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Articles in Bahasa Indonesia, English, French, German and Spanish APRIL 2020
La pandémie modifie les méthodes de travail
de la CMER et de ses membres
« On t’a fait connaître,
homme, ce qui est bien et ce
que l’Eternel demande de toi:
c’est que tu mettes en pra-
tique le droit,que tu aimes la
bonté et que tu marches hum-
blement avec ton Dieu. »
— Michée 6:8 (Segond 21)
D
ans cette situation sans énergiques prises pour ralentir la pro- publié des dizaines d’articles au cours
précédent et en rapide pagation du virus afin de mieux des dernières semaines.
évolution, la Communion prendre soin des personnes Bien entendu, les conditions ne
mondiale d’Églises réfor- atteintes. » sont plus réunies pour permettre au
mées (CMER) tient ses engagements « Il est navrant de constater que Comité exécutif de la CMR de se
en tant que Koinonia mondiale les réunions de culte ont été suspen- réunir en Afrique du Sud pour sa
marquée par le discernement, la con- dues dans de nombreux endroits et réunion annuelle en mai. En raison
fession, le témoignage et la réforme de cette situation toujours imprévi-
néanmoins encourageant que tant de
commune. Vivre l’appel que Dieu sible, il est également difficile de
personnes cherchent des moyens
nous adresse en tant que famille fixer une date pour une réunion en
d’être fidèles à l’amour de Dieu et du
chrétienne mondiale «appelée à la 2020.
prochain, même en restant chez elles Les églises hôtes sud-africaines
communion, engagée dans la justice»
et en limitant leurs déplacements et ont indiqué qu’elles accueilleraient
nous conduit d’abord à nous tourner
leurs contacts sociaux, » constate la volontiers le Comité exécutif en mai
vers Dieu qui est notre espérance et
lettre. 2021, et des projets sont déjà en
notre fondement.
« La pandémie du coronavirus Des centaines de communautés cours dans ce sens. Les responsables
touche le monde entier, et nous dans les églises membres sont passées de la CMER ont prévu une réunion
sommes tous touchés par son à des services de culte en ligne, en en novembre, et tenteront de se ren-
impact, » dit une lettre de la prési- utilisant des outils tels que Facebook contrer en face à face à une date plus
dente Najla Kassab et du secrétaire live, Zoom et YouTube. Le Conseil rapprochée si possible. Ils continue-
de la zone Caraïbes et Amérique du ront également à se réunir régulière-
général Chris Ferguson adressée à
Nord (CANAAC) a mis en ligne sur ment de manière virtuelle, en restant
toutes les églises membres de la
son site web (canaac.wcrc.ch) une en contact étroit avec le secrétariat
CMER. « Nos églises et nos orga-
page contenant des conseils des général. Le travail programmatique
nismes régionaux répondent aux
et administratif de la CMER se
besoins de leurs membres, tant spiri- églises membres, tandis que le bulle-
tuellement que physiquement, et tin hebdomadaire de la CMER inti-
cherchent à coopérer avec les mesures tulé « Member Churches News » a suite à la page 3
APRIL 2020 Reformed Communiqué
WCRC members respond
Member churches are responding to the pandemic.
Here are but a few stories (more can be found online at wcrc.ch/blog).
Chaplains are on the front lines
A
s the world trembles choosing which patients to treat ing fine today, though. Should I have
in fear because of the aggressively and which ones not to. dinner with friends? What if I pick
COVID-19 virus, Chris- “Chaplains bring unique expertise the virus up at work and bring it to
tian Reformed Church in to an ethics committee. Chaplains friends? And vice versa. I’m sure I’m
North America (CRC) chaplains are are trained to see the work of God in not the only one hearing and facing
on the front lines in hospitals, clinics all circumstances,” said Roelofs. these questions daily, so I just wanted
and hospice-care centers. “When they sit on an ethics commit- to share and offer up a prayer for all
Also during this time, chaplains tee, they broaden the picture.” of us—for compassionate presence,
are serving in the military and in In recent days, Roelofs has been for wise decisions, for health and
many businesses. receiving stories from the field, giv- safety in these challenging times.”
“Our chaplains are specially ing insight into the challenges chap-
trained, called, and ordained by the lains are now facing. These stories Lloyd Wicker, U.S. Navy
church, and sent by Jesus Christ to portray some of the hardships chaplain,Naval Air Station,
provide spiritual care to people in involved in working in hospitals that Sigonella, Italy
pain or in spiritual distress,” said are urgently trying to navigate the “Please continue to pray for Italy.
Sarah Roelofs, director of the CRC’s virus crisis. They also speak of habits Three weeks ago we had three cases.
Chaplaincy and Care office. and practices that keep them close to Today we have just under 54,000.
“We have answered the call to God as they work in the military Just today we added nearly 6,557
minister in places and locations that and in various other settings. newly confirmed cases (793 died
are unsafe because we have been Here are a few of those stories: today). Most of the dead are elderly.
equipped and trained. The spiritual Hospitals are overwhelmed and
need is great. …We encounter and Karen Norris, chaplain at
forced to turn away patients they
minister to people who are isolated Stollery Children’s Hospital,
deem less likely to survive so that
from God and others as they strug- Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
they can use their limited resources
gle emotionally, mentally, physically, “In dealing with COVID-19, my on those they think they can save.
and spiritually. We seek to provide province went from our first uncon- As a friend of mine said, ‘It may
care that encompases all of the firmed case to 22/23 confirmed cases seem like no big deal until it’s your
dimensions of wellness.” in a week. Two of my six colleagues parents or grandparents getting
Currently, Roelofs said, many are in self-isolation for 14 days, one turned away at the hospital.’ A week
chaplains are seeing the heartbreak- for COVID-like symptoms and ago I was one who leaned ignorantly
ing and disastrous effects of another due to returning from toward the notion that ‘This is just a
COVID-19 in their communities. another country. So one-third of our bad flu’—clearly that is not our real-
“They are experiencing firsthand the team is missing. …A family I’ve fol- ity. Being slow to act has had a great
immense strain on the already lowed as an inpatient for nine cost. This is by no means a call to
stressed medical system. Staffing in months gave me a hug on discharge panic…but it certainly is a call to
hospitals is lower as staff members day, and I internally winced. Then, PRAY. Clearing out your grocery
must self-quarantine,” she said. as I was visiting with a newer family, store doesn’t make a lot of sense…
Adding to their work, many chap- they acknowledged their fear of the but it would be a good time to stop
lains also serve on hospital ethics virus getting into the hospital, and I diminishing the situation and com-
committees that are discussing how realized I was sitting close to them plaining about the inconveniences of
best to use health-care resources and that that might have made them events being canceled. Nothing
when, as many news outlets are uncomfortable. I want to do my job, should make you happier than being
reporting, rationing of these resourc- but I also want to keep patients safe. able to look back someday and say
es becomes necessary. This can Because I had a scratchy throat, I did your leaders overreacted by imposing
involve agonizing decisions about not visit patients yesterday. I am feel- safety measures.”
