ecumenical disability advocates network - wcc-coe. · pdf filelee hong jung in this work. ......

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A Proposal for a New Global Platform for Development

In focusIn focusIn focusIn focusIn focusCommuniqué - CCA Pre-Assembly Workshop onPeople with Disability (Differently Abled people)

AdvocacyAdvocacyAdvocacyAdvocacyAdvocacyReport of the participation at the 5th Session of the

UN Ad Hoc Committee

Introduction to Beautiful Gate

NewsNewsNewsNewsNewsComing together to make a difference

Edan DirectoryEdan DirectoryEdan DirectoryEdan DirectoryEdan Directory

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EDAN is a quaterly publication of the WCC programme on persons withdisabilities within the Justice and Peace Creation Team. Issues and viewsin this publication are opinions held by the members and contributors ad

not neccesarily of EDAN or WCC.

Managing Editor: Sam Kabue Editor: Angeline Okola

For information and Contribution please contact:

EDANP.O. Box 22, 00300, Nairobi - KenyaTel: 254 66 73403 Fax: 254 66 73006

Email: [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected]

Design & Printed by: PANN PRINTERS P.O. Box 29276, NairobiTel: 254 20 225236 / 214348

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EDITORIALEDITORIALEDITORIALEDITORIALEDITORIAL

This issue of our Newsletter comes to you late andwe want to apologize for this and to explain thatthe quarter was characterized by an unusual

succession of a number of activities away from our officein Nairobi, which occasioned travel on various missionsin our course of duty.

In January, we traveled to New York where weparticipated in the 5th United Nations Ad HocCommittee working on an Integral InternationalConvention on the Promotion and protection of theRights and dignity of Persons with disabilities. This is aprocess in which we have been involved since last yearwhen we participated in the 3rd and 4th Sessions. The 5th

Session, like the others before took two weeks duringwhich the Committee had twenty sittings coveringinformal negotiations of Articles seven through to 15.We have included a detailed report on this in a report,which we publish in this issue.

In February, we had two main activities, which took usto Geneva and to Stockholm. In Geneva, we attendedthe Central Committee whose main highlight over andabove the usual business was the planning for the 9th

WCC General Assembly to take place in Porto Alegre,Brazil in February 2006. Our participation was importantas it gave us an opportunity to ensure that concernsrelating to the participation of persons with disabilitiesin the Assembly were in the Agenda of the planningCommittee. It is logical that EDAN as a product of the8th Assembly attends the 9th Assembly and get anopportunity to report what it has done as adecentralized programme of the World Council ofChurches within the Justice Peace and Creation Team.There is a lot of support for the participation but ensuringactive involvement as participants is not that obvious.

Participation of persons with various disabilities call forearly planning to avoid frustrations arising from barriersin the built environment and to ensure their issues isgiven a hearing. These are some of the issues discussedwith the staff in the Assembly planning office. We havesince then been assured that the team of staff whichwent to Porto Alegre thereafter to assess the venues forvarious activities were fully briefed on the needs forpersons with disabilities and that the local organizingcommittee is looking into all the recommendations thatwe gave.

The newly constituted Reference Group made up offive people met in Stockholm, Sweden immediatelyfollowing the Central Committee meeting in Geneva.The purpose of the Reference Group is to assist inenvisioning the work of EDAN and to provide guidanceon implementation of various ideas from itself and fromvarious other organs of the WCC. As was the case withthe Central Committee, participation of EDAN in theGeneral Assembly took the center stage in thedeliberations of the Reference Group. It was affirmedthat there would be a three days disability/EDAN pre-assembly event to take place in Porto Alegre on 11th,12th and 13th February just before the commencementof the Assembly on the 14th February. The event willamong other things explore in details some of thethemes that EDAN has since 1998 engaged in, makean evaluation and provide recommendation for the nextphase of the work. These recommendations will bepresented to the General Assembly for decision andguidance.

The Reference group recommended that the EDANPre-assembly event be open to a wide participation ofpersons with disabilities since participation in such

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events have been known to be central to ecumenicalexperience with life long transformation for many.However, the major challenge is how to finance suchparticipation and especially the travel expenses. Thereis a limited group of carefully selected delegates fromeach of the WCC region having taken consideration todifferent disabilities and gender who will receive fullsponsorship but we also have opened the possibilitiesof participation by self sponsored delegates or thosewho can secure sponsorship. Such intendingparticipants are requested to get in touch with our officeto ensure that their individual needs are catered forand that they are accounted for as participants. Partialsponsorship to cover accommodation and board maybe considered for those able to pay for their travel toPorto Alegre. Application for this will need to reach ouroffices before 15th July. We want also to appeal tomember churches and Ecumenical agencies to provide

sponsorship to persons with disabilities who are theirmembers to take part in this important event.

The other highlight of the quarter was a very successfuldisability Pre-assembly for the Christian Conference ofAsia (CCA), which took place in Crystal Spring House,Chiang Mai, Thailand between 26 and 30th March. Therewere twenty-two participants from different parts of theregion and the main discussion was around the themeof the paradigm shift from independence versusdependence to interdependence. There were alsodiscussions around the theme of eco-justice movementand the place of persons with disabilities. Theworkshop also explored the subject of globalization withits positive and negative effects on persons withdisabilities. Whereas economic globalization wasconsidered to very negatively affect persons withdisabilities in the poorer parts of the world, theintroduction of jobs that do not require muscle powerand the assistive technology was seen as playing asignificant part in making the lives of persons withdisabilities better. However, such technology was seento be largely unaffordable for the majority of personswith disabilities.

The Bible reflections were around the Old Testamentview of disabilities with its emphasis on pure/clean andimpure/unclean and the shift to the New Testament withthe examples of restoration of persons with disabilitiesinto the life of the society through the healing miraclesof Jesus. The reflections were led by Professor UnhaChae from Korea who is herself physically disabled andcurrently teaching in one of the theological colleges inKorea. The Pre-assembly had an opportunity to look atthe disability encounter in the Bible from the viewpointof persons with disabilities under the guidance of atheological scholar who is herself a person with adisability.

