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To CCA Member Churches and Council in the Philippines
22 December 2012
To CCA Member Churches and Council in the Philippines
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
It is with so much pain and sadness that we remember you all at this difficult time in your country. Indeed we are overwhelmed by the magnitude of the disaster and how within days villages, cities and communities get wiped out and many people lost their lives and properties. On our knees we offered prayers of supplications and solidarity for the Filipino people, especially for those who lost their families and friends and were badly affected by the destruction caused by typhoon Washi.
We are moved to hear from the Rev. Fr. Rex Reyes Jr., the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, that the churches in the Philippines began its relief operation in Northern Mindanao. In his letter last night, December 21, he said, “as of today, Php 0.5M has been released through three lead church-based NCCP partners in the region. The NCCP Program Secretary in charge of our relief operation will travel to Mindanao shortly to help set-up the mechanism and to get the comprehensive assessment of our partners. We have chosen as targets the most vulnerable areas in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities pending the fuller report. By most vulnerable, we mean those communities which are remotest from the economic centers and will most likely have the most difficult process for recovery. This means mostly the farmers, indigenous peoples and other marginalized sectors. The NCCP will also gird for the long-term rehabilitation in so far as it is capable of generating support.”
As a token of solidarity CCA shares a small amount to help with the relief work of NCC Philippines, accompanied by continued prayers for energy and joy for those kind helping hands in the service.
My dear sisters and brothers, CCA member churches and councils and ecumenical partners, let us uphold the churches and people in the Philippines in our prayers. You may want to send your letters of solidarity and support to the Philippines through the General Sectretary of the NCCP, Rev. Reyes in this email address: "Rex R.B. Reyes Jr."
May I take this opportunity to appeal to all CCA member churches and councils to support and donate to the CCA Emergency Fund. This fund is intended to respond in the quickest way to emergency needs that may arise. This is also our way of expressing our Unity in Christ as we show solidarity and care for each other in times of calamities. You can send your support to CCA account with the following details:
Hang Seng Bank
Hankow Road Branch
4 Hankow Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Account number: 295-4-709594 (Multi Currencies A/C)
Swift Code: HASEHKHH
If you need further information please do not hesitate to contact us.
As we celebrate Christmas let us pray that the light of Christ will overcome the dark experiences of many people especially our sisters and brothers in north Mindanao. May the peace of God, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep their hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.
With love and prayers,
Henriette Hutabarat Lebang
General Secretary
cc. CCA Member Churches and Councils
Officers, Members of General Committee and Program Area Committees
Ecumenical Partners
posted by cbs on Friday, December 23, 2011
ALERT: Typhoon Washi in the Philippines
December 20, 2011
1. Brief description of the emergency
On December 15, 2011, Typhoon Washi (local code name Typhoon Sendong) with the strength range of 55 to 65 kph and gustiness of up to 80 kph entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility and affected many areas in Northeastern Mindanao and Eastern Visayas. In the three days that Typhoon Washi stayed in the country, it affected thirteen provinces in the seven Regions (Regions VI, VII, IX, X, XII, CARAGA and ARMM) in Southern Philippines as it lashed out strong wind and heavy rains that caused flash floods, landslides and massive flooding.
Typhoon Washi moved out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility on December 18 but left behind severe devastation on hundreds of lives, property and livelihood to hundreds thousands population.
2. Impact
Typhoon Sendong (international code name: Washi) washed away entire villages as it whipped the southern part of the Philippines in the early hours of Saturday, December 17. In its aftermath, Typhoon Sendong left a trail of flattened homes, broken bridges and upended vehicles in the Northern Mindanao Region. The cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan on the island of Mindanao were worst hit when typhoon hit shore late on Friday and early on Saturday, sending torrents of water and mud through villages and stripping mountainsides bare.