2
Reformed Communiqué APRIL 2020
Albert Kae, substance-abuse unit now has to take place over the La pandémie modifie:
program chaplain, Los phone or computer. I also need to suite de la page 1
Angeles (California, USA) check in with people who work for
Union Mission me, and I need to listen to and pray
for them. The role of the chaplain is
“Our mission is very busy right now to be calm in a very anxious time. I
because we are the only mission open know the virus is here at the mission,
here on skid row. The most vulnerable but I take precautions. When I go
of people are right outside our doors. home at night, I wash my clothes and poursuit, mais aussi sous forme
How can we turn them away? Fortu- take a shower before I go in to greet électronique.
nately we have a public health clinic
inside the mission that can respond to
my wife.” • « Alors même que ce
—Chris Meehan, monde, déjà tombé entre les
them. A lot of the counseling I have CRC Communications mains des voleurs, est en pleine
with those living on the addiction période de perturbation mar-
quée par une pandémie en pro-
gression, la CMER comprend
Presbyterian Church of Ghana que Dieu est à l’œuvre et que
nous devons être fidèles à son
provides support for appel, » exprime la lettre.
« Nous devons être particuliè-
coronavirus medical team rement vigilants en cette
période de crise pour protéger
les pauvres et les faibles, pour
T
promouvoir la cause de la jus-
he Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has decided to provide lunch
tice et veiller à ce que l’injus-
every day for one hundred medical staff working at the three designated
tice ne soit pas commise. »
health centres managing coronavirus/COVID-19 cases in the country.
La CMER fait ceci parce
The health centres are the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge
que nous « croyons que Dieu
Hospital) Tema General Hospital, and the Ga East Government Hospital.
est un Dieu de justice. Dans
The intervention by the PCG is aimed at supporting the government’s efforts
un monde de corruption, d’ex-
to control and manage the spread of the virus in Ghana, which has recorded 68
ploitation et d’avidité, Dieu est
cases and two deaths.
d’une manière particulière le
The moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana,
Dieu des indigents, des
Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante presented the first lunch on behalf of the PCG to the
pauvres, des exploités, des
medical staff at the Ridge Hospital in Accra.
injustes et des maltraités
He also presented 30 boxes of Salem Mineral Water produced by the PCG
(Psaume 146, 7-9) » comme le
and 30 cartons of soft drinks to the medical staff. souligne la Confession d’Accra.
The items were received by the Greater Accra Regional Director of Health Ser- « Nous devrions tous com-
vices, Charity Sarpong, during a brief ceremony in Accra. prendre que nous ne faisons
Mante said the church has recognized the invaluable contributions of the med- pas cela seuls, mais avec l’aide
ical staff working hard to ensure that the coronavirus does not spread; hence the de Dieu et le soutien de toute
decision to provide them with lunch to motivate them to continue to work for the la Communion. Nous devons
nation. nous soutenir mutuellement
He also said the PCG, which is one of the largest denominations in the coun- dans la prière et accroître nos
try, has been following the challenges confronting the nation in the wake of the efforts pour être en contact les
coronavirus pandemic. uns avec les autres, par une
The moderator urged all and sundry to adhere to the recommended safety communication forte et le par-
measures put in place by the Ghana Health Service and other health experts. tage des défis et des besoins -
Sarpong thanked the PCG for the timely gesture and said it would go a long ainsi que de l’inspiration, » dit
way to motivate the health workers. la lettre. « Restons tous en
She also assured the church that they would continue to work hard to ensure contact étroit, nous soutenant
that the virus does not spread and those who have already contracted the virus mutuellement dans la prière et
would also be well managed so as to recover. l’action et en servant les autres
She urged other institutions and organizations to come and support in diverse pour la gloire de Dieu. » •
•
ways to make the fight against the spread of the virus successful.
—George Larbi, Presbyterian Church of Ghana
3
APRIL 2020 Reformed Communiqué
Parking lot church
First Presbyterian Church of Verona, New Jersey, worshiped drive-in style on Sunday
A
s she pondered how ed in their vehicles. The pastor, who She didn’t know that I was trying to
to lead worship while played classical violin in her previous imagine something like a drive-in
keeping the safety of career, accompanied a pair of singers church, though I was stuck on the
congregants who may be in hymns. technology question of how to get
affected by COVID-19 uppermost “On Sunday morning, I had the sound into the cars,” Rubier-Capron
in her mind, Lynn Rubier-Capron sense that congregants were excited,” said. Hathaway’s encouragement
remembered her childhood, when said Rubier-Capron. “Some unex- “helped me step into the idea and
she used to see movies at the drive- pected people came. One is in the look for solutions.”
in. at-risk population. She was devas- Rubier-Capron preached on a
Would that model work for the tated when she heard we wouldn’t familiar epistle passage— 1 Corin-
50-60 people who normally worship have church” in the sanctuary. thians 13:1-13 , “The Gift of Love,”
at the 126-year-old First Presbyterian Liz Hathaway, First Presbyterian which Paul concludes by mentioning
Church of Verona, New Jersey, USA? Church’s education facilitator, live- faith, hope and love.