A major achievement of that event was the participationof most of the Pre-assembly delegates to the CCAGeneral Assembly and to present a statementcommitting the member churches to include disability

issues in their agenda and to strivetowards inclusion, participation andactive involvement of persons withdisabilities in the spiritual, social,economic and structural life of thechurch. CCA undertook to explore waysof addressing disability concernsalongside its other programmes and toget member churches and Nationalcouncils to embrace this trend. There areall prospects that the Asia EcumenicalNetwork of persons with disability is onits way up with the commitment of thosepresent and the support of CCA and

especially Rev. Dr. Lee Hong Jung under whomdisability work in CCA falls. He pledged to includedisability agenda in the Justice and InternationalDepartment programme planning to which he is theDirector. Our hopes are even more justified by the factthat the newly elected General Secretary Rev. Dr.Prawate Kid-arn has previously worked with EDAN andhelped organize the first EDAN/CCA Conference inBangkok, Thailand when disability was in hisdepartment before he became the Associate GeneralSecretary. We are convinced that the New GeneralSecretary will give all the necessary support to Rev. Dr.Lee Hong Jung in this work.

The Encounter and fellowship with persons withdisabilities from different parts of the region, withdifferent experiences and responsible for differentinitiatives was very enriching. One such initiative is thatof Sia Siew Chin, a lady on wheelchair from theMethodist church in Malaysia whose story and initiativein promoting the improvement of the lives of personswith disabilities is featured in this issue.

Sam KabueSam KabueSam KabueSam KabueSam Kabue

to strive towardsinclusion,

participation andactive involvement

of PWDs in thespiritual, social,

economic andstructural life of

the church.


What is What is What is What is What is ACT Global?ACT Global?ACT Global?ACT Global?ACT Global?

ACT-Global is the provisional name being givento a proposed new global alliance of church-related agencies and specialised ministries1

who work ecumenically in relief anddevelopment. The name is provisional as it

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New Global PlatformNew Global PlatformNew Global PlatformNew Global PlatformNew Global PlatformA Proposal for a

for Developmentfor Developmentfor Developmentfor Developmentfor Development

would need to be approved by the ACTInternational Emergency Committee. If the ACTEmergency Committee does not give theirapproval, another name will need to be found.


What is its history?What is its history?What is its history?What is its history?What is its history?

Since the end of World War 2, churches throughoutthe world have established ecumenical agencies ordepartments within national churches to respond tothe needs of those suffering from poverty andinjustice. Over the past 60 years theseorganisations, whether in the North, South or East,have become increasingly professional and are nowat the forefront of responding to emergencysituations and supporting or undertaking long-termdevelopment programmes. The EcumenicalPartners Survey undertaken by the World Council of

Churches indicates that this network now has acombined income of approximately US$1 billionwhich makes it one of the largest relief anddevelopment networks.

Over the past 15 years, agencies/specialisedministries (as they have become known) havesought ways of strengthening their collaborationwith each other. Agencies from the North metregularly as the Heads of Agencies Network from theearly 1990’s-2004. In 1995, following extensivediscussions, Action by Churches Together (ACT)was established to provide a coordinated responseto emergencies. In 2000, the Ecumenical AdvocacyAlliance (EAA) was formed to coordinate theadvocacy of churches and church relatedorganisations on particular issues (currently HIV/AIDS and trade). In 2002, the WCC Round Table wasestablished as a forum for enhancing cooperationbetween WCC and its funding partners.

Since 2000, some agencies and specialisedministries have expressed the need for a newinstrument to strengthen programmaticcollaboration in the area of development, to providea platform for discussing development issues, tostrengthen accountability and to provide greaterglobal visibility for their work. Discussions havetaken place in various fora: the Heads of AgenciesNetwork, a joint working group of this network andthe WCC, a meeting of some agencies from theNorth and South in Copenhagen in November 2004and more recently, a meeting convened by the WCCin Bossey in February 2005. Participants at the

Bossey meeting, who camefrom agencies, specialisedministries and churchesfrom the North, South andEast, asked the WCC tooversee the formation of anew global platform fordevelopment and relieforganisations.

What does ACTWhat does ACTWhat does ACTWhat does ACTWhat does ACTGlobal hope toGlobal hope toGlobal hope toGlobal hope toGlobal hope toa c h i e v e ?a c h i e v e ?a c h i e v e ?a c h i e v e ?a c h i e v e ?

Agencies and specialisedministries are at the forefront of addressing issues ofglobal poverty and injustice throughout the world.However,

! there is currently no adequate global platformwhere agencies and specialised ministries candiscuss important issues of diakonia,development, gender, the environment, humanrights, justice, international affairs and so onand where policies and other written resourcescan be shared

! lack of coordination and collaboration betweenorganisations means that agencies andspecialised ministries are not as effective orefficient as they could be

! there is no coordinated approach todeveloping the capacity of agencies andspecialised ministries in the South

! lack of consistent reporting requirements byfunding agencies in the North places extra


currently no adequateglobal platform where

agencies andspecialised ministriescan discuss important

issues of developmentand, where policies andother written resources

can be shared.



burden on churches, agencies andspecialised ministries in the South

! there is a lack of integration between reliefand development which negatively impactson local communities

! advocacy initiatives could be much moreeffective if they were coordinated (as is seenthrough the work of the Ecumenical AdvocacyAlliance)

! the ecumenical family receives little visibilityand recognition compared with other families

such as Oxfam or Save the Children,despite being one of the largest globalnetworks

! many funding organisations,particularly in Europe, are now givingpreference to funding coalitions ratherthan individual organisations.

ACT GlobalACT GlobalACT GlobalACT GlobalACT Global will therefore: will therefore: will therefore: will therefore: will therefore:! ensure that there is a platform where

agencies and specialised ministriesfrom the North, the South and the Eastcan discuss development issues,share analyses and policydocuments, reflect theologically ontheir work, hold each otheraccountable through a code of goodpractice and learn from each other

! encourage agencies and specialisedministries to work collaboratively inresponding to the long-termdevelopment needs of localcommunities

! encourage agencies to workcollaboratively in building thecapacity of church-related agenciesand specialised ministries in theSouth

! explore strategies for harmonising thereporting requirements of Northernagencies and specialised ministries

! work closely with ACT International toensure an integrated approach torelief and development

! work closely with the EcumenicalAdvocacy Alliance and encourage

agencies and specialised ministries tocooperate in their advocacy work

! enhance visibility of the ecumenical familythrough the use of a family name such as ACTGlobal. This name will be mostly used inconjunction with national names; forexample, Christian Aid, a member of ACTGlobal

! explore possibilities of making joint fundingproposals for particular programmes.


