The lectionary readings some churches will use this week include the wonderful story of Philip sharing faith with the Ethiopian eunuch, an extraordinary Johannine meditation on love, and Christ's metaphor of the vine and the branches. Plenty to think about! May God bless you as you abide in Him ... and make you fruitful this week and always.
World Fair Trade Day … Loving the Truth: Images and Realities … Loving the Truth: Journalists in Danger …Elections … Short Notes: Ethiopia, Nepal
World Fair Trade Day
Writing on the theology of Fair Trade, Dewi Hughes once said:
"What we do when we shop is engage in trade. . . It is impossible to buy anything without impacting the lives of other people. Since Jesus asks us as Christians to love our neighbour as ourselves, and our neighbour is any other human being with whom we come into contact, the demand to love must prevail when we shop."
An inspiring thought for World Fair Trade Day!
World Fair Trade Day, celebrated this year on Saturday 12 May, is the day when, across the globe, Fair Trade producers, organisations and supporters celebrate the positive change that Fair Trade is making in the lives of millions of people. Among the forthcoming highlights, in Bethlehem, in Manger Square, twenty different local producer groups will hold an Open Day, highlighting their foods and crafts. In India, Asha Handicrafts plans to celebrate "Fruitful Fair Trade" with its artisans and students from schools it has funded.
If you're looking for stories of how Fair Trade makes a difference, the World Fair Trade Organisation has collected material from artisans and Fair Trade Organisations in each of its regions. For Asia, for instance, they focus on Tarango, an organisation working with marginalised Bangladeshi women. The Latin America article includes an inspiring story from Brazil's Associacao Mundareu. All are worth a read.
Buying Fair Trade isn't the only way to show love of neighbour when shopping. But it is an important way of thinking about the people behind the products ... and choosing one's purchases in the hopes that they will ensure that producers have a decent return for their labour, safe working conditions, the right to organise, and a well-cared-for environment.
Please pray:
- in thanksgiving for all Fair Trade producers, Fair Trade Organisations and people who purchase Fair Trade products
- for all who work on the Fair Trade systems, whether through the World Fair Trade Organization or through Fairtrade International, that they may lead the growing movement with wisdom and discernment
- that in all our transactions we may seek to show love of God and neighbour, and that international structures and practices of trade may change to reflect this love
Formal Prayers: If you're looking for Fair Trade materials for worship this Sunday or next, CCOW's Fairtrade prayers, together with some prayers from Asha, can be found here.
Further Viewing: Earlier this year, in our Fairtrade newsletter, we sent out a list of Fair Trade videos. It's now available here as well.
Events this week ... include the Faith, Food and Fair Trade discussion between Paul Spray and Paula Clifford on the 10th of May at St Michael at the North Gate in Oxford. We're proud to be among the sponsors of this event -- poster attached.
Loving the Truth: Images and Realities
Images matter for Christians -- not in the trivial, gossip-magasine sense, but at a deep theological level. Loving our neighbour means, in part, striving to see the image and likeness of God in all whom we meet. And we pray that as we are transformed and renewed by the Spirit, people will see the image of Christ in us.
But what happens when a person, or a country ... or a continent ... is portrayed with an image that doesn't do it justice? Thanks in part to the furore over the Kony 2012 video, which was widely criticised as presenting issues in a way that was inaccurate and unhelpful, the Western media's portrayal of Africa and Africans has been much discussed of late. Twitter has been buzzing; there's been a BBC radio debate in Kampala; and simply looking at the blogosphere reveals many trenchant critiques (Richard Dowden, Gregory Mann, Afua Hirsch)
The criticisms are around common themes -- that those commissioning stories are prone to cover only disasters ... that media correspondents don't know the background to particular places and so write poorly informed stories ... that editors are unwilling to grasp Africa's complexities.
These issues matter. Images affect relationships. They affect policies. They affect people's sense of themselves, as well as of others.
And they aren't limited to coverage of Africa and Africans: a focus on the negative, an unwillingness to look deeply and to grasp complexity are true of much coverage of UK and other matters, as well.
Please pray that our media will be enabled to give portrayals which reflect the complexity of countries and their people ... and the inherent dignity of all human beings ... whether just down the road or thousands of miles away. Pray more generally that people will seek to understand the people near and far with whom they interact, directly or indirectly. Pray that UK public opinion and policy on countries and groups won't be driven by false images.
