 Assembly full of images promoting 'justice' as mission By Craig M. Kibler The Layman Online Tuesday, May 27, 2003
Some argued that the World Council of Churches promotes justice, while others argued that justice will be achieved when G-06061b, the "fidelity/chastity" clause in the constitution, is repealed. Still others argued that justice will be achieved when globalization is supplanted, when boycotts target General Motors and Taco Bell, when unfettered abortion rights are available, when community-organizing techniques are implemented and political campaigns launched. Throughout the history of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the definition of mission followed Matthew 28:19 – to "go . . . make disciples of all nations." In response, Presbyterians sent out mission personnel and supported them in the field. Last year, the General Assembly voted to cut the positions of 34 missionaries. In recent years, efforts have been under way to promote "justice" as mission. In "A Mission-Minded Church" (What Presbyterians Believe, April 1997), Gwen Crawley, interim director of the Worldwide Ministries Division, wrote: "As mission work bore fruit and sister churches were established, we learned that mission does not depend on us alone, and in fact these younger Christians [in other countries] are often better at reaching people in their own culture and finding ways to resolve disputes and problems, using methods familiar to the people. "In serving the poor and working for justice we found that we had to get involved in issues that required changes in the status quo, sometimes in our own systems." Other General Assembly activities and events promoting "justice" included a protest outside the Colorado Convention Center before Sunday's worship service and mini-workshops on how to join in various free trade projects that seek "justice" for poor people in a globalized world. Some of those projects include a Sweat-Free T-shirt, Electric Stewardship, the Presbyterian Coffee Project and Oikocredit investments. Brochures and materials about these activities emphasize that participating in them helps poor farmers and others by "supporting fair trade;" supports environmental justice by reducing "the impact of energy use on the natural environment;" buying a T-shirt helps support economic justice by offering factory workers "fair wages, benefits and treatment" instead of "working in a sweatshop." Much of this was on display in the exhibit hall during the General Assembly. Aside from the bookstore, the largest space – and the one located directly in the center – was occupied by the Global Marketplace, which offers for sale arts, food, crafts and other items from around the world that was produced as part of the campaign for "economic justice" under "fair trade practices." The Global Marketplace is a project of Enough for Everyone, a partnership ministry of five General Assembly Council agencies: the Presbyterian Hunger Program, the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, the Social Justice Program Area, the Women's Ministries Program Area and Presbyterian Women. Enough for Everyone says that, at its heart, is "a deep concern for global economic justice." Melanie Hardison of the Worldwide Ministries Division told the Presbyterian News Service that purchasers of items in the Global Marketplace know "where every item comes from and can be confident that the producers have been paid fairly: 'Your purchases affect people all over the world in a positive way.'" She listed such producers as COMAMNUVI, "formed in the wake of Hurricane Mitch with a One Great Hour of Sharing grant from the Presbyterian Hunger Program, now counts the Presbyterian Church (USA) among its customers. It has about 50 members and more than 100 interns. Its T-shirts, which can be imprinted with a logo of the purchaser's choosing, also are available through the Presbyterian Distribution Service." Other producers include SERVV International and H.O.M.E. Inc., which sells pottery, wood and woven crafts; Bridge of Hope Fair Trade Project, with items handmade by Peruvian artisans; PAL CRAFTAID, featuring olive-wood carvings from Palestine; and Harrison Hills Cottage Industries, which produces various hand-crafted products. The Women's Bean Project and the Presbyterian Coffee Project are among the providers of food products. Hardison said Enough for Everyone helps congregations "act responsibly" in its purchases of products and utilities and investments. "The Electric Stewardship: Plug into Conservation program helps congregations care for creation through energy conservation and efficiency, she said. Through Oikocredit, congregations can invest as little as $1,000 in an international credit organization that supports small projects. |
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