Massive flooding that rose as high as 3 meters affected many barangays in the provinces of Capiz and Negros Oriental in the Visayas and the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Oriental in Mindanao. The serious flooding forced thousands of families to flee to safer grounds in public elementary schools that served as evacuation centers. As of 6am of December 20, 9,742 families or 42, 733 persons are still staying in 62 evacuation centers.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), typhoon Sendong affected a total of number of 63,079 families or 338,415 persons in 259 barangays, in 30 municipalities and 8 cities in the 13 provinces of Region VI, Region VII, Region IX, Region X, Region XI, CARAGA and the ARMM. Death toll mainly caused by flashfloods and landslides which swept away houses into rivers and out to sea induced by Typhoon Sendong has reached 957, mostly were women and children; 1,582 persons were injured; 432 persons were rescued while 800 more persons still missing. As retrieval operations are still going on, thousands of families are still staying in evacuation as their houses were destroyed and swept away by flash floods.
The NDRRMC also reported that a total of 6,917 houses were damaged (with 3,127 totally damaged and 7,218 partially destroyed). On the other hand, 14 school buildings in the CARAGA Region and Region X were partially destroyed as these structures were mostly submerged to more than 5 ft flood water. Initial cost of damage to agriculture as Typhoon Washi destroyed rice and corn crops, livestock and fisheries in the CARAGA region and Region V was estimated at Php1,936,415.
Some villages were rendered “no man’s land” as whole communities were totally wiped out.
3. National and International response
The NDRRMC said that it activated its Operation Center in December 15, 2011 and went on a “blue alert” status to monitor the situation and provide necessary action. In December 16, the response was on “Red Alert” status and instructed respective member agencies to prepositioned respective resources such as supplies, equipment and manpower to the new disaster situation. All departments and agencies that comprise the NDRRMC such as the Department of Education, the PAGASA, DSWD, DILG, DOH, AFP, Coast Guard and others were likewise instructed to render their respective responses to the situation.
The Department of Health through its Health Emergency Management Services (HEMS) prepared assorted drugs, medicines and cadaver bags while the DOH Region X sent Rapid Health Assessment Team to the flooded areas and prepared P50,000 worth of drugs and medicines to the affected areas. The Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) on the other hand has pre-positioned Php15.21M Standby Funds and Php57.28 M worth of relief supplies in all DSWD-Focal offices while the Department of Public Work and Highways helped in expediting clearing operations in areas affected by landslides utilizing heavy equipment and private contractors.
As of this writing, the national government has set aside PhP1.3 B in calamity fund to help ease the plight of the typhoon victims while other local government unit officials allocated financial assistance to the affected areas. Meanwhile, the governments of US, China and other international donors have pledged support to the Philippine government.
4. ACT Alliance response
NCCP member churches and partner organizations in the affected regions have sent their initial damage, needs and capacities assessment reports. The NCCP has released initial fund from its reserve fund to the Diocese of MOBUCA of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente for initial emergency assistance because IFI-MOBUCA has opened their churches, chapels and facilities to families affected by the typhoon. There is urgent need for food, medicine, potable water, clothing, sleeping paraphernalia and temporary shelter. Psycho-social assistance is also badly needed for traumatized individuals especially women and children.
For immediate response, NCCP has issued appeals for donations to its member churches, friends and benefactors and has open its main building and members’ offices for relief goods. NCCP plans to issue an appeal that would ask support for humanitarian assistance including food, non-food items, hygiene kits and medicines. Assistance for rebuilding and rehabilitation will also be needed and will later be identified when situation will be normalized. Coordination with Lutheran World Relief-Philippines has been initiated. NCCP Staff are set to assist NCCP member churches in the affected areas in conducting damage and needs assessment.
posted by cbs on Friday, December 23, 2011
CCA e-Letter - 16/12/11
 | CCA e-Letter 16 December 2011 | |
Dear Ecumenical Friends and Colleagues -
Warm advent greetings to you.
Advent is a time to reflect again and again on our readiness to welcome the baby Jesus of Bethlehem, and our commitment to follow his steps in whatever situation we are in our life and ministry. The response of the righteous in Matthew 25:37-39, may guide our meditation as we ponder on our life this year:
"Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing?" Jesus, the king answered firmly: "Truly, I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."
We are constantly reminded of the church's missionary call amidst enormous challenges for peace and justice to reign in our fragmented world today, where many are suffering in Asia and around the world - those whom Jesus called as "members of my family."
NCCP Convention
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines held its 23th General Convention on 21-24 November 2011, in Batac, Ilocos Norte, the Philippines. Hosted by the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Philippine Independent Church), it was held with the theme, "Holding High the Tapestry of Justice and Peace in a Broken World."
Retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno presented the Bishop La Verne D. Mercado Memorial Lecture entitled "Social Justice in the Philippines: Facts and Law" , tracing the historical developments undergone by the Philippine Constitution of 1935 and 1987, and highlighting the critique of the impact of laws on the marginalized and vulnerable sectors in Philippine society.
Mr. Carlos Ocampo, CCA Executive Secretary for Justice, International Affairs, Development and Service (JID), delivered the distinguished Gumersindo Garcia Memorial Lecture at the 23rd General Convention of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP). Ocampo traced the historical journey of Filipinos in their struggle for justice with the theme, "To hunger and struggle for justice – a continuing journey with the Filipino people".
One of highlights of the convention was the adoption of the Policy on HIV and AIDS, in which CCA helped support the drafting process with the competent assistance of CCA Consultant for HIV and AIDs Program, Dr. Erlinda Senturias.
WCC Members Meeting
The World Council of Churches (WCC) held a meeting of its member churches in Bali, Indonesia, on 11-14 November 2011, where I was invited to attend as General Secretary of CCA. Twenty-eight (28) out of 31 CCA member church in Indonesia are WCC members. The meeting was co-organized by the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) and hosted by the Bali Christian Protestant Church. The opening celebration was held in the middle of the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Bali Church in the village of Blimbingsari.
In the light of our efforts to strengthen the ecumenical family collaboration is crucial. In a final statement produced at the end of the meeting, the churches proclaimed: "We renew our determination to return to the common commitment in the ecumenical movement as a form of reflection of church faith, to optimize the church response towards the problems being faced by the world today." The statement went on to say: "In relation to this we are determined to support programmes and services of the ecumenical bodies, global, regional and national (WCC, CCA, PGI), as ecumenical institutions which we ourselves helped shape."
Guests from World Vision Asia Pacific and visit to Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN)
CCA very much appreciated the visit of Mr. Ajit Hazra, Director of Christian Commitment of the World Vision Asia Pacific together with two other staff, Mr. Haryati Khristianto who is in-charge of church partnership and interfaith engagement, and Mr. David Fitzstevens who is in charge of HIV and AIDS concerns, to the CCA office on 29 November 2011. The visit was an opportunity to know each other and to explore possible collaboration in addressing common concerns especially in Asia.
Together with guests from World Vision Asia Pacific, the General Secretary visited the Christian Broadcasting Network Siam under the leadership of Ms. Karen Thomson. It was an opportunity to learn about CBN in Thailand and to explore possibilities for collaboration especially around the concern on the role of media and child protection.
CCA Participates in WCC Ecumenical Solidarity Visits and Human Rights Consultation
Dr. Natalie Lin, CCA Executive Committee member from Taiwan and Ms. Janejinda Pawadee of CCA-JID represented CCA to the WCC Program on Ecumenical Solidarity Visits to Bangladesh and Nepal, in which a Consultation on Human Rights of Stateless People will follow, on December 12 – 18, 2011. Some church leaders from CCA member churches were also invited directly by WCC - Commission of the Churches on International Affairs to participate in this program.
The objectives of the Program included: to express solidarity with the churches and communities in both countries; to learn about the situation of Stateless people based in Bangladesh and Nepal; to empower local churches to engage in solidarity, advocacy and ministry to and with stateless people; to identify priorities and advocacy strategies; to assess the human rights situation of stateless people living in Nepal and Bangladesh, and to bring to the attention of international circles – Human Rights Council, UN High Commission for Refugees, etc. – the deplorable condition in which stateless people live, and urge the international community to collaborate to find lasting solutions for stateless people in these countries; and to influence policy at the global, regional and national levels by projecting a Christian perspective rooted in ethical responses.
Christmas Sharing
The CCA staff on behalf of CCA members joined the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT) in preparing Christmas packages for the flood victims in Thailand who still suffer as flood waters inundate their places to this day. Using the remaining amount available from the CCA Emergency Fund, this is our small way to express care and love to our neighbors terribly affected by the prolonged floods.
Staff Movement
CCA is undergoing a time of change and transition. Some CCA staff has completed their terms of service this year 2011.
