Global Platform for Theological Reflection
Manhasset, NY, United States
Prayer and public witness for peace at the international launch of the Decade to Overcome Violence in Berlin, 2001."Praying, speaking out and acting together - Theological reflection on advocacy" is the theme of the Global Platform for Theological Reflection 2009. Organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC), this year's edition is linking up with the 15-20 November WCC United Nations Advocacy Week (UNAW) in New York.
The theological reflection on advocacy will draw on the practical advocacy experiences of UNAW participants. At the same time, the presence, at UNAW, of the 25 Global Platform participants will help ensure that advocacy efforts of the churches are based on sound theological foundations.
After the closure of UNAW, the 25 theologians representing different regions and Christian traditions will continue their work on the theological significance of advocacy at St. Ignatius Retreat House in Manhasset. Through bible study, presentations, experiential and contextual reflections from different parts of the world as well as thematic group work, the platform will address the following issues:
1. Re-articulation of a theological rationale for advocacy today in the context of massive abuse and destruction of life.
2. Dealing with hesitations and limitations of the churches in opting for public witness.
3. Struggles for life – for human rights, justice and peace – as challenges to the affirmation and practice of Christian faith.
4. Reflection on Christian responsibility in situations of injustice, exclusion and abuse of power in an effort to bridge the gap between preaching and practising salvation.
More information on the Global Platform for Theological Reflection
More information on the United Nations Advocacy Week