It turns out it worked quite well. streamed worship after having spread On faith, Rubier-Capron told
On Sunday, 15 March, about a the word about parking lot church worshipers this: “When we name our
dozen cars pulled into the church fear we discover that is not the whole
via social media beforehand. Wor-
parking lot as they normally would of who we are. The challenge we face
shipers passed the peace by simply
is real. But suddenly we have access
on a Sunday morning. But this time, rolling their car windows down a bit
again to a large perspective,” faith in
drivers and passengers stayed in their more to wave to their neighbors.
the “God who created us, God who
vehicles and cracked a window as Rubier-Capron credited Hatha-
redeems us and God who sustains
they prepared their hearts and minds way’s insight and creativity for mak-
us.”
to worship God. ing the church’s initial foray into On hope, she discussed the walk
Rubier-Capron and the worship parking lot worship successful. “She in the park she’d taken the day
team used a portable microphone was thinking of drive-through before as a break from sermon prepa-
and speaker to reach worshipers seat- church and texted me with the idea. ration. “I walk in the park a lot,” she
said. “For the first time, I saw entire
families out walking with the chil-
Taiwan effectively addresses virus dren and their pets together. This
Excluded from the World Health Organization and having learned hard enlivened my hope—God is redeem-
lessons from past epidemics that originated in China, the Taiwanese ing all things and God will redeem
government responded quickly to the rise of COVID-19 and is now seen
this situation as well. I have already
as an effective example in containing the virus.
seen signs of it, like (Saturday) in the
The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) did its part by following guide- park.”
lines from the Taiwan Center for Disease Control. Then there’s love: “We are social
The PCT suspended the work of churches in shared buildings and severe- distancing as an act of love,” she
ly restricted the activities and numbers able to gather in independent said, “love for our neighbour, whom
buildings. Face-to-face Easter services were suspended entirely and we don’t want to become ill; love of
many churches moved to online worship.
ourselves; and love of our society,
Worship services were streamlined, eliminating choirs, shortening hymns which needs time to shore up our
and inviting members to put their offerings in bags by themselves. medical responses to the unique
Doors and windows were fully opened during services and seating stag- coronavirus.”
gered and limited to no more than 100 people, all of whom were tested
“We think it’s meaningful to this
for temperatures upon entering, given hand sanitizer and required to
community that they know their
wear masks. As able and necessary, churches also distributed sanitizers
and masks to their members. Instead of handshakes, greetings were
church is still here,” Rubier-Capron
exchanged with a nod. said. “We are willing to sacrifice not
being in the sanctuary together if it
“What Taiwan has done might appear to be foresight, but it is simply
applying the famous dictum of public health—prevention is better than
means we will help flatten the
cure—in its literal sense,” said a PCT member. curve.”•
—Mike Ferguson,
Presbyterian News Service
4
Reformed Communiqué APRIL 2020
Uniting in adversity
U
niting Churches around one another in a time of emotional, Looking Ahead
the Australia either closed physical and financial stress,” said The president and synod moderators
their doors or held limited Baker. will meet via videoconference to
worship from Sunday, 22 New South Wales/Australian reflect on the life of the Uniting
March, as they adapted to life in Capital Territory (NSW/ACT) Mod- Church and review the pastoral chal-
the global coronavirus COVID-19 erator Simon Hansford and General lenges ahead.
pandemic. Secretary Jane Fry wrote to presby- Palmer is urging Uniting Church
Australian people, governments, teries and congregations with a “very members to get in touch directly.
companies and institutions have strong recommendation” that con- “I invite you to send through to
struggled through a tumultuous and gregations should not be meeting in us, your requests for prayer, your
occasionally chaotic few weeks, dur- person in any gathering. stories of hope, the particular
ing which the virus has continued to “We note the clear advice that challenges you are facing in your
spread locally, sparking panic buying has been provided by government regions, so that we can focus our
in supermarkets. health authorities, about the impor- time together and pastorally support
Football matches are now playing tance of acting early for the benefit you, as you faithfully serve Christ
to empty stadiums, live entertain- of the whole society,” said the NSW/ through the life and witness of the
ment productions are all being can- ACT leadership team. Uniting Church across Australia,”
celled, as are major events like Syd- “Early action will minimize the said Palmer.
ney’s Royal Easter Show and likelihood of becoming infected, “I am very conscious that many
ANZAC Day services. slow the rate at which the virus of you continue to be deeply affected
For churches, many practical and spreads, flatten the curve of the inci- by drought, the aftermath of bush-
pastoral challenges lie ahead, not the dence of serious cases, and assist the fires and flooding, as well as the
least of which are the expected toll medical and hospital systems in impacts of the global pandemic.
of the virus, particularly among responding to seriously increased “The ways we celebrate Easter
older Australians, and the economic demands. Our commitment to the will be significantly affected, and
hardship borne of the containment common good mandates that we you will know the best ways for your
measures. proceed in this direction.” local communities to observe Easter.
“Now, more than ever, as follow- The advice to cancel worship was “The message of Easter speaks
ers of Jesus, we are called to embody taken on the same day the Federal into all of our contexts. God’s grace
God’s love and compassion in our Government announced new guide- poured out into our world, through
world,” said Uniting Church in Aus- lines for public gatherings, limiting the Risen Christ brings hope and
tralia President Deidre Palmer in a indoor meetings to less than 100 and love into the deepest corners of
pastoral letter to the church. outdoor meetings to less than 500. despair and suffering, and brings
In a time when many Australians On 20 March, the Federal Govern- transformation and new life, through
are feeling frightened and alone, ment increased this recommendation the steadfast love of God for every
Palmer and other Uniting Church for social distancing for indoor gath- one and the whole creation.
leaders are urging members to erings to four square metres per “May God sustain you with love
respond compassionately and cre- person. and strength, as you serve Christ in
atively to the changed circumstances. The Synods of Victoria and Tas- these rapidly changing and challeng-
“As members of the wider com- mania, South Australia, Western ing times,” said Palmer.•
munity, and as the body of Christ Australia and the Northern Synod —United Church in Australia
called to exercise love for our neigh- have indicated that Congregations
bours, we are committed to partici- can proceed with worship services
pating in our society in wise, faithful and gathered activities with strict
and responsible manner,” said David hygiene measures and social distanc-
Baker, moderator of the Synod of ing, working within state and federal
Queensland. government guidelines.
“We have our part to play both in Some congregations within these
limiting the spread of the disease Synods have moved to cancel their
itself, and in helping our wider com- worship services and other activities
munity learn new ways of caring for in response to local circumstances.