On behalf of the CCA member churches and councils, let me take this opportunity to express CCA's heartfelt appreciation to the staff who have contributed to the ministry of CCA in the past years:
• Rev. Dr. Rienzie Perera, Associate General Secretary for Finance and Relationships (March)
• Rev. Freddy de Alwis, Joint Executive Secretary - JID (July)
• Dr. Hope Antone, Joint Executive Secretary - Faith, Mission and Unity (September)
• Ms. Moumita Biswas, Joint Executive Secretary for Ecumenical Formation, Gender Justice and Youth Empowerment (EGY) (November)
• Rev. Dr. Sung Kook Park, Joint Executive Secretary for Faith, Mission and Unity (December)
• Dr. Liza Lamis, Consultant for Communications (December)
• Dr. Erlinda Senturias, Consultant for HIV and AIDS Program (December)
May God faithfully bless them in their life journey. In January 2012 we will welcome a new staff team.
May I take this opportunity to thank all CCA member churches and councils, officers and members of General Committee and Program Area Committees, Ecumenical Partners and friends in Asia and around the world who supported the ministry of CCA in 2011. CCA is looking forward to your continued prayers and support for its ministry in the coming years.
Merry Christmas and have a blessed New Year 2012!
Henriette Hutabarat Lebang
General Secretary
NEWS UPDATES
CCA accompanying churches in peace and human rights advocacy
The last quarter of the year saw the Christian Conference of Asia engaged in supporting its member churches and Councils in advocacy work in peace, (human) security, and human rights advocacy.
Consultation on Asian Realities in Bangkok
In collaboration with the World Council of Churches, CCA held a Consultation on Asian Realities in Bangkok to consult and resource its constituency in engaging in human rights and democratic governance, migration and migrant rights, internal displacement, peace building and conflict resolution, and the exercise of religious freedom.
An analysis of the geopolitical realities in Asia was presented by Dr. Michael Vatikiotis, a visiting fellow with the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, in "The Geopolitical Realities in Asia" in a keynote presentation. Other theme presenters were Basil Fernando (AHRC), Carmencita Karagdag (Peace for Life), Carlos Ocampo (CCA-JID), Matthews Chunakara (WCC-CCIA), and Yin Yin Mau and Shwe Lin (Myanmar Council of Churches). Bible studies were led by Dr. Roger Gaikwad (NCC India) and Dr. Joseph Komar Peter (STM Malaysia).
An exposure visit to refugee camps in Mae Sot by a group of seven (7) church representatives preceded the Consultation and was helpful in setting the tone and in providing the context of ecumenical work in the Mekong region.
CCA Delegation to Jeju island, South Korea
On the invitation of the National Council of Churches in Korea, CCA organized an advocacy visit to support the Korean churches' opposition to the construction of another US navy base in Jeju Island. The Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad, NCC India General Secretary, and the Rev. Alistair Macrae, Uniting Church in Australia President were accompanied by CCA's Carlos Ocampo left for Seoul on 7th August 2011 for briefings and then to the Kangjeong Village in Jeju Island where they visited the site of the proposed navy base, worshipped with the community, and attended a candlelight vigil, all expressions of the growing people's opposition to the naval base.
The CCA delegation was accompanied by representatives from NCCK, PROK, PCK and the Korean Methodist Church to Jeju Island on 9th and 10th August. Back in Seoul on 11th August, NCCK hosted a press conference where the delegation presented a CCA Statement supporting the Korean churches' opposition to the navy base.
Third International Conference on Article 9 and Peace in Asia
On 5th to 7th October, the third "International Conference on Article 9 and Peace in Asia" was held at the Christian Institute in Naha, Okinawa in Japan, hosted by the NCC Japan. More than 220 people joined exposure groups and participated in the Conference. They heard stories of suffering from loss of dignity, native culture and traditional livelihood resulting from the presence of US bases in Okinawa. A peace march was organized through the main streets of Naha, and a press conference was held at St. Barnabas Anglican Church in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, where a panel composed of Cory Bently, Jonathan Frerichs, Takao Takeda, Junaid Ahmad, Jeong Jin Woo and Carlos Ocampo met with the media and reported insights from the Article 9 Conference.
