wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] U.S. churches' responsibility for peace and justice

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ECUNET.ORG>]

Note #8516 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

04446
October 6, 2004

U.S. churches' responsibility for peace and justice efforts highlighted at
WCC gathering

by Juan Michel
WCC News and Information Office

ATLANTA - The immense responsibility of the U.S. churches in the world today
was highlighted by the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev.
Samuel Kobia during the annual meeting of the WCC's U.S. member churches 
here Oct. 5-6.
	In his keynote speech, Kobia affirmed the work for peace and justice
done by the U.S. churches as well as the support of Christians worldwide for
their efforts.

	Given that "the U.S. is now the world's only superpower" and that
"its policies and actions have consequences for every country in the world,"
Kobia said, people around the world "are afraid of US power and the way it is
being used."

	In this context, U.S. churches are expected to "continue to advocate
for a responsible use of power," while their responsibility "to speak truth
to power" becomes "difficult and risky."

	"This is precisely why churches worldwide are mobilized in support of
communities in the U.S. that uphold another power, the power of peace, in all
places and at all times," stated Kobia. "They expect much from you, because
indeed much has been given to you," he added.

	While affirming "the vitality and creativity of peace and justice
work in the U.S.," which has in many ways been an inspiration for people
everywhere, Kobia also stressed the importance of grounding that work "in
spiritual discernment and prayer."

	The responsibility of the U.S. churches was also underlined by the
pastor of historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the Rev. Joseph L. Roberts Jr.
Preaching the homily at the  opening worship of the meeting and quoting
Martin Luther King, Jr, Roberts emphasized that "true love is a painful
embrace."

	As God "painfully embraces the world with all its evils," said
Roberts, "will our arms reach those who are suffering from Beslan to Abu
Ghraib, from Darfur to the thousands of women and children introduced every
year into the U.S. and sold into forced labor and prostitution?"

	Atlanta's mayor, Shirley Franklin, welcomed the WCC gathering to her
city and presented the WCC with the city's Phoenix Award for its commitment
to reconciliation and the eradication of violence.

	"As Atlantans and as Americans, we applaud the WCC for its tireless
pursuit of peace and justice throughout our global community and for
initiating the Decade to Overcome Violence," the mayor said at a City Hall
press conference.

	In accepting the award, Kobia recognized the legacy of Martin Luther
King Jr, whom he described as "a hero to thousands and millions" whose lives
"have been transformed by his message."

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