The World Council of Churches has awarded DOTAC a grant from their “Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace” program. The WCC PJP is focused on North America for 2021. The programs address racial justice and/or indigenous rights (see link for more detail).
Registration is free. To register for any of these programs send an email to teddodd@live.com
DOTAC Racial Justice Journey
Working and learning together to be anti-racism advocates and allies.
Thursday, June 17 and Thursday, July 15
noon—1:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
KAIROS Blanket Exercise
Building understanding about the history of colonialism and its impact on Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada
Monday, August 9
1pm- 3:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
or6pm- 8:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time
Exploring the Missing Chapter
Raising awareness of the nation-to-nation relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the United States.
Monday, October 18
1pm- 3:00 pm Central Daylight Time
or6pm- 8:00pm Central Daylight Time
Non-Violence Training
Exploring with Christian Peacemaker Teams, the basic tactics for social change and de-escalation skills.
This week the WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle has a focus on two Asian countries where we have Deaconess Associations - Indonesia and the Philippines. This post has a focus on the Philippines including prayers provided by the Deaconess Associations in the Philippines (scroll down to video)
Prayers of thanks:
* the vital witness of churches in this region;
* those who have resisted bravely and worked for human rights, justice, peace and reconciliation, especially the National Council of Churches in the Philippines;
* those who protest exploitative mining, deforestation and other environmental damage.
We pray for:
* government to eradicate corruption, establish justice and peace, and work effectively for the wellbeing of all their people;
* victims of violence, torture, drug and human trafficking, and human rights violations, that those responsible might be held accountable;
* all those affected by earthquakes, tsunamis and other natural disasters, and for the rebuilding of communities afterwards;
* ecumenical and interfaith cooperation to bring justice, peace and sustainability to these lands.
The following information has been provided by DIAKPhils (Deaconess Associations in the Philippines).
PHILIPPINES : Typhoon Rolly (International name Goni) has left massive destruction to infrastructure, agriculture, animals and has taken people's lives. Bicol Region was the the center of the strongest winds and rain that brought about flood, lahar (a destructive mudflow) in the Typhoon belt area. This was recorded as the strongest typhoon in 2020, worldwide. According to reports, damage to infrastructure and livelihood reached Php5.8Billion. Damage to pthe ower facilities in the area affected is Php300Million.
But relief and aid efforts stepped up and Philippines “Bayanihan” (helping out) culture once again provided help in this difficult condition.
Our misfortunes bring out the best in us, helping others even if we too needed the same help; anchoring our faith to our known God, so that no matter how strong the typhoon that will come, it will only weaken the things that surrounds us but will strengthen the faith that is within us. The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7
We seek help of prayer to God for protection and mercy for those who are deeply affected by Typhoon Rolly.
We pray for consolation, Lord. Create in us a heart to 'have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be our confidence and will keep our feet from being snared'. (Proverbs 3:25-36)
When disasters have left a trail of destruction in people's lives and property, we are reminded that human wickedness is becoming extensive and that we need to be disciplined from our dreadful actions.
We acknowledge our wickedness, Lord, when your creation is destroyed because of our own doings. Be merciful to us , O God, be merciful to us , for in you our souls take refuge; in the shadow of your wings we will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. (Psalm 57:1-2)
We know you are not an angry God. You love your creation and you will replace everything that was lost. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Psalm 46:1-2
The WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle includes the Cameroon on August 2nd-8th, 2020.
DIAKONIA World Federation has a member association in Cameroon, Communauté de l’Emmanuel (Emmanuel Community), a protestant monastic community within the "Presbyterian Church in Cameroon" (PCC). It was one of the first Protestant communities of Africa. It was founded in 1971 by Sister Madeleine Mary Handy, Cameroonian and first woman pastor of Cameroon. The Cameroon sisters are closely associated with the Deaconesses Sisterhood of Reuilly (Versailles).
The prioresses (left to right)
Rev. Sr. Madeleine M. Handy, founder and prioress 1971-1999
Rev. Sr. Judith Ngo Nyemb, prioress 1999-2012
Rev .Sr. Shalom Kiven, prioress from 2012
The Charisma of Emmanuel Sisters is prayer, service to the poor and needy (whether the needs are
spiritual or practical), service to the church, and ecumenism. Prayer is central in the life of the Emmanuel Sisters. Isaiah 62: 6-7 guides them to give God no rest as they watch and pray for the whole world. Being a member of this community the sister must develop an intimate fellowship with God through prayer and learn to invoke God in all circumstances through prayer.
