Rod

A Word to the Churches

from the Faith & Order Commission

of the Southern California Ecumenical Council

On Sharing the Wealth and Saving the Earth 

For several years the Faith & Order Commission has been drawn by the dramatic events in our world to reflect on issues that are "life and work" as well as "faith and order" in character.  We have reacted in shock and horror at the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and the bombings in Madrid and London.  We have struggled to understand our nation's response -the "war on terror"- including the invasion of Afghanistan, the war in Iraq, and the Patriot Act and the Department of Homeland Security here at home.  We have listened to the rhetoric and observed the politics all about us, increasingly aware and appreciative of the complexity of the times in which we live.  We believe individual Christians and Christian communities must engage this complex world if we are to witness to the vision and mission that has been entrusted to us.

In our reflections, we have come to see that there is a deep and crucial connection between the violence and militarism in our world and the our economic order.  Whether one thinks of "globalization," "free market economy," or simply "our American way of life," it is clear that there is (and always has been) a close connection between governments, armies and navies, and commerce.  Summits of the G8 countries emphasize point.

Consequently, it was with been with a real sense of a timeliness -a convergence of awareness and opportunity- that Commission members received a document agreed to by the 24^th General Council of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, meeting in Accra, Ghana, entitled "Covenanting for Justice in the Economy and the Earth." With this Word to the Churches, we in turn commend it to the members of Southern California Ecumenical Council.

The gist of "Covenanting for Justice in the Economy and the Earth" was carried to the World Alliance primarily by Protestant churches in Africa, after consultations in Asia and South America, and thus represents a message from the developing world.  The Faith & Order Commission believes it is a message North American Christians should seek to hear clearly.

In slightly over four pages, "Covenanting" introduces its "speakers," analyzes today's dominant economic model, and presents a contemporary "confession of faith"that addresses Christian concern to the economic sphere.  It concludes by inviting churches, other faith communities, and civil/popular movements to join in seeking "a just economy" and "the integrity of creation."

Here are some excerpts:

The signs of the times have become more alarming and must be interpreted.  The root causes of massive threats to life are above all the product of an unjust economic system defended and protected by political and military might.  Economic systems are a matter of life and death.

We live in a scandalous world that denies God's call to life for all.  The annual income of the richest 1% is equal to that of the poorest 57% and 24,000 people die each day from poverty and malnutrition.

We recognize the enormity and complexity of the situation.  We do not seek simple answers.  As seekers of truth and justice and looking through the eyes of powerless and suffering people, we see that the current world (dis)order is rooted in an extremely complex and immoral economic system....

The approach of "Covenanting" is faith-based and theological.  Its major section, entitled "Confession of Faith in the Face of Economic Injustice and Ecological Destruction," alternates between paragraphs that begin "We believe...." and "Therefore we reject...."  Key paragraphs (15, 16, 19, and 34) make clear that this confession is not intended to be  "a classical doctrinal confession" or a liturgical admission of sin, but "an active response to the challenges of our time."

The closing section, "Covenanting for Justice" calls upon member churches of the World Alliance (and others) "to undertake the difficult and prophetic task of interpreting this confession to their local congregations."  The Faith & Order Commission of SCEC, with the blessing of the WARC, takes up this invitation and extends it to its member churches.  To facilitate the process, and to demonstrate the extent to which this is a kairos moment, we have secured copies of the study guide from the WARC in Geneva, and have posted recent similar statements or resources from other SCEC member churches on our website.

How to study "Covenanting...."    

1.  Download the .pdf file of the full text of the Accra document from the SCEC or WARC website.  Print copies for all participants in the study group and distribute them in advance of the group meeting.

2.  Link to the website of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (www.warc.ch) and its subpage for Accra 2004 ("Cooperation and Witness" link) for leader resources, including the study materials prepared for the Accra meeting ("Resources" link).  Some are .pdf files of Reformed World.  Order a study guide for the "Covenanting...." document from the WARC office in Geneva.

3.  Download the other church statements from the SCEC website.

4.  Invite group members to read all four sections of the covenant, noting especially the "Confession of Faith...." (paragraphs 15-36).

5.  Then consider some questions, like:

            PWhat is a congregation to do with such a document?

PHow can this document be transformed into social action here in Southern California?

PDo we have families in our congregation from countries receiving new support from or being impacted by the G8?

PHow will CAFTA (Central American Free Trade Agreement) affect us and our neighbors?

PAre there members of our congregation who have responsibility for setting economic policies?

PHow do church people affect global economic policies?

PHow can we empower people beyond frustration with injustice?

6.  Carefully re-visit the closing section ("Covenanting for Justice").  Note especially paragraphs 38 and 41, which call for "education, confession, and action" and for working together as  ecumenical and interfaith communities, as well as "civil movements and people's movements."

7.  For one concrete option, contact the SCEC office and inquire about how to participate in its "Let Justice Roll" program either as individuals or as a congregation.

On the SCEC website:

"Covenanting for Justice" (WARC)

UCC statement

UMC statement

Lutheran statement

RC statement - Centesimus Annus

Disciples statement

Article:  "What is Morally Unjust Cannot be Economically Correct," Envio 24/284 (Mar 2005)

A new online Faith and Order Journal is now available!