General Assembly of the Korean Christian Church in Japan
From Okinawa, CCA's Carlos Ocampo went to Fukuoka, Japan to represent CCA in the 51st General Assembly of the Korean Christian Church in Japan on 10-12 October 2011. He gave greetings from CCA and shared reflections from the 3rd Article 9 Conference and met with Korean church leaders in Japan and their American counterparts.
CCA Human Rights Advocacy Training Course
The Christian Guesthouse in Bangkok was the venue for a CCA Human Rights Advocacy Training Course from 17-21st October 2011 attended by eleven (11) trainees nominated by churches in Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The training program introduced the trainees to the UN system in dealing with human rights advocacy, country human rights situations, biblical reflections and practical advocacy experience by resource persons including – Wong Kai Shing (Asian Human Rights Commission), Rev. Revelation Velunta (Philippine Union Theological Seminary ), Debbie Stothard and Anelyn de Luna (ALTSEAN), and CCA's Carlos Ocampo.
The training took place in the midst of the flooding in Bangkok but the training nevertheless inspired the trainees who were coming from situations of conflict and provided opportunities for networking and lessons in advocacy.
North American AGAPE Poverty, Wealth and Ecology Consultation
As a member of the WCC Reference Group on AGAPE Poverty, Wealth and Ecology Program, Carlos Ocampo represented CCA in the North American Consultation on Poverty, Wealth and Ecology, held in Calgary in Canada's Alberta Province. More than 60 church leaders, theologians and social activists gathered at the FCJ Retreat Center on 6-11th November.
The Consultation had hearings on contextual theology, indigenous people, the industrial sector mainly the oil industry, and a study on poverty in North America given by resource persons including Dr. Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty (US Bellarmine University), Dr. John Dillon (Kairos Canada); while the planning committee for the Consultation was led by Joy Kennedy of the United Church of Canada, and Dr. Rogate Mshana and Athena Peralta from the WCC AGAPE Program.
United Church of Canada General Council Executive Meeting
Immediately after the PWE Consultation, Carlos Ocampo went to Toronto, Canada to be at the United Church of Canada General Council Executive Meeting on 12-14th November as a corresponding member. A major decision was taken for the UCC Offices to stay in Toronto after a long period of consultation and looking at alternative locations.
Other major agenda items in the meeting include the UCC Moderator's accountability report, the General Secretary's supervision, nomination of UCC representatives to the 2013 WCC Assembly in Busan, South Korea, and other committees within and outside the UCC, and strengthening the ministry to the Francophone constituency.
In one of the sessions, Carlos Ocampo did a power point presentation on the emerging geopolitical trends in Asia and CCA's role in resourcing and accompanying the Asian churches in conflict situations and invited the churches in Canada's support and solidarity.
Gumersindo Garcia Memorial Lecture in the Philippines
Representing CCA at the 23rd General Convention of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines along with Dr. Henriette Hutabarat-Lebang, Carlos Ocampo was also invited to present the Gumersindo Garcia Memorial Lecture, a public event in every NCCP convention, where he made a presentation, "To Hunger and Struggle for Justice – a Continuing Journey with the Filipino People". The Convention elected a new set of officers for 2012-2015 and gave the Rev. Rex Reyes of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines another 4-year term.
The last quarter of 2011 activities were preceded by a Planning Meeting of the Program Area Committee for Justice, International Affairs, Development and Service in efforts to plan and implement the Assembly program mandates given at the 2010 Assembly in Kuala Lumpur. Present were eight (8) members of JID PAC and two (2) church representatives. Program priorities were identified, focusing on the training for peace and human rights advocates along with supporting and strengthening the member churches' advocacy on ecological justice and migrant workers rights. It was a very participatory and engaging planning process.
Carlos Ocampo
Joint Executive Secretary - JID
Ecumenical Enablers' Training
Kampuchea Christian Council
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
1-5 December 2011
A third batch of 35 pastors, lay, youth and women leaders from member churches of the Kampuchea Christian Council attended the Ecumenical Enablers' Training program organized by CCA-FMU on 1-5 December 2011 at Calvary Church in Phnom Penh. This non-formal Ecumenical Theological Education program seeks to address the needs of new and younger members of CCA, especially where there is a lack of ecumenical theological education, where many pastors are self-made or trained non-formally or do not have access to formal theological education. To prevent them from becoming vulnerable to many types of doctrines brought by enterprising missionaries (including anti-ecumenical propaganda) flocking to their countries, CCA has tried to be proactive in equipping pastors, church leaders, youth workers, women leaders and Sunday School teachers for a more holistic sense of the ministry with a perspective of wider ecumenism, and with the lens of Asian contextual theologizing and Asian biblical hermeneutics.