Prayers of thanksgiving for:
* the natural resources and diverse gifts, such as the distinctive music and dance of Cameroon
* those who minister to victims of sexual violence, trafficking and other human rights abuses
* Christians and people of other faiths who courageously have pursued reconciliation and peace among those in conflict
* individuals and organizations who have provided for health clinics and schools in Cameroon
Prayers for others:
* just resolutions to the conflicts and violence among diverse groups and their leaders
* refugees who flee to other countries, and for those who host them
* economic developments that make it possible for all to rise out of poverty
* stable democratic governments that effectively serve the common good.
The World Council of Churches Ecumenical Prayer Cycle this week (June 14-20) includes Zambia, where there is a DIAKONIA member association - Deaconesses of the United Church of Zambia (UCZ).
The UCZ is the largest Protestant church in Zambia with coverage of all the ten provinces of the country The church formed in 1965 as a result of the union of 5 churches including the Church of Central Africa, Rhodesia (a mission work of the Church of Scotland). The Deaconesses of the UCZ are a vibrant group of women serving their communities through community development and practical support. In April 2018, 3 more Diaconal workers were Commissioned at the Diakonia Centre in Kabwe. In total there are about 50 UCZ Deaconesses.
The context for ministry is challenging. General Secretary of the United Church of Zambia, Rev Dr Peggy Kabonde, said in a statement in 2019 that she observed with serious concern the levels of animosity and violence in the country. The Church urged all Zambians to embrace unity, tolerance and patriotism as critical values and virtues for co-existence. She emphasised that violence and attitudes that promotes tension and divisions should not be condoned at any cost. The church urged the general public to unity and to grab every opportunity that promotes peace and unity for the well-being of Zambia. Nevertheless, this year 2020 has seen fresh violence, with ritual killings, gassing and mob violence resulting in the loss of innocent lives. The UCZ has condemned this in the strongest terms.
Human trafficking and modern day slavery is an issue in Zambia that is dehumanizing, commodifying and stripping of a person’s God-given human dignity. The UCZ has called on religious and political leaders to take appropriate measures to protect vulnerable groups in Zambia whether they were a source, in transit or have reached their destination.
We are invited to pray for our diaconal sisters and brothers in South Africa - the Highveld Deacons, and the Methodist Diaconal Order. They are member associations of DIAKONIA World Federation and DRAE (DIAKONIA Region Africa Europe).
The World Council of Churches Ecumenical Prayer Cycle is a wonderful guide for prayer. From 17-23rd May, Madagascar is named (as one of the group of Indian Ocean Islands - Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles).
The Fiaraha Miaima Amim Bavaka MAMRE* FJKM (Mamre Community) in Madagascar is a member association of DIAKONIA World Federation, and of DRAE (DIAKONIA Region Africa Europe), with about 11 members.
(*Mamre is remembered as the site where Abraham pitched the tents for his camp, built an altar (Genesis 13:18), and was brought divine tidings, in the guise of three angels, of Sarah's pregnancy (Genesis 18:1-15)).
Sister Angéline writes:
Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus
“… and others do not marry for the sake of the kingdom of heaven…” (Matthew 19: 12b)
I thank Almighty God Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for giving his grace to each member of the Mamre Community. By this grace we can continue to live out our three vocations of prayer, consecrated celibacy and community life - our main testimony in this Malagasy nation and in the world. We are very happy with this life and in God’s calling for us. At this time of world pandemic, we are intensifying our prayers for the world because we trust that only God in his power can deliver this world. We continue to grow our faith in his Son Jesus Christ, the one who was victorious over death, the one who has all authority on earth and in heaven. In normal times, many people come to our homes for prayer and a time of silence. We are glad to continue our service to people in need:
* Evangelism of the prisoners once a week. The men are happy to have a time of prayer and they can share openly their sorrow with the sisters.
* We are still occupied with helping the primary school children who live around the community and go to the local state school. We give them lunch every school day. We have Bible study with them. We help them with their studies. They are delighted to come to the center and don’t always want to go back home.
I am sure all of you are carrying on with your service in your country, as much as you can. I encourage you all to serve our Lord Jesus Christ in the needy people around you, because you serve Jesus in them. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.
COVID- 19 means some of these activities cannot be offered at this time.
This week's ecumenical prayer cycle (World Council of Churches) includes a focus on Indonesia and the Philippines (17-23 Nov). We remember our diaconal sisters in the Philippines and in Indonesia, and hold them in prayer.
We are thankful for:
* the vital witness of churches in this region
* the diversity of ethnicities, cultures and religious beliefs, and especially those in Indonesia who have built bridges between them
* those who protest exploitative mining, deforestation and other environmental damage.