Formal Prayers: The Sanctuary Centre has a helpful post on prayer for the media here.
Loving the Truth: Journalists in Danger
Exploring complex realities can be difficult ... and sometimes extremely dangerous. Certainly it is in Mexico, where the past week saw four people connected with the press murdered, their bodies found, ironically, on the day meant to celebrate press freedom.
These were only the most recent in a string of murders of Mexican journalists, especially those who have tried to report on the narco-trafficking and corruption that is blighting the country. How bad is the situation? In a recently filmed interview, one Mexican journalist states, "If you go and try to buy life insurance, the moment you tell them you're a journalist, they'll refuse you. They'll refuse to cover you. Or they ask for a very, but very high payment ..."
This week CAFOD and The Guardian have joined to put on an exhibition called "The Silenced." Also viewable online, the exhibit offers pictures and stories of some of the 55 journalists who had been murdered between 2000 and the time when the exhibition was being put together. Writing about the exhibition, CAFOD's senior press officer for policy and campaigns, Pascale Palmer, notes:
"The job of the journalist is to uncover truths that are in the public interest – things we need to know in order to make sound choices, to protest, to support, to protect ourselves, our wellbeing and our livelihoods. Right now the overwhelming threat imposed by the drug cartels is forcing reporters and media outlets to curb their coverage and investigation of organised crime and associated power networks. In a world where very little is ever black and white, this is. Evil happens when good men do nothing, as Edmund Burke nearly said; but here the good men and women are dying again and again for doing the right thing, and yet evil is flourishing."
According to the Committee for the Protection of Journalists, the past two weeks have also seen journalists attacked or censored in Ethiopia, Bahrain, Egypt, Puntland, China, Colombia, Brazil, Syria, Togo, Malaysia, and Afghanistan.
The courage and determination of those who continue to risk their lives in order to reveal the truth is an inspiration ... and can be an act of sacrificial love: love of truth ... love of justice ... love of neighbour.
Please pray:
- for the families and friends of journalists who have been injured or murdered because they tried to tell the truth, and for all who live in fear because of their courageous search for truth and justice
- that Mexican states will ratify an amendment which makes the federal (rather than local or state) government officials responsible for investigating crimes against freedom of expression. Local and state officials have a poor track record on this front.
Elections
Local elections in the UK have been much in the news. There are also major elections over the coming few days in France, Greece, Syria and Serbia, as well as minor elections in Italy and Germany. In all cases, please pray for wisdom and discernment for voters and candidates and that those who are elected may govern wisely and well.
- In the French presidential election on Sunday, 6 May, François Hollande faces off in the second round against Nicolas Sarkozy. (see earlier prayer email for discussion).
- The Greek parliamentary elections on the same day are perhaps the most significant for Europe as a whole. At present, the two main parties are estimated not to be able to muster a majority between them; far left and neo-fascist parties have made significant gains; and political instability seems a distinct likelihood.
Please pray that despite the social and economic turmoil in Greece, the elections will be peaceful, and those who advocate violence will not receive power. Pray for all who will be charged with trying to form a government - that God will grant them wisdom and discernment as they deliberate. Pray for all who have been hurt by Greece's turmoil, including people who have lost jobs or had pensions cut or been harmed in violence against immigrants. Pray that love of God and neighbour will inspire people to work together positively.
- The Assad government claims that the Syrian parliamentary elections are progress towards democracy, as they will be the first in 40 years open to multiple parties. But, as the Financial Times noted, "opponents of Mr Assad and some independent observers see the polls as at best an irrelevance and at worst a hollow sham aimed at reinforcing regime control rather than diluting it." Please continue to pray for a just and peaceful solution to Syria's current crisis.
- Serbs will be electing a president, legislators and members of local government. Please pray that the election will be peaceful both in Serbia and as ethnic Serbs vote in neighbouring Kosovo.
Short Notes: Ethiopia, Nepal
Ethiopia
Since some churches will be reading about an Ethiopian official this week, it seems appropriate to pray for the people of Ethiopia. Ethiopia is full of contrasts: a growing economy and concerns about food insecurity ... the fastest growing mobile telecommunications industry in East Africa and persistent censorship and restrictions on access to information ... one of the world's oldest Christian Churches and some of its newest. Please pray:
Nepal
Please pray for those in Western Nepal who have been affected by recent flash floods.