5
APRIL 2020 Reformed Communiqué
WCRC Europe calls for prayers
and encouragement
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I
n these days we are experiencing great uncertainty. islands are overwhelmed with the current situation and
The fight against the spread of the Coronavirus are expecting assistance from the European Union,
requires measures which have great affects on our including a political solution. We saw a Europe full of
daily life. The public life of many European countries selfishness and violence in its politics and not the Europe
is standing still. Experts want us to avoid our social of peace, we are committed to.
contacts and we are all affected by the consequences of In Athens, we visited “Faros,” the center for the
the Coronavirus. accommodation and education of unaccompanied refu-
As the Steering Committee of WCRC Europe, we gee teenagers, which WCRC Europe had supported with
call you to pray for those who are suffering from the sit- educational funds. We experienced both the passion of
uation especially the sick persons and their families. Let their personnel and their hopeful anticipation for the
us also pray for those whose health puts them at higher positive impact this experience had on the more than 60
risk and for those who are facing major changes in their beneficiaries so far. We realized that there was an immi-
lives. nent need for more similar centers and learning projects
In this crisis it is important to remember that we are for the “unseen generation” of the unaccompanied refu-
not alone, and with Christ we have the power to stay gee teens.
strong: During our time visiting these centers we truly saw
“For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of that God was beside those who were suffering. In Ath-
power and of love and of sound mind.” ens, Lesvos and Chios we could recognize in the face of
With this confidence we are able to accept the chal- the refugees the image of our living God. He comes
lenge of our current situation and search for ways to help from Syria, Afghanistan, Iran and other countries.
those who are extremely affected. As we see already in As Christians, we have to raise our voices for the peo-
some European countries, we can build a community ple who are suffering and those who are forgotten behind
without direct contact and we can look for a common our own challenges. We have to raise our voices as well
spirit of hope and practical ideas of creativity to over- for those who become victims of political machinations.
come this crisis. Please do not forget those who are suffering.
Even as the Coronavirus crisis is escalating, we must Therefore we call you—even in times of uncertain-
not forget about the refugees in Europe, especially those ty—to urge your governments to search for a solution for
who are in Greece. A few weeks ago, the President of the the refugees in Greece.
European region of WCRC, Martina Wasserloos, the We encourage European churches to take up their
Treasurer, Kerstin Koch and the Vice President, Dimitris calling as ambassadors of Christ, to raise their voices in
Boukis visited Athens and the Greek islands of Lesvos unity, friendship and solidarity to those in need and
and Chios seeing people suffering from the current situa- never resting in our pursuit towards a peaceful humanity.
tion. On the islands, children, women and men live in As we trust in God, the creator of all humanity, in
terrible conditions. Often, they don’t have water or elec- Jesus Christ, who redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit, who
tricity, and the eminent danger of the coming epidemic broadens our horizons. •
is extremely high. The refugees are waiting for a solution —The Steering Committee
for their situation. All the while the citizens of the Greek of WCRC Europe, 17 March 2020
6
Reformed Communiqué APRIL 2020
Libertad religiosa basada en la justicia
U
na consulta realizada
reciente propuso valiosas
medidas para encontrar un
paradigma de pensamiento
fiel sobre el tema de “Libertad
religiosa o de creencia”.
Veintidós líderes y lideresas eclesi-
ales y teólogos y teólogas se reuni-
eron en la localidad de Hattersheim
am Main, Alemania, del 25 al 27 de
febrero, para debatir este tema a la
Farhana Nazir, Junaid Ahmed, Eve ente dada por Dios, lo que significa
luz del aumento global de etno-
Parker, Odor Balazs, HyeRan Kim- que nuestros derechos están arraiga-
nacionalismos, la xenofobia, la intol-
erancia interreligiosa, la hegemonía Cragg, Anna Case Winters y Abra- dos en Dios”, la consulta declaró:
patriarcal y el racismo. ham Mathew. “Por lo tanto, no podemos hablar
“Dado el aumento actual de etno- En la declaración final de la con- sobre libertad religiosa sin hablar de
nacionalismos que usan la religión sulta se “reconoció que el clima glob- la justicia y de la dignidad de todos
como marcadores de identidad y para al actual requiere la cooperación los seres humanos”.
legitimar la violencia, es imperativo interreligiosa y la construcción de La declaración continuó con una
que nosotros, como personas de fe, alianzas comprometidas con un condena enérgica de todas las formas
podamos apoyar la libertad de mundo basado en la justicia y la lib- de discriminación religiosa, opresión
religión y trabajar por un mundo en ertad” y que “el tema de la libertad y persecución. “Estamos llamados y
el que todas las personas de fe tengan religiosa debe ubicarse al abordar la llamadas a asumir una teología
la libertad de expresión, articulación y cuestión de la justicia”. valiente, que sepa arriesgarse, y una
propagación de su fe “, dijo Philip “Como un intelectual público hospitalidad mutua y radical. Para
Vinod Peacock, secretario ejecutivo musulmán comprometido con el esto, podemos buscar ejemplos de
de justicia y testimonio de la Comu- diálogo interreligioso por la paz y la cooperación y apoyo religioso incluso
nión Mundial de Iglesias Reformadas. justicia, no he participado de un foro en medio de la violencia religiosa.
“La violación del derecho a la lib- que me pareciera más hospitalario y Reconocemos que solamente una
ertad religiosa o de creencias, especial- receptivo al trabajo interreligioso que comunidad con imaginación inter-
mente de las personas más vulnera- éste en el que estamos involucrados e religiosa puede desafiar los conceptos
bles, por parte de los actuales naciona- involucradas aquí”, expresó Junaid nacionalistas de religiosidad intoler-
lismos populistas que han cooptado Ahmad, profesor de religión y políti- ante que niegan la dignidad y las lib-
solapadamente la premisa moral de la ca mundial en la Universidad Nacio- ertades religiosas de las personas vul-
protección de la libertad religiosa para nal Defensa (Pakistán). nerables. Hacemos un llamamiento a
sus propias agendas individuales, evi- “Escuchar y relacionarse con una teología vivida de resistencia,
dencia uno de las heridas morales más teólogos y teólogas de raíz cristiana, restauración y reconciliación”.