ACT Global willencourage agencies to

work collaboratively inbuilding the capacity ofchurch-related agencies

and specialisedministries in the South


What won’t ACT Global do?What won’t ACT Global do?What won’t ACT Global do?What won’t ACT Global do?What won’t ACT Global do?

ACT Global will not be a fundingmechanism in that it won’t have fundsto allocate to programmes. However, asnoted above, its members maycollaborate in exploring the possibilityof seeking funds as a consortia frommajor donors such as the EU and UNfunding agencies, trusts andfoundations.

How will How will How will How will How will ACT GlobalACT GlobalACT GlobalACT GlobalACT Global relate to relate to relate to relate to relate toexisting ecumenicalexisting ecumenicalexisting ecumenicalexisting ecumenicalexisting ecumenicalinstruments?instruments?instruments?instruments?instruments?

The agencies and specialised ministrieswho have expressed a need for ACTGlobal are committed to strengtheningexisting global ecumenical structures,especially the WCC, ACT and theEcumenical Advocacy Alliance. They

recognise the need for a close working relationshipbetween global ecumenical instruments which focuson relief, development and advocacy. One vision isthat in the long term, ecumenical work in emergencies,advocacy and development might come togetherunder one umbrella with a common name. This doesnot mean that all instruments would have a similarorganisational structure, but rather that they wouldshare a common mission and values.

What is the role of the World Council ofWhat is the role of the World Council ofWhat is the role of the World Council ofWhat is the role of the World Council ofWhat is the role of the World Council ofChurches in Churches in Churches in Churches in Churches in ACT Global?ACT Global?ACT Global?ACT Global?ACT Global?

At the request of a number of organisations, WCC hasagreed to facilitate the formation of ACT Global. The

ongoing role of WCC in the newplatform will be developed inthe coming months.

Why Why Why Why Why ACT GlobalACT GlobalACT GlobalACT GlobalACT Global when when when when whenwe already have ACTwe already have ACTwe already have ACTwe already have ACTwe already have ACTInternational?International?International?International?International?

There are a number ofimportant differences betweenACT Global and ACTInternational.

! ACT International is a network for respondingto emergency situations. ACT Global willfocus on long-term development needs.However, the two bodies will work closelytogether to ensure an integrated approachfrom relief to development.

! ACT International is a funding mechanismwhich mobilises resources and facilitates acoordinated response to emergencysituations. ACT Global will not facilitate thetransfer of funds between donor andimplementer.

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! ACT International wasestablished by the WCCand the Lutheran WorldFederation who continueas their parent bodies.While WCC will play acentral role in ACTGlobal, it will not be a‘parent’ role and ACT Global will beindependent of WCC structures.

However, many agencies/ specialised ministries areengaged in both emergency response and long-termdevelopment and therefore it is essential that ACTInternational and ACT Global work closely together.

Why will Why will Why will Why will Why will ACT GlobalACT GlobalACT GlobalACT GlobalACT Global engage in advocacy engage in advocacy engage in advocacy engage in advocacy engage in advocacywhen we already have WCC and thewhen we already have WCC and thewhen we already have WCC and thewhen we already have WCC and thewhen we already have WCC and theEcumenical Advocacy Alliance?Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance?Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance?Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance?Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance?

There are a number of ecumenical actors engaged inadvocacy. WCC has an active advocacy agendawhich it carries out on behalf of the churches. TheEcumenical Advocacy Alliance has a broad anddiverse membership and focuses on two major issues;global trade and HIV/AIDS. The work of WCC and EAAin advocacy receives strong support from manyagencies and specialised ministries. However workingin the field of development highlights other issueswhere advocacy is required and many agencies andspecialised ministries have specialist staff working on

advocacy and campaigns.ACT Global would encouragegreater collaborationbetween these organisationsand would assist incommunicating their work tothe wider network.

Why use the name Why use the name Why use the name Why use the name Why use the name ACTACTACTACTACT?????If greater visibility is to be achieved, a common ‘family’name for agencies and specialised ministries involvedin relief and development is necessary. As notedabove, it is not expected that organisations will giveup their national name, but rather will use the ACTname as a sub-title, or ‘family’ name, e.g: ChristianCare Zimbabwe, a member of ACT Global. ACT is aname that is gradually gaining visibility as the globalecumenical instrument for emergency response. It ishoped that using the name ACT Global will helpreinforce this name recognition as well as highlightthe close working relationship between ACTInternational (for emergencies) and ACT Global (fordevelopment). If another name is used, there isconcern that attempts to gain global visibility for twodifferent names could be detrimental to both.

Who can be members of Who can be members of Who can be members of Who can be members of Who can be members of ACT Global?ACT Global?ACT Global?ACT Global?ACT Global?

ACT Global will be an alliance of church relatedagencies and specialised ministries who work

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Working in the field ofdevelopment highlightsother issues whereadvocacy is required.

ecumenically in relief and development and who wantto work more collaboratively with others. Churchesdiffer from country to country in the structures theyhave established for undertaking development andrelief work. Some churches have joined with others toestablish separate ecumenical agencies while othershave established a department within their ownchurch. Criteria for membership will not be based onthe structure of the organisation but rather on thefollowing:

! adherence to the vision, mission and codeof good practice of ACT Global2

! willingness to work together with otherchurch-related agencies and specialisedministries in mutual accountability

! support being offered to all peopleregardless of race, gender, belief,nationality, ethnic origin or politicalpersuasion.

! members must not be part of anotherglobal body which has a similar purpose(this does not include membership of aChristian World Communion).

The membership criteria will be further refined during2005.

What are the next steps?What are the next steps?What are the next steps?What are the next steps?What are the next steps?

A small Steering Group has been establishedcomprising churches, church related agencies andspecialised ministries from the North and South towork closely with the WCC to develop ACT Global. Aconsultant has also been contracted to assist with theprocess. It is hoped that ACT Global will be launchedin late 2005. Until then, the Steering Group will workon drafting founding documents (values, missionstatement, objectives and a code of good practice)

and will establish two or three pilot projects. They willalso engage in a consultation process with churchesand church-related organisations engaged in reliefand development to ensure that that their needs aretaken into account and that there is broad consensusin how this new platform develops.