This week's readings call us to obedience and love, linking the two intrinsically. The challenge of the new commandment "that you love one another as I have loved you" -- even to the point of sacrificing one's life -- may seem overwhelming. But it is God who strengthens us and who, when we fail, forgives and reconciles us ... and prepares us to love once again.
Christian Aid Week ... Short Notes: Azerbaijan, Commodification, Democratic Republic of Congo, Elections, G8 Meeting, Sahel
Christian Aid Week
As Christian Aid Week begins, it's a good time to give thanks in general for Christian Aid. Traditionally churches also focus on some of the agency's overseas partners and the excellent work that the agency's support helps them to accomplish. This year the Christian Aid Week resources look at the rural development work of the Methodist Church of Sierra Leone, which gives people the tools to escape poverty and food insecurity. There are some very powerful pictures and stories here. The Christian Aid Week website also contains links to parish magasine articles and the Christian Aid service resources.
In February, it was a privilege to visit another organisation which has received funding from Christian Aid, CABSA (Christian AIDS Bureau of Southern Africa). Many of you will be familiar with CABSA as the providers of our annual AIDS worship resources. They're doing tremendous work equipping churches to become "channels of hope," able to tackle the challenges raised for individuals and communities by HIV/AIDS. As a small organisation that focuses on resourcing and networking others, they've sometimes struggled to find core funding. Christian Aid has helped to supply it -- allowing CABSA in turn to inspire churches throughout Southern Africa ... and beyond. It's something not many funders will do, and it's absolutely vital.
These are only two examples of the work that Christian Aid is enabling in overseas partners. There are so many more! And, of course, Christian Aid also works to support the capacity of churches here to understand and to engage, theologically and practically, with justice and poverty issues.
Please pray:
- for Christian Aid's partners around the world, that their work may be a blessing for the communities that they serve. Pray especially for the Methodist Church of Sierra Leone and for CABSA, giving thanks for all that they have accomplished.
- for all who daily live with the poverty that Christian Aid and its partners are working to end
- for the senior staff and board members of Christian Aid, that God will grant them wisdom and discernment as they lead the organisation
- for all Christian Aid staff, that they too may receive wisdom and discernment for their roles
- for all Christian Aid supporters, and especially for the Christian Aid Week event organisers and collectors. Pray for courage for those who find collecting difficult, and pray that collectors' encounters may be a blessing to themselves and the people they meet, as well as to Christian Aid
Formal Prayers: Formal prayers and lots more prayer points are available here.
Prayer Moment: You can also send brief prayers to a special Christian Aid website, so that they will be joined with others in a wall of prayer. Take a look and join in.
Read: If you get the chance, do read Christian Aid's recent report, Theology from the Global South: Perspectives on Christian Aid's Work.
Short Notes: Azerbaijan, Commodification, Democratic Republic of Congo, Elections, G8 Meeting, Sahel
Azerbaijan
We'll have more on this next week, but as Azerbaijan prepares to host the Eurovision song contest, please pray for its people. The country has a very poor record on human rights and corruption. (You can find out more from this very helpful briefing by Forum 18)
Action Points: If your young people's group (or even an older people's group!) is going to gather to watch Eurovision might they pray for the country before the contest begins? Or perhaps even take action on behalf of a political prisoner?
Commodification
Does everything have a price? One of the more controversial aspects of the forthcoming Rio+20 conference is an attempt to "price" eco-system services. A recent debate (see link below) gave the example of pollination: the cost of pollinating crops -- done freely by bees! -- has been estimated at 153 billion euros a year.
There are arguments in favour of this kind of pricing -- in theory it can help people to recognise the value of the environment and to make decisions that help to preserve vital natural resources. It can also help to ensure that those who cause damage to the environment are held responsible for the impacts of that damage.
But there are risks also. As Michael Sandel has argued, putting a price on things can give people a sense of entitlement to use them. It can also contribute to inequality, as those who have less money lose access to things that were previously regarded as being open to all. And we have already seen with food how commodification can lead to potentially price-distorting speculation, further disadvantaging those who are poor. Moreover, who determines price? And what factors do they take into consideration?
