INDIA MICAH CHALLENGE In the Beginning
Common strategies Research Networking Education Committee formation look for someone to do the above!!
The Initiation EFI: An association and network of Evangelicals in India EFICOR : A national Organization involved in relief and developmental work Prabhaav: A network of evangelicals involved in social Concern Joined hands to initiate India Micah Challenge
The First Step A National consultation was held for three days in Pune, Maharashtra. From 29 th May 2004 till 1 st June 2004.
The Consultation Focused on Key Biblical Teachings on Justice Sharing Information on MDGs Information on Micah Call & Micah Challenge Building capacities for Advocacy India Specific issues Future Directions for India Micah Challenge Campaign
What brewed The present position of India vis-à-vis MDG s Sharing the need & ideas for advocacy Specific need for India in the context of; Poverty Eradication Gender Equality Health Education Environment
Who were Involved Bishop & Church Leaders Evangelical Leaders involved in social concern Leaders from*; Sri Lanka Bangladesh Nepal Resource Persons: Mr. Steve Bradbury: Chairman Micah Network Mr. C.B. Samuel: Chairman Prabhaav Mr. Michael Smitheram : International Campaign Coordinator Micah Challenge * Although a National consultation for India, other leaders from South Asia were invited to participate
The Outcomes
Signing of MICAH CALL
Our faith affirmation on justice We believe that justice is central to God s character. We see this truth in those passages that promise the Spirit s anointing on the Messiah. He (the Spirit) is given to bring justice to the nations (Is 42:1). We recognise that God expresses his holiness in his justice (Is 5: 16). We believe that the Holy Spirit was given to the Church too to enable us to continue this work till he (Jesus) establishes justice on earth. It is not surprising therefore, that doing justice is an integral component of Christian mission and worship. The Bible affirms that to shun injustice is a pre-requisite to be heard by God. Any form of worship offered by oppressive and exploitive persons or communities is repulsive to God. We also recognise India that the Mission Micah of the Spirit Challenge is to bring justice to the earth. Declaration The repeated emphasis the anointing of the Spirit and doing justice in the relation to the Messiah is a clear affirmation that a key role of the Holy Spirit is to establish justice on earth. As people led by the same Spirit we are called to do justice. We affirm therefore that doing justice doing right in the eyes of the Lord - is a key indicator of true worship and authentic mission acceptable to God the father of our Lord Jesus Christ. We acknowledge the need for the church to be the prophetic voice on behalf of the poor, and to work in partnership with the oppressed and marginalized communities. The role of the church as a transforming agent in society must be further developed to fulfil its mandate of discipling and transforming nations. We need to deepen our Christian engagement by identifying and addressing the root causes and structural issues of poverty, and pursuing a model of community driven development. We can enhance our capacity, credibility and influence through active involvement in coalitions and networks of like-minded agencies and churches. We realise that this process must start with individuals, families and churches modelling a lifestyle of justice, and helping to create an environment and culture where justice is done. We confess that we have often failed to fulfil God s requirements of justice and mercy in our own lives and ministries. There are times when we have not contributed our voice, nor stood beside others campaigning for social justice and basic rights at key moments.
Therefore in humility we make the following commitments. To Increase our understanding of the biblical framework for justice and advocacy. To develop well research policy position with respect to issues of justice. To engage with Christians in public life and public administration, supporting them to re-claim politics and administration as realms of possibility for Christian engagement with the poor, marked by accountability and honesty. To educate and raise awareness within the church of justice and advocacy issues through seminars, workshops, consultations, exposure visits, training experiences and Our production Commitment of relevant educational materials (in regional languages). To network and partner with churches and like-minded agencies. To initiate local, regional and national campaigns on specific issues. To offer our services and support to theological institutions to develop curricula which include biblical teaching on justice and advocacy. To encourage the establishment of small groups dedicated to modelling justice in the community. To develop special programmes and opportunities designed to encourage university students, youth and children to develop a passion for justice that reflects the heart of God. To practise a lifestyle of justice in our homes, workplaces, churches and communities. To set up sectoral taskforces to coordinate the activities and provide directions.
Sri Lankan Affirmations and Commitment: We as the Sri Lankan delegates who attended this consultation affirm the Micah Call and Micah declaration and are firmly committed to the Biblical Mandate of proclamation and presence as being integral to Christian mission. We acknowledge our failure as part of the Christian community to speak out Sri Lankan Affirmations and adequately on the rights of the poor, the marginalised and the oppressed and stand with them in their struggle for justice. Commitment We believe that the church in Sri Lanka should be an agent of Transformation, regaining its prophetic role of speaking forth on issues of justice, and calling back the church and nation to repentance. We also commit ourselves to endeavour to establish a society where there is social peace, economic sufficiency, public justice, individual & corporate righteousness and where all people are treated equal.
Nepalese Commitment The Nepalese participants would like to initiate the Nepalese Commitment gathering of a similar consultation in Nepal.
Formation of Working Committee The Consultation invited EFICOR, EFI and Prabhaav to facilitate the formation of Steering committee.
The Formation of Steering Committee EFI, EFICOR & Prabhaav took the task further and a steering committee* is put in place which consists of members representing Churches NGO Sector Educational Institutions Evangelical networks *Keeping the vast nature of India a centralized committee is in place in Delhi, with scope for further expansion.
Action Plan A research on the position of India on MDG s and India s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) In process to be completed by 15 th January 06. Appointment of National Coordinator A full time coordinator has been appointed w.e.f. 1 st November 05. India Micah Challenge Launch To be held on 1 st February 06 in New Delhi.
The Launch Includes The Launch A Day long seminar with participants from all the regions of the country on specific issues such as Poverty Reduction Health Education Environment Gender A formal Launch of the MICAH CHALLENGE in the evening with a Public meeting.
The Future Course Promoting Churches, organizations and individuals to sign the MICAH CALL Working towards advocating with the Government. Re-aligning our (Churches & Christian organizations) programs towards achievement of MDG s Launching a nationwide awareness drive motivating people to contribute in the achievement of MDG s
Resources required for the campaign National Coordinator Two Zonal Coordinators Office space & automation for functioning of the team Resource materials for the campaign Network of organizations Funds
The Challenges Preparation of resource materials in various regional languages Representation from various parts of the country in the steering committee Capacity building of Churches & Christian organizations to be involved in Micah Challenge Advocating on social issues with policy makers
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