With the theme, "Living Together in the Household of God," the training tried to present the wider ecumenical vision in a way that Cambodian Christian leaders would be able to affirm the vision of living together in the household of God, take responsibility for the brokenness in God's household, and commit to recover the interconnectedness in God's household through their various ministries. Dr. Hope S. Antone, past Joint Executive Secretary of CCA-FMU, did the overall coordination of the training, including giving a general introduction to the theme, "Living Together in the Household of God", perspectives of people of other races and religions, and of people with disability, and sustaining church organizations. Other resource persons and their topics were: CCA General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Henriette Hutabarat Lebang, mission perspective of living together in the Household of God; incoming CCA-FMU Executive Secretary Rev. Grace Moon, perspectives of creation and women; and Ms. Janejinda Pawadee, program assistant for CCA-JID, perspectives of people living with HIVAIDS and of children and youth.
In their evaluation comments, the participants hoped that CCA will continue to provide more trainings – and to include topics like youth leadership, Sunday School teaching, agricultural skills, strategies for church development and community development, how to make disabled people live stronger, how to make churches more self-propagating, self-governing and self-dependent.
Hope Antone
Social Media for Evangelization
Dr. Liza Lamis represented CCA to the 16th Bishops' Meet of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences – Office of Social Communication (FABC-OSC) in Hualien, Taiwan, on November 14-19, 2011, with the theme, "Social Media for Evangelization".
CCA should seriously consider maximizing the use of Social Media (SM) to communicate its work and agenda. SM is designed to be used and shared through social interaction. It is two-way, interactive, global, low-cost, and can be handled by anyone (no need for a pro). Asia is very well 'connected' as it has 192M Face Book users, for example. Sharing of photos, videos and software is easier using SM.
CCA as a regional ecumenical formation should think of its ecumenical stakeholders in Asia and consider this picture: "You want me to support the ecumenical agenda?"
Friend me first.
Use popular media.
Listen to me too.
Make it collaborative.
Also entertain me. If used wisely, social networking can contribute to the satisfaction of our desire for meaning, truth and unity. It can foster solidarity and unity; facilitate dialogue and positive relations; allows sharing in the context of personal exchanges. In the use of SM we must be honest, open, responsible and respectful of others.
Additionally, the use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is encouraged for churches to maximize. The use of FOSS is much easier and convenient, cheaper and the software can be manipulated to suit to an institution's needs.
Liza Lamis
Consultant for Communications
CCA Member Churches and Councils Joined in Commemorating World AIDS Day on the theme "Getting to Zero" (Zero Discrimination, Zero New Infection and Zero AIDS-Related Deaths).
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) commemorated World AIDS Day on December 3, 2011 by launching the newly approved HIV Policy on "Creating Nurturing Communities of Care with People Living with HIV." Many young people participated in the event. Young people of the Bohol Conference of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines will hold their Christian Youth Fellowship Christmas Koinonia in Bilar, Bohol on December 27-31, 2011 with HIV as one of the topic for their reflection and action, reported Rev. Judy B. Astudillo, one of the participants of the Building HIV Competent Churches held at the NCCP on September 14-16, 2011.
Mr. Jeirry Sumampow, Secretary of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (CCI) AIDS Committee informed that CCI commemorated World AIDS Day at the GPIB Anugerah Jakarta (member of CCI and member of CCA) in the Sunday worship on December 4, 2011. It was attended by 435 congregation member church. In the worship, they used special liturgy for World AIDS Day, and there were also a concert of the Children Choir. After worship they had Seminar on "Getting to Zero: Churches' Role and Responsibility". The speaker were: Rev. Gomar Gultom (General Secretary of CCI), Dr. Abraham Simatupang (Medical doctor - member of CCI AIDS Committee), and Ms. Clara (Women living with HIV).
