Document n° GEN/PUB 05

Report of the Public Issues Committee

Document No. GEN/PUB 05

ADOPTED

The central committee approved the following statements and minutes proposed by the public issues committee:

Statement on democratic electoral processes

Statement on the crisis in Kenya and the churches' response

Statement on the crisis in Pakistan

Statement on cluster munitions

Minute on global warming and climate change

Minute on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip

Minute on our religious imperative to foster sensitivity and reconciliation in shifting society

The central committee resolved to

1. refer the proposed "statement on eco-justice and ecological debt” to the churches for reflection. The central committee requests the churches to respond to the proposed “statement” prior to the next central committee meeting so that a revised text can be considered for adoption. It is further suggested that a hearing on this topic be scheduled for the central committee. (cf. page 20)
2. mandate the general secretary, in light of recent developments in Kosovo, to send a letter of support to the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, on behalf of this central committee, following the appeal of the Holy Synod to the clergy, monastics and faithful of the Serbian Church for commitment to steadfastness and peaceful co-existence in Kosovo, and supporting the Holy Synod’s repeated request for the relevant international and local authorities to maintain equitable peace and accord in Kosovo.