As Rio approaches, please keep in prayer those who are involved with the "green economy" part of the text, that they may have wisdom and discernment as they negotiate -- or authorise negotiations -- on these vital questions. Pray that Rio+20 doesn't create systems that further disadvantage those who are poor, or that take us farther from recalling our role as stewards, not owners, of creation, dependent on God for all good gifts.
Further Viewing and Reading: Ecosystem economics: can we put a price on nature? A panel of UK-based experts (with an emphasis on those who favour pricing) debates some of the issues. WDM shares its concerns on the topic in a blogpost on "the financialisation of nature."
And the Archbishop of Canterbury reviews Sandel and Sikelsky ... and gives some thoughts of his own on markets and morality.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Reports from Congo state that two groups of mutineering soldiers (who had been part of a rebel group before being incorporated into the army in 2009) have been clashing with the army in the province of Nord Kivu. More than 10,000 people are said to have fled to Rwanda and Uganda to escape the violence.
A Caritas report (Fr) tells the story of Delphine, who has been displaced. She had also had to flee her home during earlier Congolese conflicts. She speaks of being caught between the army and the insurgents, and of her sadness at once again facing life in a camp for displaced people.
Please pray for all those who have fled and for all those who are living in fear in Nord Kivu. Pray that God will grant them safety and hope for the future. Pray for a change of heart among those who are fighting and for peace and justice generally within the DRC. Pray for all who, like Caritas, are working to bring assistance to those affected by the conflict.
Elections
Please pray for
- Francois Hollande as he prepares to be sworn in as president of France on Tuesday. (You can read his first speech here (Fr) or hear it with translation here) The new president has a series of crucial meetings and enormous economic pressures to deal with.
- Greece, where last Sunday's elections have left no party with sufficient power to form a government. Unless a meeting convened by the President of Greece this Sunday succeeds in creating a "national unity" government, a second election, which would be held 17 June, seems likely. The election saw a massive decline in the vote for the two main parties that have dominated Greek politics; the rise of a leftist coalition, which achieved second place; and a massive rise in the share of the neo-fascist party Golden Dawn (which received 7% of the vote). With 21% unemployment, 50% youth unemployment, years of recession and further harsh austerity measures due in June, Greece is in a very vulnerable and fragile place. Please pray for politicians and all in Greece. Pray also for those within the European Union who are relating to Greece and who are making decisions about the EU's financial support for it.
- Serbia, where incumbent president Boris Tadic and Tomislav Nikolic of the nationalist Serbian Progressive Party are due to have a run-off election on 20 May. Nikolic and his party are alleging fraud and threatening to withdraw from the second round of elections. A helpful post on the elections and their potential impact can be found here.
- Syria, where the ongoing violence -- including two devastating suicide car bombs detonated by Islamists -- has overshadowed the country[s widely dismissed parliamentary elections this past week. Please continue to pray for peace with justice in Syria. Please pray for those who suffered in this week's violence and also for those who are working to bring assistance to people affected by the violence.
Further Reading: For a different perspective from the norm, take a look at Taking Syria's Elections Seriously
- Egypt, whose expatriates began voting on Friday in the presidential election: voting within the country is scheduled to begin on 23 May.
G8 Meeting
The G8 will meet this coming Friday and Saturday at Camp David, the US president's retreat near Washington DC. Agenda items will most likely includethe ongoing economic crises, security and the Deauville partnership support for Midde Eastern countries that are democratising). Another of the key agenda items is food security. The presidents of Benin, Ethiopia, Ghana and Tanzania will be attending the summit and discussing this issue. Agencies that work on food and agriculture fear that the summit will focus primarily on creating an "enabling environment" for business to invest in agriculture and hope that the summit will also see a continuation of prior pledges on aid for agriculture, increased support for countries' own agricultural plans, public-sector agricultural investment and smallholders. Please pray for the summit. Give thanks that the G8 recognises the vital importance of food security and has prioritised it. Pray that the decisions made around food security may be wise and effective.
Sahel
On the subject of food security, please also continue to pray for those affected by the food crisis in the Sahel. Pray for agencies to get the resources they need to assist people, as knowledge of the danger does not yet seem to be translating sufficiently into support for action. Pray that we may break the cycle in which failure to respond to predictions leads to deepening crises.
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