Please let us know your thoughts…Please let us know your thoughts…Please let us know your thoughts…Please let us know your thoughts…Please let us know your thoughts…

The Steering Group wants to ensure that everybodyhas the opportunity to share their thoughts, commentsand any concerns they may have about ACT Global.Please contact either Beth Ferris at WCC ([email protected]; tel: 41 22 791 62 05) or Jill Hawkey ([email protected]; tel: 44 1843 580 479) with your comments.Please also let us know if you would like to receiveregular updates during the year as the platformdevelops.

Steering group members:Steering group members:Steering group members:Steering group members:Steering group members:" Beth Ferris (WCC-

convenor)" Baffour Amoa (FECCIWA-

Ghana)" Noemi Espinoza (CCD

Honduras)" Cornelia Füllkrug-Weitzel

(Bread for the World,Germany)

" Leonid Kishkovsky(Orthodox Church ofAmerica- USA)

" Daleep Mukarji- ChristianAid (UK)

" John McCullough- ChurchWorld Service, USA

Ex-officio:Ex-officio:Ex-officio:Ex-officio:Ex-officio:" ACT International" Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance" Ecumenical HIV/AIDS Initiative in AfricaMarch 14 2005

1 Church-related agencies are defined as those which havebeen established by the churches (usually at the nationallevel) to undertake relief, development and/or advocacywork on their behalf. Churches are represented on thegovernance of these agencies and agencies areaccountable to the churches. Specialised ministries arethose departments within a church (usually at the nationallevel) established to undertake relief, development and/oradvocacy work on behalf of that particular church.

2 This includes adherence to the Code of Conduct for theInternational Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement andNon-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief.


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CommuniquéCommuniquéCommuniquéCommuniquéCommuniquéCommuniquéCommuniquéCommuniquéCommuniquéCommuniquéCCA Pre-Assembly Workshop onPeople with Disability (Differently Abled people)

Weaving the Web of Interdependence of People with Disabilities forWeaving the Web of Interdependence of People with Disabilities forWeaving the Web of Interdependence of People with Disabilities forWeaving the Web of Interdependence of People with Disabilities forWeaving the Web of Interdependence of People with Disabilities forEco-justice and PEco-justice and PEco-justice and PEco-justice and PEco-justice and Peace in the Age of Information Teace in the Age of Information Teace in the Age of Information Teace in the Age of Information Teace in the Age of Information Technologyechnologyechnologyechnologyechnology

IN FOCUSIN FOCUSIN FOCUSIN FOCUSIN FOCUS



We, the participants ofthe ChristianConference of Asia

(CCA) Pre-Assembly Workshopon People with Disabilities(PWDs), representing variousdenominations andorganizations from differentcountries, gathered at CrystalSpring House, Chiang Mai,Thailand from 26-30 March,2005 to deliberate on issuesaffecting PWDs in church andsociety under the theme

“Weaving the Web ofInterdependence of PeopleWith Disabilities for Eco-justiceand Peace in the Age ofInformation Technology”; awareof the deliberations of theprevious conference, organizedjointly by CCA and theEcumenical DisabilityAdvocates Network (EDAN) in

come to the conclusion that the Bible is thefoundation of all the work that we need to do in thearea of disability.

We believe that our life as people with disabilities issustained by a strong faith in God who is love. The‘image of God’ in which we have been createdimplies that all human beings, irrespective of theirdiversity, share a common humanity. Therefore, anyform of discrimination amounts to distortion of God’simage in us, and hence deemed sin. For us, the loveof God has been most concretely manifested in theperson and work of Jesus Christ, our liberator, in whomwe also find our proto-type. Jesus provided a

paradigm shift vis-a-vis issuesaround disability. The NazarethManifesto (Lk.4:18-19) withwhich he commenced hisministry, is for us, a revolutionarystatement of integral liberationwith clear reference to andramifications for people withdisabilities. Healing the sickand the disabled was, for Jesus,a fundamental aspect ofestablishing God’s reign ofjustice on earth. In the process,Jesus challenged the unjustsocial, economic, cultural and

religious barriers that stood in the way ofapproximating this just world order. Jesus’ way ofhealing the sick was holistic and organic. It had anearthly touch about it. For example, when he healedthe blind man (Jn.9) he did it by using mud andsaliva, thus recreating the blind man as an earthling.This means that our relationship with nature isimportant for our well being, both literally andsymbolically. When indigenous peoples are displacedfrom their homeland (earth) they actually get‘disabled’. Healing, here, would require us join thestruggles for land rights and eco-justice. Jesus alsochallenges the traditional sin-sickness correlationhere when he makes it clear that the cause ofblindness here was not the sin of the blind man or hisparents. Blindness and other forms of disability arealso caused by structural sins, sinful activities carriedout by structures of injustice. Differently put, Jesusnever blamed the victims, rather confronted thesystems that caused pain and sickness to others. The


Jesus never blamedthe victims, ratherconfronted thesystems that causedpain and sickness toothers

Bangkok in 2003 for this same purpose; andcognizant of the paradigm shift from independenceversus dependence to interdependence; and havingtaken time to discuss this paradigm shift and itssignificance to relationship, especially inclusion,participation and active involvement of PWDs in allspiritual, social, economic and structural life of thechurch and society; have identified six areas ofconcern that the church needs to address. Further,having explored in our Biblical reflections, we have

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response of Peter and John to the plea of the lameperson in Acts 3 is an example of a healing sign thatchallenged the logic of charity and materialism(gold and silver). The gospel challenge is toembrace the God of justice, not Mammon, the godof globalization. The Cornelius story in Acts 10, onceagain, establishes the gospel truth that every one isequal and dignified. The reign of God that Jesusinaugurated is one where every one enjoys dignityand equality.

Following our extensive discussions, we wish torecommend the following from the six sub-themeswhich were the focus of our discussions.