dolorosas y paradójicas de nuestros activistas y líderes de opinión fue “La relevancia y oportuna real-
tiempos “, afirmó Peniel Jesudason una experiencia extraordinaria, justa- ización de este encuentro se basa en su
Rufus Rajkumar, coordinador del mente por las posibilidades que visión de confrontar tales perversiones
programa para el diálogo interreligioso ofrece en un mundo cada vez más abusivas, explorando un modelo de
y la cooperación del Consejo Mundial fragmentado por las ideologías (‘fun- compromiso fiel que sea al mismo
de Iglesias damentalismos’, tanto en su variedad tiempo crítico con quien domina, com-
Las contribuciones oficiales a la religiosa como secular) que buscan prometido con los y las vulnerables y
consulta fueron presentadas de diver- promover las formas más peligrosas ‘com-pasivo’ (compañerismo y pasión)
sas maneras con discursos de aper- de autoritarismo, xenofobia y rac- en su enfoque”, dijo Rajkumar.
tura de Heiner Bielefeldt, Lesmore ismo, incluida la más alarmante de La consulta fue organizada de
Ezekiel y Heidi Hadsel; estudios nuestro tiempo: la islamofobia”, con- manera conjunta por la Comunión
bíblicos de Mitri Raheb, Septemmy tinuó Ahmad. Mundial de Iglesias Reformadas y el
Lankawa y Dianna Wright; y per- Recordando la afirmación de Consejo Mundial de Iglesias y fue
spectivas regionales por parte de Juan Calvin de que “todos los seres posible gracias a la financiación del
Peggy Kabonde, Joas Adiprasetya, humanos tienen una dignidad inher- Otto per Mille (Italia).•
7APRIL 2020 Reformed Communiqué
Freedom of Religion:
Hearing All the Cries
Acknowledging Our Context were also chronically aware that singular religious identity, either by
T
these were a mere continuation of practice or by family relationships.
he World Communion
what seems to be a global trend that Often what is named as religious
of Reformed Churches
is denying the freedom of expression violence in actuality involves, though
is committed to the
and articulation of religions. The does not invoke, these other identi-
flourishing of all of God’s
rise of ethno-nationalisms, xenopho- ties as well. We therefore recognize
creation. Throughout our history
bia, interreligious intolerance, patri- that in the context of polarization
we have discerned together the signs
archal hegemony and racism globally and religious nationalism, those
of the times and have confessed our
has used various religious traditions most vulnerable to violence are those
rejection of fascism and other forms
to prop up their agenda. This is not who are “othered” and reduced to
of tyranny, systematic evils and only of deep concern but urgently singular identities.
the denial of the fullness of life for calls on us to confess our faith
all. Therefore, today as we witness together, globally and ecumenically. Analyzing Our Perspectives
a growing escalation in religiously We further recognized that the pres-
fuelled hate crimes, and consequently ent global climate necessitates inter- We recognized and valued the
the denial of human dignity, and religious cooperation and the build- importance of the present legal
the freedom of religion, belief and ing of alliances that are committed framing of the freedom of religion or
expression, we cannot stay silent, to a world that is predicated on jus- belief and the protections it offers to
but are instead called to continually tice and freedom. the vulnerable and the responsibili-
reform and be reformed. In line with ties required from states. We upheld
our 2017 General Council’s strong Affirming Our Convictions the Universal Declaration Human
call to hear the cries of suffering Rights, article 18, which says:
We affirm that our Scriptures assert
people, we call on our churches to “Everyone has the right to freedom
the centrality of justice to our faith
take a side, the side of the oppressed. of thought, conscience and religion;
(Deuteronomy 16:20) and that God
It is for this reason that between this right includes freedom to
requires justice from humanity
the 25th and the 27th of February (Micah 6:4), and therefore the ques- change his or her religion or belief,
2020, a group of 22 church leaders tion of the freedom of religion must and freedom, either alone or in com-
and theologians met in Frankfurt, be located in the question of justice. munity with others and in public or
Germany, to deliberate together and We therefore approached this from private, to manifest his or her reli-
find a faithful paradigm of thinking the perspective of justice. gion or belief in teaching, practice,
over the issue of the “Freedom of The group was guided by the worship and observance.”
Religion or Belief.” conviction that a framework of However, we also understood
The choice of venue became par- engagement must be grounded in that in the present discourse the
ticularly significant since a few days the experiences of the vulnerable and right to freedom of religion or belief
before the meeting a person who marginalized, those whose religious as a human right emerges from a
professed a far-right agenda shot and rights and identities have been vio- particular Eurocentric, geopolitical
killed nine persons from “immigrant lated and persecuted. Noting that in perspective that attempts to create
communities” in the nearby town of the context of religious violence, reli- itself into the only paradigm from
Hanau. And neither was the time gion often serves as an identity which the freedom of religion can
insignificant since during our meet- marker that serves as a rallying point and must be seen. We were particu-
ing New Delhi, India, was wreaked for underlying economic and mate- larly cognizant that the present legal
by religiously justified violence that rial interests. We were further aware framework and even laws which pro-
was mainly directed towards its that religion is only one of the many tect religious freedom do not emerge
minority Muslim population. We identities because as humans we bear in a vacuum but instead from a
recognized the violence faced by multiple identities which intersect political economic context that
Christian communities in various with each other, and as such can materializes from and is in support
parts of the world including but not make us more vulnerable to systems of neoliberal imperial capitalism, in
restricted to Indonesia, Cameroon of oppression—namely ethnicity, other words “empire.” In such a situ-
and South Sudan. The group was gender, caste, class and sexuality. ation, religion and religious practice
made acutely aware of the urgency of Indeed, it is also often the case that are relegated to the private sphere
our task by these incidents, but we several of us carry even more than a and become a commodity to be con-
8APRIL 2020 Reformed Communiqué
sumed along with other commodi- enous traditions that see the earth hand, enabled to see the impulse
ties. As long as any religion or reli- itself as having rights and that our towards religious freedom in Scrip-
gious tradition plays along with the rights as human rights is intrinsically ture, on the other hand, we could
rules of this game it is tolerated. But connected to the rights of the earth. also equally recognize that the Bible
we acknowledge that our faith com- has texts that call for the annihila-
pels us to speak in the public square Admitting the Complexity of tion of the other (Ezekiel 23) and
and have a prophetic voice. Our Scripture and Tradition towards genocide (Joshua 6)—calls
It was highlighted that there are that are problematically and violent-
places in which the right to freedom Given this situation it is necessary ly appropriated even today. We rec-
of religion was being upheld as the that we imagine a framework for ognize that the Bible is a site of con-
primary right and was being weapon- religious freedom that is located in tention and is often used against the
ized against the vulnerable. This is and emerges from the cries of the religious “other.” Yet we also note
particularly true in places where the most vulnerable in our communities that in Christ we are called to free-
freedom of religion or belief has been and societies. It should offer a space dom (Galatians 5:1) and that
hijacked by the dominant in order to for their cries to not only be heard includes the freedom of religion.