The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) launched the campaign on Light a Lamp – Pledge for Rights. It is aimed at spotlighting a range of "Getting to Zero" Initiative. The Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad, General Secretary of NCCI and The Rev. R Christopher Rajkumar, Executive Secretary of the Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation wrote that the objectives of the campaign are "to draw the National Ecumenical Movement's attention to the denial of the rights of people living with HIV and vulnerable populations; mobilize support for the protection of the rights of PLHIV and affected by HIV and AIDS in order for them to get access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, and to combat stigma and discrimination and misrepresentation of sexuality which is a gift of God." Churches are invited to observe the Light a Lamp – Pledge for Rights Campaign in a way they think appropriate during the season of advent.
Activities suggested on December 1 were to create a virtual lamp a light through the social networking sites as their pledge of commitment for the rights of PLHIV+, to organize a Red Ribbon Flag hoisting and ceremony in front of their buildings. In addition, NCCI member churches are invited to symbolically light their church building on December 27, distribute Red Ribbons and encourage members to share them with fellow worshippers, light a lamp as a symbol of pledge and commitment at the altar, invite a person living with HIV/AIDS, and offer special prayers and sermon focused on the theme, "Getting to Zero."
Individuals and communities were invited to lamp a light at 7pm in their own homes to commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1st.
The Myanmar Council of Churches, Myanmar Interfaith Network on AIDS joined the activities of the seven networks of various Key Affected Populations for the candlelight ceremony on World AIDS Day on December 3. A continuation of the seminar on Building HIV Competent Churches was held in Yangon on December 7-8, 2011.
In Pattaya, participants of the Building HIV Competent Churches organized by the Christian Conference of Asia, The Glory Hut Foundation and Baan Jing Jia Foundation joined the rest of Pattaya AIDS Organization in marching on the streets of Pattaya that ended with a program at the Smart Student School in the evening of December 1, 2011.
The Church of Christ in Thailand AIDS Ministry celebrated World AIDS Day and CAM's 20th anniversary at the new CCT building on December 9 with worship, exhibits, and lunch for all participants. Pastor Pornsawan Khankaew of Adonai Church in Pattaya, Elder Prasert Dechaboon, Jutatip Dechaboon and Dr. Alphinus Kambodji sang during the service. It was attended by the top leadership of The Church of Christ in Thailand. Small flaglets were given to participants who planted them in a big heart at the altar to commemorate the lives of those PLHIV+ who have returned to the Creator. Souvenirs were given to all participants.
The St. John's Cathedral (Anglican) HIV Education Center commemorated World AIDS Day with the following activities:
The Manager was invited by The Hong Kong AIDS Foundation at their 20th anniversary charity dinner at the Inter-Continental Hong Kong on 30 November and was interviewed by Standard Newspaper on Monday, 28 November 2011 and interviewed by Health TV, a new TV channel focusing on health related issues in China and Hong Kong SAR on November 30. A radio broadcast on World AIDS Day was aired. Oncert organized by the Red Ribbon Centre at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Plaza C, TST.
Erlinda Senturias
Consultant for HIV and AIDS Program |
posted by cbs on Friday, December 16, 2011
Social Media for Evangelization
Dr. Liza Lamis represented CCA to the 16th Bishops’ Meet of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences – Office of Social Communication (FABC-OSC) in Hualien, Taiwan, on November 14-19, 2011, with the theme, “Social Media for Evangelization”.
CCA should seriously consider maximizing the use of Social Media (SM) to communicate its work and agenda. SM is designed to be used and shared through social interaction. It is two-way, interactive, global, low-cost, and can be handled by anyone (no need for a pro). Asia is very well ‘connected’ as it has 192M Face Book users, for example. Sharing of photos, videos and software is easier using SM.
CCA as a regional ecumenical formation should think of its ecumenical stakeholders in Asia and consider this picture:
“You want me to support the ecumenical agenda?”
Friend me first.
Use popular media.
Listen to me too.
Make it collaborative.
Also entertain me.
If used wisely, social networking can contribute to the satisfaction of our desire for meaning, truth and unity. It can foster solidarity and unity; facilitate dialogue and positive relations; allows sharing in the context of personal exchanges. In the use of SM we must be honest, open, responsible and respectful of others.