1.1.1.1.1. STRENGTHENING ECOLOGICAL ANDSTRENGTHENING ECOLOGICAL ANDSTRENGTHENING ECOLOGICAL ANDSTRENGTHENING ECOLOGICAL ANDSTRENGTHENING ECOLOGICAL ANDECONOMIC SUSTAINABLITYECONOMIC SUSTAINABLITYECONOMIC SUSTAINABLITYECONOMIC SUSTAINABLITYECONOMIC SUSTAINABLITY

1.1 Destruction of the natural environment causingdisease and natural disasters making peopledisabled

We recommend that campaigns be intensifiedfor the protection of the environment by:! Avoiding the use of chemicals that are now

known to cause disabilities.! Conserving and protecting the environment

to avoid natural disasters that are known tocause disabilities

! Assisting organizations of the disabled to linkup with other environmental groups thatsupport similar causes

! Promoting environmental conservationprojects such as tree planting, mangroveplanting etc.

! Encouraging eco-friendly farming thatgenerates income and provides eco-therapyfor the general society

! Strengthening Campaigns against illegalnuclear testing by industrialized nations tothe south

! Strengthening campaigns against illegaldumping of hazardous nuclear and chemicalwaste by industrialized nations to the south

1.2 Built Environment is not Barrier-free

We recommend removal of all forms of barriers inthe built up environment by:

! Influencing local authorities and personnelsuch as architects, town planners, policymakers etc to consider access for PWDs intheir designs

! Encouraging local authorities to consult withPWDs on development projects

! Encouraging the enforcement of existing lawsand regulations on the built environment

1.3 Indiscriminate waste disposal resulting inenvironmental damage

We recommend reduction of harmful wastethrough the practice of reducing, reusing andrecycling by:! Reducing, reusing and recycling of waste in

society especially in churches! Promoting recycling programs in which PWDs

could take part

1.4 Inequitable distribution of resources e.g. generalland distribution, business opportunities formarginalized groups

We recommend equitable distribution ofavailable natural resources by:! Giving due consideration to PWDs in the

distribution of resources! Including PWDs in the sustainable

development agenda! Including PWDs in poverty reduction

strategies

2. RECONSTRUCTING SOCIAL JUSTICE2. RECONSTRUCTING SOCIAL JUSTICE2. RECONSTRUCTING SOCIAL JUSTICE2. RECONSTRUCTING SOCIAL JUSTICE2. RECONSTRUCTING SOCIAL JUSTICE

Disability is often looked upon as a charity issue andnot a justice issue. It is the right of PWDs to beincluded in the society, particularly in the areas ofeducation and employment. We recommend that:

! Awareness Campaigns on disability issues beorganized in the church.

! PWDs be involved in consultative andparticipatory processes on discussions for therights of PWDs

! Programs, courses and curriculum on humanrights to include the rights of PWDs

! CCA and NCCs urge their governments tosupport the development of the UN



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Convention on the Promotion and Protectionof the Rights and Dignity of PWDs and theBiwako Millenium Framework

! CCA and NCCs support organizations ofPWDs to participate in the formulation andimplementation of policies and legislationthat affect them

! CCA and NCCs support the education ofPWDs to enable them to survive in acompetitive world

! Advocate for the intensification of primaryhealth care as a means of curbingincidences of disabilities

3. ENHANCING PEOPLE’S SECURITY AND3. ENHANCING PEOPLE’S SECURITY AND3. ENHANCING PEOPLE’S SECURITY AND3. ENHANCING PEOPLE’S SECURITY AND3. ENHANCING PEOPLE’S SECURITY ANDPEACEPEACEPEACEPEACEPEACE

In the area of enhancing people’s security andpeace, we recommend that:

! PWDs be included in discussions on peaceand security

! Awareness raising on violence and abuse ofPWDs be organized in the Decade toOvercome Violence (DOV) work

! Campaigns against discrimination of PWDs inmatters pertaining to migration, especially inconflict situations be organized

4. BUILDING GENDER JUSTICE4. BUILDING GENDER JUSTICE4. BUILDING GENDER JUSTICE4. BUILDING GENDER JUSTICE4. BUILDING GENDER JUSTICE

In the area of building gender justice to promoteinclusive societies, we recommend that:

! Women with disabilities be included in all forathat address women’s issues in general

! Women With Disabilities be included inecumenical structures

! Deliberate efforts to promote inclusiveeducation for Women With Disabilities

! Opportunities for Women With Disabilities beexpanded to serve in the church at all levelsincluding as parish ministers

5. CELEBRATING DIVERSITY5. CELEBRATING DIVERSITY5. CELEBRATING DIVERSITY5. CELEBRATING DIVERSITY5. CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

Realizing the need that diversity is to be celebratedwe recommend that:

! Intensive advocacy be made for therecognition of gifts and abilities of PWDs toenhance the life of the church

! Churches to be made fully accessible toPWDs to ensure full participation in worshipand other church activities

! CCA and NCCs establish coordinationprograms for disability issues

! Encourage the development of assistivedevices and local products usingtechnologies and materials that areappropriate to the local conditions

6.6.6.6.6. INCREASING ACCESSIBILITY TOINCREASING ACCESSIBILITY TOINCREASING ACCESSIBILITY TOINCREASING ACCESSIBILITY TOINCREASING ACCESSIBILITY TOINFORMATION COMMUNICATIONINFORMATION COMMUNICATIONINFORMATION COMMUNICATIONINFORMATION COMMUNICATIONINFORMATION COMMUNICATIONTECHNOLOGY (ICT)TECHNOLOGY (ICT)TECHNOLOGY (ICT)TECHNOLOGY (ICT)TECHNOLOGY (ICT)

Realizing the need for assistive technology andaccessibility of ICT on accounts of costs werecommend that:

! Advocacy be carried out for lowering andsubsidizing the costs

! Efforts be made to bridge the Digital Divideby encouraging the establishment of learningcenters that are accessible to PWDs

! Designers and developers be encouraged toadopt Universal Design that caters foreveryone with special reference to PWDs

! PWDs be encouraged and providedopportunities to train as designers anddevelopers of ICT

In conclusion, appreciating the initiative of CCA toorganize the PWDs Pre-Assembly, we would like tocall on them to find ways to ensure continuity ofdisability work in CCA beyond the Assembly and toextend it to the NCCs, other ecumenicalorganizations and the member churches in theregion. In order to do so, we propose theestablishment of a taskforce with adequaterepresentation of PWDs; responsible to CCA andworking with the Ecumenical Disability AdvocatesNetwork (EDAN) of the WCC. This taskforce shouldbe mandated with the responsibility of establishinga network and process to keep the disability agendaalive in the life of the church, sharing experiencesand to engage in theological reflection.

