Churches prepare for the WSF
Norwegian Church Aid, All
African Council of Churches and Caritas, together with their
members and partners have been discussing ways to participate
in the 2007 World Social Forum.
Preparations for the next World Social
Forum (WSF), which will be held in Nairobi, Kenya in early
2007, are underway with the Christian churches in Africa
planning to participate in the forum. Norwegian Church Aid,
All African Council of Churches (AACC) and Caritas have over
the past months been engaged in dialogue to seek ways in which
they can utilise the opportunity provided by the Social Forum.
According to Rev. Canon Grace Kaiso, the executive
secretary of the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC), the
World Social Forum will provide a unique opportunity for
various sectors and key actors to interact. He states that the
participation of the churches and ecumenical movements in
Africa is crucial.
“When people are organised, they
can make changes in their social, political, and economic
situations. The World Social Forum provides a chance for the
organisation of shared conviction, and an opportunity to
rekindled commitment to social change,” said Rev. Kaiso.
Deeper understanding
He further said that
Norwegian Church Aid, AACC and Caritas are in the process of
forming teams to mobilise church constituents and to help them
understand what the WSF is all about and also to enable them
to participate adequately. Additionally, space will be
provided for other organisations and faith groups to jointly
participate in the forum.
Important development issues
that are expected to be tackled by the WSF include poverty,
sustainable peace, good governance, environmental
sustainability, HIV and AIDS and other diseases, and
sustainable livelihoods among others. These are issues upon
which the dignity of the people all over the world depends.
Norwegian Church Aid’s Global Strategic Plan and programmes in
Africa and other parts of the world also emphasise these
areas.
Relevance essential
One of the
greatest challenges in the African churches today is that of
relevance. Often, the theological points of reference are
irrelevant to the current situations faced by the communities.
To deal with this, Rev. Kaiso says that new theological
reflections are necessary in order to adequately respond to
the changing contexts.
“The way we have dealt with
issues as religious organisations has caused us to be
relegated to the periphery of our communities. Our relevance
is being challenged and we need to go back to the centre of
society and to add values such as compassion, community, and
sustainable livelihoods.”
Nevertheless, Africa is a
continent that has been considerably dependant on the strength
of the church and other ecumenical movements. The church has
always been present and has accompanied various communities
through some of the toughest times like the fight against
apartheid in South Africa and in various conflict situations
throughout the continent. The WSF therefore provides another
opportunity for the church to engage and participate with
other actors in matters of development and protection of the
people.
“The church should participate in the WSF by
sharing alternative perspectives and vision for Africa;
demonstrating working models of poverty alleviation and
community development; and by clearly showing the benefits of
working together,” adds Rev. Kaiso.