perpetuate discrimination against but their perspectives to lead the It is through the lens of the “oth-
minorities and the marginalized. As it thinking on the freedom of religion. ered” as we live out Jesus’ command
was noted that there is an increasing Such attentiveness to the divine self- to love your neighbour that we wit-
tendency among the majority to proj- disclosure in the struggles of those ness the moments of liberation in
ect itself as a “victim” and abuse nar- beyond the boundaried and bordered our Scriptures, where the bodies of
ratives of suffering to legitimize the imaginations of the powerful should the vulnerable find hope in the vul-
violence on the “other.” be the axis around which responses nerable and silenced bodies of Scrip-
We debated the role of the state to this issue should be framed. This ture. So we look to the persecuted
in the protection of the right to the should be a deep listening to the sto- woman who walks into the houses of
freedom of religion or belief. While ries of those who have been abused the religious elites to sit at the feet of
states should guarantee the right to by religion that should disturb us Jesus (Luke 7: 36-50); her presence
the freedom of religion, we recognize and bend us out of shape, so that we and the affirmation of Jesus shamed
that states are not neutral and that as a church would be healed by systems of prejudice that marginal-
even constructs of the secular state those very people, we set out to heal. ized her and regain her religious
are riddled with problems. Existing We recognize that in many contexts freedoms at the side of Christ. We
democratic institutions do not it is Christian communities that are look to the many stories of Jesus
always work to serve those who are themselves vulnerable and are sub- touching those who were considered
oppressed, and the church should ject to violence. We recognize fur- impure, transgressing boundaries of
challenge these institutions to serve ther that even within one particular purity and pollution and bringing
the cause of justice of all the religious tradition there are minori- healing (Mark 1:40-45; 10:46-52,
oppressed. Our common human sit- ties who are oppressed and are John 9), displaying to us what true
uation is not going to be helped by oppressed precisely because of their freedom of religious expression looks
universalizing one particular under- theological traditions and embodied like. We therefore recognize the vul-
standing of secular democracy. vulnerabilities. We further recognize nerable bodies of the faithful who
We recognize that the right to that women across all religious tradi- resist societal and political dogmas
the freedom of religion or belief is tions suffer the consequences of of oppression, whose lives we must
indivisible from all other human these toxic theologies and scriptural bear witness to as we discern our
rights. For example, the right to the interpretations that consign women purpose and confess our sins.
freedom of religion cannot be used to subservience and silence. Yet we Similarly, we recognize the com-
to discriminate against sexual also heard and acknowledged testi- plexity of our own Reformed heri-
minorities as being practiced in cer- monies of resistance and communi- tage on the question of freedom of
tain countries. However, we also rec- ties that offered hope. religion. During the Reformation
ognize that the present discourse on We discerned the problems and communities of refugees sought to
human rights is particularly anthro- promises of our Scriptures on the discern what it meant to have reli-
pocentric, ignoring the rights of the subject of the freedom of religion or
earth. We seek to learn from Indig- belief. While we were, on the one Continued on page 11
9APRIL 2020 Reformed Communiqué
Najla Kassab: Les églises protestantes
sont indispensables au Moyen-Orient
M
algré la terrible guerre civile, l›Eglise libération des femmes du Moyen-Orient et leur a permis
chrétienne de Syrie est forte et s’engage d›utiliser leurs talents et de bien contribuer à la société »,
« à prendre soin des personnes qui ont a déclaré Mme Kassab. « Cela nous a aidés à faire l’expé-
été touchées par le conflit, » a déclaré rience de la justice et de l’amour de Dieu. Ma présence
Najla Kassab, présidente de la Communion mondiale des ici en est le résultat ».
Eglises réformées, lors de la conférence Stob qui a conclu Mme Kassab a obtenu sa licence en éducation chré-
la série de conférences de janvier à l’Université Calvin. tienne à la Near East School of Theology en 1987 et sa
Mme Kassab a souligné que l’Université Calvin, à maîtrise en divinité au Princeton Theological Seminary
Grand Rapids, dans le Michigan, aux États-Unis, était le en 1990. En 1993, elle a été la première femme à recevoir
lieu où la Communion mondiale d’Églises réformées fut la permission de prêcher au sein de son église, et en mars
fondée en 2010. Depuis, elle a participé à ses travaux et 2017, elle est devenue la deuxième femme à être ordonnée
fut élue présidente en 2017. ministre au sein du Synode évangélique national de Syrie
« C›est ici que notre voyage a commencé », a-t-elle et du Liban.
déclaré. « 100 millions de membres de plus de 200 Églises « Mon église a aidé à montrer la voie et a
du monde entier sont réunis au sein de la Communion servi d›exemple et d›inspiration à d›autres églises
mondiale des Églises réformées pour parler de justice ». protestantes », a-t-elle déclaré. Mme Kassab a également
En tant que président de la CMER, Kassab se déplace attribué aux églises protestantes le mérite d’avoir lancé
dans le monde entier pour des rassemblements et des de vastes programmes de publication qui ont joué un
conférences. Mais à l’université Calvin, elle a concentré rôle clé dans l’éducation et dans la traduction de la Bible
ses remarques sur l’Eglise réformée au Moyen-Orient, et et d’autres documents dans de nombreuses langues du
plus particulièrement sur le Liban et la Syrie. Moyen-Orient.