We further urge the General Assembly of theChristian Conference of Asia to support theimplementation of the recommendations in thisCommuniqué.


ADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACY


INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION:::::

In its resolution 56/168 of 19 December 2001, theUN General Assembly decided to establish theAd Hoc Committee on a Comprehensive and

Integral International Convention on the Protectionand Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Personswith Disabilities, based on the holistic approach inthe work done in the fields of social development,human rights and non-discrimination and taking intoaccount the recommendations of the Commissionon Human Rights and the Commission for SocialDevelopment.

EDAN has in line with the WCC August 2003 CentralCommittee recommendation endeavoured toparticipate and make a contribution to this on-goingUN process towards the development of thisconvention on the promotion and protection of therights and dignity of persons with disabilities. The AdHoc committee made up of member states

delegations and Non Governmental Organizations indisability field is charged with the responsibility toformulate the convention. It has so far had fivesessions of two weeks each. EDAN participated inthe 3rd and 4th, both of which took place in 2004.

In its resolution 59/198 of 20 December 2004, theGeneral Assembly decided that the Ad HocCommittee should hold, within existing resources,prior to the sixtieth session of the General Assembly,two sessions in 2005, of 10 working days each, to beheld, respectively, from 24 January to 4 February andin July/August.

FINANCE AND LFINANCE AND LFINANCE AND LFINANCE AND LFINANCE AND LOGISTICOGISTICOGISTICOGISTICOGISTICS:S:S:S:S:

The fifth session which is the subject of this reporttook place as planned between 24th January and 4th

February 2005 at the usual venue in the UN

ECUMENICAL DISABILITY ADVOCATES NETWORKReport of the participation at the 5th Session of the UN Ad Hoc Committeeon the Integral International Convention on the Promotion and Protection ofthe Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities

NEW YORK, 24TH JANUARY TO 4TH FEBRUARY 2005

By S. N. Kabue, EDAN.


headquarters, New York. Our participation duringthis session was possible through assistance fromthe United Church of Canada and the NorwagionChurch Aid office in Nairobi who jointly financed theairfares, accommodation and board for me andAnjeline my assistant. WCC UN office organized avenue for our accommodation as they had done inthe previous sessions.

PPPPPARTICIPARTICIPARTICIPARTICIPARTICIPAAAAATION STTION STTION STTION STTION STAAAAATUS:TUS:TUS:TUS:TUS:

As was the case in the 3rd and 4th sessions in theprevious year, EDAN participated as part of theofficial Kenya delegation. Although we could haveparticipated as WCC, which has an observer statusand a Permanent UN representative office,

participation as part of an official governmentdelegation provides us an opportunity to take part inall aspect of the discussion. The normal procedureis that the task of formulating conventions is theresponsibility and prerogative of the member states.Non Governmental Organizations in this particularprocess normally participate as observers and areonly allowed to make contribution at the discretionof the committee coordinator. This is especially soin the informal negotiation stage at which thisprocess is now in.

THE PROCESS:THE PROCESS:THE PROCESS:THE PROCESS:THE PROCESS:

In the course of its 5th session, the Ad HocCommittee held 20 meetings. During thesemeetings, the Committee conducted informaldiscussions on articles 7.5 to 15 of the draftconvention [and reviewed draft articles 16 to 25]and proposed additional articles in accordance withthe programme of work adopted at its first meeting,

on 24 January 2005.The Kenyan delegation during this session waslarger than ever before and included governmentofficials, representative from the human rightinstitution and the newly formed Disability Council.There were three of us in the delegation who wereincorporated into the delegation but were notgovernment staff. Two members of staff from theKenyan UN mission were also attached to thedelegation and they were very helpful in assistingthe delegation to understand the procedures in theUN systems. Among those from the Governmentwere some who did not either have any previousexperience in the process or in disability work. It wastherefore necessary to ensure proper coordination toenable effective participation not only in the informal

negotiations but also in thevarious side events. Wetherefore met at the KenyanUN mission each morning torecap the previous days workand to plan our participationahead of time.

DISCUSSIONS ANDDISCUSSIONS ANDDISCUSSIONS ANDDISCUSSIONS ANDDISCUSSIONS ANDMAIN EMERGINGMAIN EMERGINGMAIN EMERGINGMAIN EMERGINGMAIN EMERGINGISSUES:ISSUES:ISSUES:ISSUES:ISSUES:

As had happened before,those of us who had

participated in the previous session had held severalmeetings to revise the Kenya delegation positionand had prepared a working document whichbecame a major point of reference in ourparticipation. The Kenya delegation relationship withthe rest of the members of the Africa Group was verycordial. We were able to agree on various articles onwhich it had earlier been agreed were of interest tothe region and that there was need for the Region totake a common stand.

The first of such articles in the session was article 9on equality before the law and the whole question oflegal capacity. Kenya had been selected to takelead in the discussion on this article on behalf ofAfrica and EDAN was selected from among theKenyan delegation to be the plenary presenter of theAfrica Group Position. Extensive consultation toarrive at a common position had been carried outnot only with the members of the Africa Group butalso with other delegation. The major issues in the



The main question waswhether disabledpersons have the legalcapacity for decision-making and whetherthe convention shouldallow for substituted orassisted decision-making.


article included the question on whether disabledpersons have the legal capacity for decision-makingand whether the convention should allow forsubstituted, supported or assisted decision-making.Africa held the position that all persons should havethe legal capacity and where assistant may berequired to exercise that capacity, this should not betaken as an excuse to deny them the opportunity tomake their own decision. The time taken to discussthis article and the many reference made to it in laterdiscussions was an indication of its importance tomost of the delegates.

Prior to discussion on article 9 was the heateddebate on article 8 on Right to life. The major issuehear was the question of what kind of life. Thus, mostdelegations were convinced that right to life is notenough. One has to have right to quality life andstates will need to ensure that people live lives thatare not mere survival but rather lives that have ameasure of quality.

The issue of when life begins and the needto protect unborn children under threatsbecause of anticipated disabilities came upquite strongly. Non Governmentalorganization that are against abortionlobbied the delegation to ensure that thisconcern was addressed but there wasdeliberate efforts on the part of some toensure that issues of abortion are notincluded in the convention.