Additionally, the use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is encouraged for churches to maximize. The use of FOSS is much easier and convenient, cheaper and the software can be manipulated to suit to an institution’s needs.
posted by cbs on Thursday, December 15, 2011
CCA Joins the “Getting to Zero” Campaign
The Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) joins the World AIDS Day observance on December 1st or nearest Sunday following and calls on Member Churches, Councils of Churches and the Interfaith Communities in Asia to work towards the Global Goal of “Getting to Zero” – Zero Discrimination; Zero New HIV Infection; and Zero AIDS-Related Deaths. CCA commits to support the Global Plan to Eliminate New HIV Infections among Children and to Keep the Parents Healthy and Alive.
In addition, CCA supports the campaign for Zero Gender-Based Violence. Gender inequality is at the centre of gender-based violence which is a pervasive public health and human rights issue. The active response to HIV and AIDS cuts across fair and respectful relationships, human sexuality, gender justice, human rights and universal access.
For three decades now, HIV has continued to spread across all levels of Asian societies, creating stigma and discrimination that is fuelled by ignorance, injustice, denial and hate. All of these are against the teachings of the different faiths in Asia. HIV and AIDS is not just a health issue; rather it is a socio-cultural and development issue closely related to poverty, gender inequity, low level of literacy and lack of knowledge about prevention. HIV is also spread through unprotected sex, unsafe blood or sharing needle.
The UN AIDS reported at the end of 2010 that almost 5 million people are living with HIV in South, East and South-east Asia. Although national HIV prevalence in most Asian countries is relatively low and there are progress made in prevention, the population of some countries like China, India and Indonesia is so vast that these low percentages actually represent very large numbers of PLHIV+. Each country and even within countries in Asia face a different concentration of epidemic. In 2009 across East, South and South-East Asia, only 32% of HIV-infected pregnant women received AntiRetroViral (ARV) treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. HIV infection in Asia is still largely concentrated among members of 'high-risk' groups. The groups most at risk of becoming infected – sex workers, IDUs, and those who engage in sex between men – are still too often being neglected and even criminalized in some countries in Asia.
The ministries of the Churches need to address vulnerable children, orphan children, elderly, young people, women, men and key affected populations. CCA supports the meaningful involvement of People Living with HIV (PLHIV+) and the creation of safe spaces for dialogue with Key Affected Populations. CCA is committed to collaborate with the Asian Interfaith Network on AIDS (AINA), the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA), the International Network of Religious Leaders Living with and Personally Affected by HIV and AIDS (INERELA+) and the World Council of Churches (WCC) in meeting the challenge of HIV and AIDS.
CCA’s policy on HIV and AIDS seeks to act from deep spirituality and theology: loving others as oneself (John 13: 34-35); serving the least of our brothers and sisters (Matthew 25: 31-40); seeing the whole community as part of one body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12;12); nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8: 35); Jesus came that we may have life in all its fullness (John 10: 10). Jesus also clearly mentioned the, “other sheep” in John 10:16a and the Church needs to look into the response to these people of God as well.
This policy on HIV is built on the Christian principles of peacemaking, healing and reconciliation, and aims to equip churches in Asia to be “HIV competent”. This year, CCA started the seminars on building HIV Competent Churches in Myanmar, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Philippines, and Thailand. In addition, churches sent representatives from Laos PDR, Indonesia and Vietnam to participate in the Training of Trainers for Building HIV Competent Churches in Myanmar. India developed its HIV Policy in 2008 and started integrating HIV in theological training. CCA commends Member Councils in Indonesia and the Philippines for developing their HIV Policy this year.
CCA also contributes to strengthening interfaith collaboration through sponsoring the Pre International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific Interfaith Conference in Busan in August and the follow-up program in Cambodia. CCA endorses the SAVE toolkit on Prevention of HIV as it does not stigmatize PLHIV+. CCA through the Member Churches and Councils of Churches is committed to ensure stewardship of time, resources and finances in support of the Global Goal of Getting to Zero. Together, we can do more.
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matt. 25.40, NRSV)
Henriette Hutabarat Lebang
General Secretary
posted by cbs on Friday, December 02, 2011
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Christian Conference of Asia