« Ces dernières années, il y a eu tant de souffrances et « En outre, les églises protestantes ont joué un rôle
de pertes, surtout en Syrie. Le défi de l›Eglise est d’être important dans le mouvement œcuménique. Nous avons
présente au milieu de cette douleur ». été appelés à nous ouvrir à d›autres églises et à travailler
« Les églises là-bas sortent de leurs murs et aident les plus étroitement ensemble. C›est une façon pour nous de
personnes dans le besoin », a déclaré Kassab, l’une des vivre véritablement l›amour du Christ ».
premières femmes à être ordonnée dans le Synode évan- La présence de l’Église s’est surtout manifestée par
gélique national de la Syrie et du Liban. l’enseignement primaire, surtout en cette période de
« Le nombre de chrétiens diminue de plus en plus en conflit le long de la frontière libanaise, où quelque 1,5
Syrie, » a-t-elle dit, « passant d›environ un million avant million de réfugiés de la guerre en Syrie vivent dans de
la guerre à environ 400 000 aujourd›hui. Mais je crois petits camps de fortune.
que l›Eglise est plus forte qu’avant la guerre. Je pense que « Souvent, les gens ne sont pas à l›aise dans une église,
l’engagement de l’église dans cette région grandit. » mais ils viendront dans nos écoles », a déclaré Mme
Najla Kassab a esquissé l’histoire des églises réformées Kassab lors d’une séance de questions et réponses après
au Moyen-Orient, en détaillant les améliorations que ce sa conférence. « Les écoles sont des endroits où nous
petit groupe d’églises a apportées dans l’éducation, les pouvons accueillir des élèves chrétiens et musulmans
services sociaux et le renforcement du rôle des femmes. ensemble et construire des ponts ».
Des missionnaires presbytériens ont créé l’Université Les parents souhaitent que leurs enfants fréquentent
américaine de Beyrouth - l’une des premières universités ces écoles, qui offrent aux enfants un répit face aux
du Liban - au milieu du XIXème siècle. Plus tard, un rigueurs de la vie dans un camp de réfugiés. À l’école,
hôpital et un orphelinat ont été reliés à cette université. ils sont nourris, aidés à se laver et sont parfois autorisés à
« Cette université a contribué à façonner notre rester pendant un certain temps pour éviter les conflits
patrimoine et montre l›impact qu›une église minoritaire dans les camps.
comme la nôtre peut avoir sur une nation », a-t-elle « Il y a tellement de besoins. Nous aidons les gens à
déclaré. continuer à survivre », a déclaré Najla Kassab, qui s’est
Toujours au milieu des années 1880, des mission- consacré depuis des années au travail avec les femmes et
naires ont créé une École protestante américaine pour les enfants. « Vous ne pouvez pas fermer vos portes aux
filles, qui a contribué à briser les préjugés et les restric- réfugiés et dire que vous êtes une église.» »
tions sur la vie des femmes. Ses commentaires sur le rôle de l’église contribuent à
« L›éducation a contribué à l›autonomisation et à raconter l’histoire générale du Liban, qui au début était
l›amélioration du statut des femmes. Elle a conduit à la réticent à accepter tant de réfugiés. Mais cela a changé,
10Reformed Communiqué APRIL 2020
Freedom of Religion:
continued from page 9
bien qu’il y ait toujours de nombreuses tensions, depuis gious freedom. However, this was often an exclusive under-
que les horreurs de la guerre civile syrienne sont apparues standing of religious freedom which meant religious free-
clairement. dom for the self and not for others. Yet we seek to draw
« Nous ouvrons des écoles pour prendre soin des inspiration from this same Reformed heritage. We looked
enfants. Ils sont l›espoir pour l›avenir. Mais à la fin de to John Calvin who professed that all humans have inher-
la journée, votre cœur est brisé de les voir retourner au ent God-given dignity, meaning our rights are rooted in
camp », a déclaré Mme Kassab. God. In the language of Calvin, God has rights and these
En ce qui concerne l’avenir, elle a affirmé que l’église rights also offer human rights, including the right to free-
devra jouer un rôle important pour aider à la guérison et dom and the right to justice. This is the God of the Cross,
à la réconciliation lorsque la guerre se terminera un jour through whom we also derive our hope; therefore, denial of
et que de nombreux réfugiés retourneront chez eux en such rights is denial of God in whose image we are made.
Syrie. Il sera particulièrement important de construire We reaffirm the cross as the symbol of resistance against
des ponts entre les personnes de foi. religion and state where characterized by hegemony and
« Nous devons encourager un dialogue de la vie », violence of dominant and dominating power. We therefore
a déclaré Mme Kassab. « Cela nous enrichit de grandir cannot speak about the freedom of religion without speak-
avec les autres religions. Les musulmans sont aussi des ing of justice and dignity of all humans.
enfants de Dieu. » We recognize both the complexities of our
Elle a décrit comment, au milieu des ruines de la own faith, Scripture and traditions and yet we also
guerre, de jeunes chrétiens et musulmans ont un jour recognize our own failing to live up to our best ideals.
disputé un match de football passionné sous les yeux et We recognize that the church has failed in its duty
les encouragements de nombreux spectateurs. towards others. We have been inward-looking and
Dans la région où le judaïsme, le christianisme et l’is- serving our own interests. We call for a self-critical
lam ont vu le jour, l’Église doit s’appuyer sur son message assessment of our history and change in our practice.
d’amour fondamental. Même si les guerres font rage, l’es-
Articulating Our Vision
poir peut durer si nous tenons d’abord à Dieu, a-t-elle dit.
« Nous devons sauvegarder les aspects les plus We recognize the suffering that communities within our
modérés de la religion », a déclaré Mme Kassab. « Plus la own communion face, we similarly recognize our own
violence est encouragée, plus nous sommes coincés avec complicity. As ambassadors of Christ, called to work for
des attitudes de peur et de radicalisme ». justice and to be peacemakers, we strongly condemn all
La série de conférences Stob est nommée en mémoire forms of religious discrimination, oppression and perse-
du Dr Henry J. Stob, professeur à l’Université Calvin et au cution.