The other article, which elicited heatednegotiations, was article 10 on Liberty andsecurity of the person. The main argumentwas on what happens if a person with adisability has to have his liberty deprived onaccount of the Law. The disability in thiscase has to be considered in regard toconfinement to ensure that the deprivationof liberty does not degrade their dignity andrespect. Most important, no person shouldbe deprived of his or her liberty on the basisof disability. There were argument as towhether residential education provisionshould be viewed as deprivation of libertyespecially where this is the only deliverystrategy available.

Article 11 was on Freedom from Torture orcruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or

punishment. The major issue arising in thediscussion of this article was the forced medicalintervention or the consideration of medicalintervention without consent as torture. There werearguments for and against medical interventionwithout consent. One delegate gave an example ofdegrading treatment on account of mental illnesswhere painful treatment with long-term side effectwas administered on her in the name of medicalintervention. Another gave an example of how his lifewas saved because treatment was administered onhim while he was unconscious and therefore not in aposition to consent to treatment. This last case wasseen as more of an exemption compared with thetreatment that most psychiatric users go through.

Article 12 was on Freedom from violence and abuse.There were a lot of similarities on the main argumentin this article and that on article 11. Forcedinstitutionalization and the treatment that goes on athomes and institutions were of concern in the



discussions of this article. Exploitation of all type,abuse and help to recover from the effects of allthese where they have already taken place featuredin the discussion. There were arguments that someof the issues addressed in this article should form adifferent article as they did not quite relate but thiswas not resolved.

Article 13 on Freedom of expression and opinion andaccess to information did not raise many issues, asthere was unanimity that the need for information topersons with disabilities seemed very obvious tomost delegates. However, the term publicinformation raised questions as to whether it is onlythe public sector, which is obliged to provideinformation. The argument in this was that in many

states, a lot of what used to be public services arebeing privatized and thus private organizationsproviding information to non-disabled personsshould be obliged to provide the same to personswith disabilities.

Article 14 on Respect for privacy, the home and thefamily raised very serious division among the variousdelegations when it came to issues of freedom ofexpression on matters of sexuality. To some, this wasvery important as persons with disabilities areusually denied all means of sexual expression andfreedom. To others, to bring about right to sexualexpression into this instrument is to introduce rightsthat are not in any other human right instrument. Onedelegation reminded the Committee that their workis not to create new rights but rather to provide forthe promotion and protection of the already knownrights. The Arab delegations and the Holy Seadelegation were totally opposed to having any

The major issuearising in thediscussion of article11 was the forcedmedical interventionor the considerationof medicalintervention withoutconsent as torture.

mention of freedom of sex in the document. Acompromise was suggested by Mexico to indicatethat persons with disabilities shall exercise theirsexuality in accordance with the customs, practiceand the law of their country on equal basis withothers. Even this did not apeace those who wereopposed to the idea of including right to one’ssexuality.

Article 15 on Living independently and beingincluded in the community also brought about a lotof argument based on the cultural understanding ofliving independently. To many in Africa and otherparts of the greater World, the concept of livingindependently does not have a lot of meaningbecause most people live in community and in an

interdependent mannerwhether or not they aredisabled. To those from theWest, independent living is apolitical concept with a longhistory of struggle and theywould like to maintain thatheritage as it has someimplication in the lives ofpersons with disabilities there.

The South, therefore, arguedfor being included in thecommunity as this is the normtraditionally though it is under

the threat of the emerging trend on individualismand nuclear family concept brought about by themonitory economy and more recently made worseby globalization emphasis on economic productionfor all individuals.

CONCLUSION:CONCLUSION:CONCLUSION:CONCLUSION:CONCLUSION:

On 4th February, at its 20th meeting, the Ad HocCommittee was presented with the report of theCoordinator on the progress of informal discussionson draft articles 7.5 to 15. This report is hereinappended. The Committee decided to continue toreview the draft convention at its next session.

The 5th Ad Hoc session report of the informaldiscussion coordinator can be found at the followingWebsite: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/rights/ahc5reporte.htm



Beautiful Gate Disabled People Caring Centre,Petaling Jaya was established by ChineseMethodist Church since 1995 . Subsequently

2 other centres were set up in Kepong, KualaLumpur and Kampar , Perak.

Throughout the years, they have providedaccommodation, training services and educationadvancement to a total of 88 members and havesuccessfully trained 30 of them who have developedenough skills to be independent. The others are stillundergoing training.

They also provide information and counselingservices, job placement, organized recreationactivities and training programmes to more than 800disabled members in their programmes.

Their goal is for the trainees to be integrated intosociety, independent and self-supporting throughthe skills they have acquired and the personalgrowth achieved.

Their Primary PrinciplesTheir Primary PrinciplesTheir Primary PrinciplesTheir Primary PrinciplesTheir Primary Principles

They believe man is created in God’s image, thissupernatural value cannot be limited by biologicaldefects.

They believe God loves the world, even for thosewho are neglected and become outcasts of societysuch as the disabled.

They believe that all man are equal in God’s eyes,the disabled also have the rights, values, andhonour that God had given to each of them. Theybelieve the disabled proses similar thinkingcapability, emotional feelings and spiritual needs


Introduction to

beautiful gatebeautiful gatebeautiful gatebeautiful gatebeautiful gate


although they have different outward appearancecompare to the others.

They believe the disabled can live an independentlife if they had appropriate training and support.

GoalsGoalsGoalsGoalsGoals

Their goal is to enhance the quality of life of peoplewith disabilities, and assist in their total integrationinto mainstream Malaysian society. This is achievedbased on Christ’s love through mutual support,advocacy, personal skill development andcampaigns to raise public awareness.

ServicesServicesServicesServicesServices

Services include Skill Training Services, Social WorkServices, Educational Services, Mobile TherapyServices and Awareness Activities. Concepts ofIndependent Living are used to train the disabledtrainees to live independently.

Awards receivedAwards receivedAwards receivedAwards receivedAwards received

(i) January 2000(i) January 2000(i) January 2000(i) January 2000(i) January 2000

Beautiful Gate was featured in Malaysia Book ofRecords for presenting the largest participation in awheelchair dance at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil.

(ii) September 2000(ii) September 2000(ii) September 2000(ii) September 2000(ii) September 2000

Sia Siew Chin, the executive director of BeautifulGate was awarded “Outstanding Young Malaysian

year 2000” by the Junior Chamber Malaysia underthe category of Humanitarian and Voluntary Service.

