wfn.org | WCC consultation urges churches to find alternatives to

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #6799 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

globalization
17-August-2001
01282

WCC consultation urges churches to find alternatives to globalization

by Episcopal News Service

FIJI - Representatives from 29 countries gathered in mid-August at an
international consultation in Fiji organized by the World Council of
Churches and the Pacific Conference of Churches to wrestle with the effects
of globalization.

	It ended with a call for churches to be more prophetic in their opposition
to the distortions of economic globalization, urging them to search for
viable alternatives that won't increase suffering and poverty, exploit
workers or destroy the environment.

	Churches of the Pacific offered some viable alternatives in a presentation
called "Island of Hope," a metaphor for the wholeness of life in which
generosity, reciprocity and sharing of communal resources are central. They
described land, sea and people as being integral parts of one's identity and
called for a vision of solidarity in defense of creation. Participants from
Africa and Asia offered similar metaphors from their cultures.

	"The specific role of the church is to provide insights into ethics and
values of life," said Dr. Agnes Abuom of Kenya, one of the WCC presidents.
"We must create places of sharing, spaces where God's people, with their
diverse gifts, resources and experiences, can come to give and receive - a
place where they begin a journey together, a journey of affirming an
alternative global family. Economic globalization has separated people and
fragmented communities. The people of God are called to walk together," she
said.
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