(did you know that deforestation is the greatest risk factor for orang-utans, and that suitable habitat for them has declined in Indonesia and Malaysia by 80% in the last 20 years)
* those who have resisted bravely and worked for human rights, justice, peace and reconciliation, especially the National Council of Churches in the Philippines
(note: recently the Duterte Government in the Philippines named the National Council of Churches in the Philippines as a front for local communist terror groups. The government action has been widely condemned by Christian leaders globally including the Uniting Church in Australia, with the heads of the Christian Conference of Asia and the World Council of Churches speaking out against the listing. In a statement by the Episcopal Church, Bishop Rex Reyes said “The trail blazing efforts of the NCCP for peace and justice in this country is an open book. 1 am proud to say that among the councils of churches worldwide the NCCP is yet reckoned as a vibrant, enduring, leading and recognised ecumenical formation. This is so because the NCCP sees its life and work from the perspective of the vulnerable, oppressed and marginalised.” He went on to highlight corruption in high places and said: “There is nothing wrong when Christians point out that there is so much corruption… What is wrong, if not downright subversive, is when a mindset that kills, persecutes and name calls suppresses those who espouse principled dissent and activism. One should know how principled dissent and activism have made this world more peaceful and just. … What is right is standing up for human rights, justice and peace. I stand with the NCCP.”
We pray for:
* governments in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Timor Leste, that they will eradicate corruption, establish justice and peace, and work effectively for the wellbeing of all their people
* victims of violence, torture, drug and human trafficking, and human rights violations, that those responsible might be held accountable
* all those affected by earthquakes, tsunamis and other natural disasters, and for the rebuilding of communities afterwards
* ecumenical and interfaith cooperation to bring justice, peace and sustainability to these lands.
DIAKONIA World Federation has a particular ecumenical relationship with the World Council of Churches. Although 'diakonia' terminology in the WCC refers primarily to what might in other settings be referred to as 'relief and development', nevertheless it is interesting to engage with, and be informed by, the discussion.
The primary objective of the ecumenical strategic forum on diakonia and sustainable development is to strengthen ecumenical collaboration on diakonia and development; stimulate strategies for leveraging national impact; and provide a road map for the ecumenical accompaniment of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
The ecumenical strategic forum will gather around 75 participants from churches, councils, communions and specialized ministries, involving national, regional and global ecumenical actors.
The forum, convened by the World Council of Churches (WCC), will take place from 3 to 6 October 2017 at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, Switzerland.
When the poor and needy seek water, I will open rivers on the bare
heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the
wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
Isaiah 41:17-18
We have many visitors in our home, and always have to go through the routine of explaining the need to save the first cold water in the shower before the hot water begins (usually half a bucket) and to refrain from running the water in the sink to wash dishes (when the water just goes down the drain). We are diligent in using the cold water saved in the shower on our garden. Not a drop should be wasted! South Australia is known as the driest state in the driest inhabited
continent. Most of SA is in the arid zone, and only the south-east gets
good rainfall. The capital city, Adelaide, situated in the south of the
state has an annual average rainfall of 528mm. This makes it the driest
capital city in Australia. Farming by Europeans in marginal farming country in the northern part of the state has also increased desertification which has had a lasting effect of increasing South Australia's overall dryness. Adelaide is experiencing a significant dry spell of weather, the longest in 35 years with less than 1mm of rain. South Australia is fortunate to have good infrastructure and planning, and a desalination plant (controversial due to the cost of construction), so the dry conditions can be managed. We also have rainwater tanks (as do many Australians) - our tanks hold 13,500 litres, enough in winter to provide all our water needs in the wetter months of the year (although I'm amazed to learn that in many states in the USA collecting rainwater for personal use is illegal.
In the midst of a very dry spell where I live, I reflected on World Water Day, March 22nd (which falls on a Sunday this year and could be a focus for worship). World Water Day is an opportunity to focus on a precious resource becoming more scarce and denied to millions around the world. The top ten countries at risk of water shortages are here, and there are issues with companies such as Coca-Cola that have been heavily criticised for causing extreme water shortages in developing countries where supplies are scarce. In India, a Coca-Cola plant was forced to close after it was alleged to have contaminated local water, and in other areas farmers have been unable to irrigate their fields after the company established a bottling plant. It takes 2.7 litres of water to produce 1L of product.
'Across the world, cases of environmental damage, exploitation
of water resources and abuses of workers' rights are shockingly common.
It's time that directors of multinationals held to account - but that
will only happen when politicians accept that the current free-for-all
is failing the world's poor.' (Louise Richards, Executive Officer, War on Want).
Water concerns are no longer theoretical. The UN projects that 30 countries will be “water scarce” by 2025.
Eighteen of the 30 are located in the Middle East or North Africa. Water scarcity will threaten the failure of already failing states and there are implications for people who risk becoming 'environmental refugees'.