Séminaire théologique Calvin, décédé en 1996. Le sujet de In this context, we privilege the perspectives of the
la série de conférences est lié aux domaines de l’éthique, de marginalized, the communities of imagination, those
l’apologétique et de la théologie philosophique. whose stories are shared through acts and arts of resis-
Depuis 2017, la conférence Stob a été intégrée à la tance. We heard such stories and upheld such exemplary
série de conférences de janvier et termine la série de examples of cooperation and solidarity in interreligious
présentations sur une série de sujets d’actualité. Cette communities for the sake of justice and freedom of all.
année, ces sujets comprenaient l’histoire de l’adoption These communities display a resistance to the dogmas of
d’une petite fille d’Haïti par un journaliste de sport, un the empire, despite and precisely through vulnerability.
regard sur la façon dont les médias sociaux affectent les We heard the stories of communities broken by religious
jeunes et un appel à répondre au besoin d’eau potable violence but who worked towards restoration and recon-
dans le monde. ciliation. In these stories we found hope!
Najla Kassab a également participé au Symposium We are called to assume a theology of courageous risk
Calvin sur le culte, elle a rencontré les dirigeants de and a radical and mutual hospitality. For this we can
l’Église réformée chrétienne en Amérique du Nord (CRC) look to examples of religious cooperation and support
et de l’Église réformée en Amérique (RCA), toutes deux even in the midst of religious violence. We recognize that
membres de la CMER, et elle a participé le dimanche à un only an interreligious community of imagination can
culte conjoint de ces deux dénominations réformées. • challenge nationalist notions of intolerant religiosity that
deny the dignity and religious freedoms of the vulner-
—Chris Meehan,
Responsable des Communications able. We call for a lived theology of resistance, restoration
de la CRC, a écrit l’article original. and reconciliation. •
11APRIL 2020 Reformed Communiqué
Gender, Führung und
Macht Schwerpunkte der Beratung
G
ender, Führung und
Macht standen im
Mittelpunkt der
ersten einer Reihe von
regionalen Konsultationen, die
Anfang Dezember im Nordosten
Indiens stattfanden.
Diese Konsultation „ist eine Ein-
ladung an die Kirchen, unser Ver-
ständnis und unsere Praxis von Füh-
rung und Macht im Kontext der
Gerechtigkeit für alle Gender inner-
halb der kirchlichen Gemeinschaft
wie auch in der Familie und in der
Gesellschaft im weiteren Sinne neu
zu überdenken“, sagte Lalrindiki
Ralte in ihrer Grundsatzansprache.
„Es ist eine Einladung, die Bereit-
schaft zu haben, sich durch eine mit- „Das Wort Gottes, die Bibel, gibt Lehrkörper der theologischen Fakul-
einander geteilte Macht und eine uns ein alternatives Verständnis von tät, Kirchenleitern und Aktivisten
Leitung, die Raum für andere gibt, Führung und Macht“, sagte sie. zusammen.
zu verändern, damit wir gemeinsam „Wenn Männer und Frauen gemein- Die Konsultationsreihe soll das
zur Reife des Glaubens und der Pra- sam Macht teilen, spiegeln sie das Bewusstsein der Mitgliedskirchen
xis heranwachsen können“. Bild Gottes wider, das in ihnen vor- der WGRK für Fragen der Gleich-
„Da wir alle in einer patriarchali- handen ist. Und die Macht zu herr- stellung der Geschlechter und der
schen soll nicht dazu benutzt wer- geschlechtsspezifischen Gewalt
schen Gesellschaft geboren und auf-
den, sich gegenseitig und die übrige schärfen, Möglichkeiten für einen
gewachsen sind, nehmen wir patriar-
Schöpfung auszubeuten und zu Systemwandel für Frauen in Füh-
chalische Werte und Praktiken an,
unterdrücken, sondern vielmehr rungspositionen schaffen und Stu-
die Frauen untergeordnete und min-
dazu, die Würde und das Leben dien und Reflexionen zur Umset-
derwertige Positionen zuweisen“,
aller, einschließlich der Ökologie, zu zung der WGRK-Gender-Politik
sagte Ralte, der derzeit als Dekan
bewahren und zu erhalten. anbieten.
des Senats des Serampore Centre for
„Dies ist besonders entscheidend
Theological Education by Extension Die WGRK-Gender-Politik ver-
für die Kirche wegen unseres
fungiert, nachdem er zuvor viele sucht, die Vision der WGRK zu för-
Anspruchs, der Leib Christi zu sein,
Jahre als Lehrkraft am Aizawl Theo- dern, den Ruf zur Gemeinschaft und
in dem alle Gläubigen von gleichem
logical College tätig war. das Engagement für Gerechtigkeit
Wert und gleicher Bedeutung sind,
„Aber Tatsache ist, dass, obwohl zu verwirklichen, indem sie die Kir-
unabhängig von Genderzugehgörig-
die Männer in der patriarchalischen keit und allen anderen Trennungs- chen befähigt und einlädt, sich an
Gesellschaft Macht und Autorität merkmalen, die die Diskriminierung Gottes verwandelnder Mission der
genießen, solange die Hälfte der fortbestehen lassen“, sagte sie. Geschlechtergerechtigkeit und Part-
Menschheit oder sogar mehr weiter- Die Sitzungen zum Verständnis nerschaft zu beteiligen.
hin untergeordnet und ausgeschlos- von Gender, geschlechtsspezifischer Die dreitägige Konsultation, die
sen bleibt, ist es auch den Männern Gewalt und zur Analyse von Gender, vom WCRC-Büro für Gerechtigkeit
nicht möglich, ein friedliches und Führung und Macht aus biblischer, und Zeugnis organisiert wurde,
würdiges Leben zu führen. Unter- theologischer und ekklesiologischer wurde von der Vereinigung Evange-
drücker und Ausbeuter des eigenen Sicht wurden von Silpa Rani, Priscil- lischer Kirchen, einem der jüngsten
Fleisches und Blutes zu sein, zerstört la Rawade und Amrita Dasgupta Mitglieder der Weltgemeinschaft
die Menschlichkeit der Menschen, geleitet. Esther Ao und Salome Wes- Reformierter Kirchen, ausgerichtet
und das Bild Gottes kann sich nicht ley leiteten die Bibelarbeiten. Die und durch die Finanzierung von
in ihnen widerspiegeln. Vortragenden setzten sich aus dem Otto per Mille ermöglicht.•
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