Reformed Church Gathers to Analyze Economic Crisis
Members of Reformed churches began a theological critique of the economic crisis Thursday at a global gathering in South Africa.
Theologians, advocates, economists and senior church officials from 23 countries are expected to attend the "Global Dialogue on The Accra Confession: Covenanting for Justice in the Economy and the Earth" on Sept. 3-7.
Convened by the World Alliance of Reformed Churches in cooperating with the South Africa Council of Churches, the event will assess the reaction of member churches to a document known as the Accra Confession.
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The Confession was adopted by the WARC in Ghana in 2004. It rejects systems and structures that perpetuate economic injustice and ecological destruction.
"Recognizing that there are differing perspectives on the causes and possible responses to the impact of the global economic crisis on people and the environment, the gathering invites debate and information sharing among delegates," said WARC President Clifton Kirkpatrick.
Information gathered at this week's event will be reported at the upcoming world assembly of the Reformed church movement in June 2010 in Grand Rapids, Mich.
"We in the churches have to raise our voices, to show that in face of an economic model of greed and exclusion, the Lord calls for a model of love and selfless dedication: a model of sharing," said Helis Barraza Diaz of the Presbyterian Church of Colombia.
Highlights for the event include a public dialogue on contrasting theological and justice perspectives on the global economy and community visits to allow delegates to interact with people who live daily with the impact of the current economic crisis and changes in weather patterns.
