sind, Peshawar and Baluchistan. The churches in Pakistan continue to respond in appropriate ways to the population rendered victims by the on-going violence. The churches in Pakistan call on Asian churches through the CCA to support the call of the World Council of Churches for the Government of President Asif Ali Zardari to take necessary action to bring the perpetrators of such violence to justice and to ensure the safety and security of the civilian population at all times. CCA continues to call on member churches and Councils to offer practical support for the humanitarian needs of the population displaced by the continuing violence. Solidarity support and prayers are also offered to the families of the victims and the churches in Pakistan. This letter was passed by the CCA General Committee at its meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on 1st October 2009. Yours faithfully,
PRAWATE KHID-ARN
General Secretary
cc:
Members, CCA General Committee
Member Churches and NCCs
posted by cbs on Wednesday, October 14, 2009
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| CCA prays for peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka |
12 October 2009
The Rev. Dr. Jayasiri Peiris
General Secretary
National Christian Council of Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Dear Dr. Peiris: At the just-concluded meeting of the General Committee of the Christian Conference of Asia, in which you are in attendance, concerns were raised about the situation of Mr. Santha Fernando's continuing detention and the political situation in Sri Lanka. You have informed the General Committee of continuing efforts to minister to the needs of Mr. Fernando and the work for his release. The NCCSL is also engaged in responding to the relief and rehabilitation work going on those who have been internally displaced in the aftermath of the long war that has raged in Sri Lanka. CCA and its member churches and Councils remain committed to the protection of the rights of the Tamil minority and the final settlement of the conflict, including full rehabilitation of the victims. Members of the CCA General Committee have offered their prayers and support for the continuing work of peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka through the NCCSL and member churches. Yours faithfully, PRAWATE KHID-ARN
General Secretary cc:
Members, CCA General Committee
Member Churches and NCCs
posted by cbs on Wednesday, October 14, 2009
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| CCA Letter to UNFCC, Bangkok |
September 30, 2009 Mr. Yvo de Boer
Executive Secretary
UN Framework and Convention on Climate Change Dear Mr. de Boer, Greetings from the General Committee of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), a regional organisation of churches representing 5 million Christians in more than 20 countries. CCA is happy to present the attached Statement on Climate Change as our contribution to the on-going two-week consultations in Bangkok. The CCA General Committee, meets in Bangkok at the same time that representatives of governments, at least 20 United Nations agencies and hundreds of non-governmental and civil society and activist observers gathered for a two week consultation to agree on negotiated terms for tackling climate change beyond 2010 ahead of the UN Climate Conference to be held in Copenhagen in December 2009. The issue of climate change and consequently global warming and its effects on our planet are urgent concerns that need the attention of the leaders and common people alike, world-wide. In Asia we are constant victims of the severe consequences of climate change and global warming – massive flooding in the Philippines from heavy rains brought about by typhoons, the most recent of which is the devastating effect of the Ketsana (Ondoy) typhoon; flash floods in Taiwan and China, the floods caused by the Nargis cyclone in Myanmar, the perennial floods in Bangladesh and other parts of Asia, as well as the tsunami which hit Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka in 2004. At this meeting, we were also informed of the earthquake that hit Indonesia and the tsunami that devastated American Samoa. Increased droughts or the El Nino phenomenon is also a constant threat in many parts of Asia affecting water tables and food production. The changing climate has also had a negative effect on natural flora and fauna in Asia. Human greed, the obsession for profits and indifference to nature have led to the abuse and mismanagement of the environment and its natural resources. It is our hope that you as world leaders will commit to address the root of these problems – cut down carbon emissions, prioritize afforestation and limit commercial logging, develop renewable and clean energy sources, promote sustainable life that will help mitigate the negative impact of these ecological issues on populations and communities worldwide. The CCA and its member churches and Councils in Asia are committed to the global campaign on climate change as a matter of faith. Yours sincerely, PRAWATE KHID-ARN
General Secretary
posted by cbs on Wednesday, October 07, 2009
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| CCA Statement on Climate Change |
ASIA AND THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE The occurrence of natural disasters around the world in the last few decades has caused significant human and economic losses with worsening trends quantitatively and qualitatively. In 2008, there were 354 natural disasters that killed 235,000 people and affected 214 million people with economic costs reaching over 100 billion US$. Despite the lesser number of disasters in 2008 compare to the yearly average number of disasters for the period 2000-2007, which is 397 with 66,813 people killed, the death toll in 2008 was three times higher and the economic cost is more than twice the 82 billion US$ annual average for 2000-2007. Another tsunami and an earthquake on September 30, 2009 brought new concerns and challenges. Asia is the world's most disaster prone region with the largest population in which all kind of natural disasters occur. Statistically, hydro-meteorological hazards contributed higher number of disasters compared to geophysical hazards. The disastrous impacts of floods, long droughts, storms, cyclones as well as other weather-climate extremes are predominant. This condition is strongly influenced by the exaggerated demands of energy consumption within the region. On current trends, energy related emission of carbon-dioxide9(CO2) and other green house gases will raise inexorably, pushing up the average global temperature by as much as 6OC in the long term. According to Chevron, the world consumes two barrels of oil for every barrel discovered and it took 125 years to consume the first trillion barrels of oil – the world will consume the next trillion in only 30 years. By 2030 the world will consume 47% more oil than it did in 2003. Geophysical disasters require serious attention and efforts in disaster risk reduction as they have a devastating impact on human life, economy, and nature; an example of which is the tsunami disaster that struck Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and Indonesia in 2004. In Indonesia, the 2004 tsunami killed more than 165 thousand people and economically has created losses in excess of 4 billion US$ as well as a loss of private sector property valued at more than 3 billion US$. This disaster has raised government awareness across the region to change their policy orientations from disaster response strategies to disaster risk reduction management. Furthermore, it has even lead some countries to ratify the Hyogo Framework of Actions (2005-2015) that aims at substantial reduction of disaster losses, in both human lives as well as the social, economic and environmental assets of communities and countries. Meanwhile, there are massive efforts in local, national, and international levels to reduce disaster risks by a systematical integration of policies, plans and programs for sustainable development and poverty reduction. It has been internationally acknowledged through several international platforms such as the Yokohama Strategy 1994 and the current operating frameworks known as the Hyogo Frameworks of Actions (2005 – 2015) that reducing risk of disasters requires immediate and urgent action. A paradigm shift from response to risk reductions has been widely introduced in many countries. The role of civil society organizations and churches in facilitating this change is vitally important. The World Council of Churches has been working on climate change since 1990. Meanwhile, the Christian Conference of Asia have been showing a strong commitment and concern in fostering the Earth as our habitat which God has entrusted us in caring for and protecting from the beginning of creation. "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof" (Psalm 24:1) is a scriptural call for environmental stewardship. Scripture clearly states that God created, blessed, protected and made a covenant with nature and all the species in it. As stewards of God's creation, we are likewise called to answer this duty, therefore maintaining the ecological integrity of our biosphere, which for Churches has indeed both a spiritual and ethical dimension. However, there is still a gap between policies and actual actions to incorporate Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction ( DRR ) in the Asian Region. The urgency of the threat of climate change requires our generation to take immediate action and go beyond simple declarations and statements. New alternative models of life are called for. Meanwhile, it is also important to have an effective mechanism of action frameworks of the DRR and Climate Change Adaptation incorporated by Churches in Asia.
Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015: I S D R International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (www.unisdr.org/wcdr) *Extract from the final report of the World Conference on Disaster Reduction (A/CONF.206/6)
posted by cbs on Wednesday, October 07, 2009
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