The 2017 International Meeting for World Day of Prayer
August 20th - 27th, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil.
August 20th - 27th, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil.
Weaving Together Plenary Sessions & Workshops
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We, the participants, traveled from all corners of God’s given home – the earth. We were women and young women from the seven regions of the world. It was an inter-generational conversation!
We came from the Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant traditions. It was an ecumenical dialogue! We shared our stories, we heard the pain of God’s creation, we listened to God’s words and as women of faith we grow stronger in our commitment for transformation. It was a prayer and action moment! In the midst of the environmental crisis, climate change, exploitation, violence, and xenophobia, we insisted on the goodness of creation. Goodness to be recovered through our prophetic-transforming action. “All God’s creation is very good!” Focused on the life giving strategies of Quilombolas, in Brazil, or Maroon, in Suriname, we got inspiration in women’s leading role in the transmission of knowledge and community values to tie together food security and sustainable local development. We learned with each other! |
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In the Mayan cosmology, forests and lands are sacred, and the earth is the mother where the home and garden are for the community’s co-existence and collective work. We are to take care of our mother earth!
The parallels between the destruction of the Earth and the evils of anthropocentrism with oppression, racism and discrimination, came out when confronted by eco-feminist theology. We see it clear now!
The parallels between the destruction of the Earth and the evils of anthropocentrism with oppression, racism and discrimination, came out when confronted by eco-feminist theology. We see it clear now!
Over fishing! Plastic shopping bags, fertilized seeds, carbon-monoxide generators, wood and charcoal fuel, stone crushing, waste disposal, deforestation, non-ecological office supplies, human trafficking - all came into light as we named the ecological context of our communities. Women are boycotting, campaigning, recycling, gardening, petitioning, rallying, changing life styles, advocating, educating, shopping responsibly, holding vigils to raise awareness, even abstaining from eating fish during certain seasons. We are for environmental justice!
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One young woman from each of the seven regions lead the unity in prayer and action through art, social media, and song to reflect on their experience and to emphasize the value of those practices to reach out to young people for an inter-generational movement. A friendship across the globe flourished! In a pilot project with young women, a research demonstrated that less structured and interactive event, where young women can contribute their knowledge and is relationship driven, may be more successful than traditional lecturing meetings.
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Humans move from one place to another, and sometimes they are called refugees and they are living in camps, unemployed, subject to violence, and always vulnerable. Inclusiveness! What a witness, we engage with our churches and non-governmental organizations.
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Japanese women wear kimonos in hope of peace and reconciliation, including amongst women in the region where the violence of war has left a wound. In a small group, stories of conflict and violence were shared. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called daughters of God.
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In the exchange about women leadership roles in the churches, we could see that women are the backbone of the churches in their respective parishes and homes, even when the patriarchal structure limits the public role of women in worship and hierarchical functions.
Women’s empowerment is still a blessing to churches! Children’s rights are human rights and it should be the focus of the children’s ministry. This is being acknowledged as we nurture and care for children. Church, home, and government agencies must work together to transform the lives of children. What a precious opportunity to listen the writer countries! Philippines, Suriname, Slovenia, and Zimbabwe, each one gave a glimpse into the theme and the situation of their country. We are enthusiastic about the programs! |
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A question from Catarina von Bora - Can you see any similarities between the women in the Reformation Movement and the women in the Word Day of Prayer? She may say that the Reformation Movement rediscovered the value of women and we can add that through Informed Prayer. Prayerful Action for peace and justice, WDP women live out solidarity.
Community Resources
We have compiled all of our decisions and reflections at the International Meeting of the World Day of Prayer held on August 20-27, in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. You will find in the Report a brief summary of the workshops focus on the theme and WDP movement, and the Talking Wisdom and Care @ 10 conversations. It includes reports in Portuguese and Spanish, and also the complete presentations at the plenary sessions, like the Bible studies and Worship meditations.
So, how can you use this resource?
So, how can you use this resource?
- Firstly, please share it with the WDP Committee and members widely. It may be also shared with church leaders and ecumenical partners at your local and national context. It is a resource for all.
- Secondly, you can use it to inspire a follow up locally. You may organize workshops or small group conversations based on the topics or the methodology presented here. They can be used towards the preparation for the 2018 WDP Suriname program or throughout the year to follow up on the concerns raised.
- Use it to prepare your country to participate in the next International Meeting in 2022. See you there!
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