(iii) February 2001(iii) February 2001(iii) February 2001(iii) February 2001(iii) February 2001

Sia Siew Chin, the executive director of BeautifulGate was awarded the “Outstanding YoungDisabled in Asia Pacific Region” by the TaiwanDisabled Association.

(iv) December 2003(iv) December 2003(iv) December 2003(iv) December 2003(iv) December 2003

Beautiful Gate was again featured in Malaysia Bookof Records for organising the largest 3-wheel motorconvoy started from Sunway Pyramid.

(v) December 2004(v) December 2004(v) December 2004(v) December 2004(v) December 2004

Sia Siew Chin, the executive director of BeautifulGate was awarded ‘Tokoh OKU’ by Ministry ofWomen, Family and Social Development ofMalaysia.

The training includes:

! Skill Training Programme

! Psychological Rehabilitation Program

! Out Door Activities

! Job Placement

! Information Service

! Social Awareness Campaign


She is a pillar of strength to her flock. PastorSia Siew Chin may have musculardystrophy that impairs her movement and

confines her to the wheelchair most of the time.But one of the winners of the 2004 DisabledPersons of the Year Award, Sia is a picture ofgrace and gentleness.

There is not even an iota of bitterness or self-pityin this petite 38-year-old mother of one, given themany trials and tribulations she has gone throughbecause of her inherited genetic problem. Five ofher siblings have the same disorder as her. Andlast year, Sia found out that her daughter who isnow five, has not been spared either. “At first,

Meet the

Executive DirectorExecutive DirectorExecutive DirectorExecutive DirectorExecutive Director - - - - - Pastor Sia Siew Chinthere was pain in my heart. It was very hard for meto accept this. But in the end, I trust and believethat God will lead my daughter in life.”

condition worsened over the years. “I used to beable to run until I was eight years old. But as I grewolder, my muscles became weaker. I can onlymanage to walk a short distance now. Breathingcan be painful too at times.” Sia is indeed a modelof courage. She is always upbeat, no matter whatobstacle or adversity lies in her path.

“Don’t get discouraged. You have to persist,” Siaadvises the disabled. It is largely because of her


determination and drive that Beautiful Gate was setup in 1993.

At that time Sia who has a degree in divinity, was anactive member of the Society of Chinese DisabledPersons. One day she had a vision in which she sawmany sad, desperate people crawling around ontheir hands and knees. She realised that there was aneed to reach out to the disabled, to provide anavenue for them to learn so that they could earn aliving and live independently.

Thus Beautiful Gate was set up under the aegis of theChinese Methodist Church. Since then, three othercentres have been set up in Kepong (Kuala Lumpur),Kampar (Perak) and Seremban (Negri Sembilan).Another centre in Batu Berendam, Malacca, is beingplanned. There are also two group homes inBalakong, Selangor, to enable former trainees ofBeautiful Gate to lead independent lives.

For Sia, it is imperative that the disabled be healedspiritually and emotionally to be able to get on in life.

“It is important that we take care of our heart, withoutwhich one can easily succumb to self-condemnationand inferiority complex. Many of us ask ‘why me’ intimes of trouble. I believe that whatever happens,God allows it for a reason,” says Sia.

The important thing for the disabled, says Sia, is tostrive for independent living. And this is what she hasbeen trying to teach to those who come to BeautifulGate.

The centre’s daily activities are open to all,irrespective of race and religion.

There are five areas of skill-training being offered atBeautiful Gate. Living Skill training involves cooking,washing, cleaning, marketing, motor-cycle riding andteamwork living practices. To help members to begainfully employed, Beautiful Gate offers computerlessons with help from Lim Kok Wing UniversityCollege. Systematic College Petaling Jaya, LionClubs of KL Central and Jen Software have alsojoined forces to provide IT training.

Beautiful Gate also conducts language classes,book-keeping and handicraft services. Physiotherapyand sport activities are available. In fact, annualtournaments of wheelchair badminton and tabletennis are held to encourage group participation.More importantly, Beautiful Gate providescounselling for the disabled and their families.

In 2003, Beautiful Gate set up its own Performing ArtTroupe.

To help members who are unable to findemployment, Beautiful Gate set up a recyclingworkshop at its premises in SS2, Petaling Jaya, lastyear. Members are tasked to sort and packrecyclable items before selling them to therespective factories.

“We urge the public to donate their recyclable itemsto us,” says Sia.

Despite a tight budget of RM17,000 per month percentre, under Sia’s leadership Beautiful Gate is ableto provide accommodation, training services and feeadvancements to 150 resident-members. So far 25disabled persons have set up their own businesseswith the support of Beautiful Gate.

Beautiful Gate welcomes donations and volunteerswho can teach IT, English, and book-keeping amongothers. The main centre is located at No 29, JalanSS2/59, 47300 Petaling Jaya (019-2198440/03-78756739/ fax: 03-78762686.

Borrowed from an article on ‘Learning To Cope’By PANG HIN YUE

Pastor Sia Siew ChinPastor Sia Siew ChinPastor Sia Siew ChinPastor Sia Siew ChinPastor Sia Siew Chin

ADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACY


What is the WCC Assembly?What is the WCC Assembly?What is the WCC Assembly?What is the WCC Assembly?What is the WCC Assembly?

The WCC assembly, held every seven or eightyears, is the highest governing body of theWorld Council of Churches. The 9th assembly

will be held in Porto Alegre, Brazil from 14-23February 2006, around the theme “God in your grace,transform the world.” Delegates from each of WCC’s342 member churches will come together to evaluatethe Council’s past work, to reflect together on thetheme and to provide guidance and leadership forthe Council’s future work.

But just as the ecumenical movement is muchbroader than the WCC, so too the assembly is anopportunity for the larger ecumenical family to cometogether. Representatives of related organizations, ofother churches and other faiths, advisors, and guestswill be present as well as a large number of peoplefrom all regions who are interested in supporting andlearning more about the ecumenical movement. Inaddition, many Brazilians and Latin Americans willcome to the assembly.

While the number of official delegates will berelatively small (less than 800), the Mutirão will enablemuch broader participation in the life of theecumenical movement. As an integral part of theassembly, the Mutirão will provide a space forworkshops, celebrations, seminars and exhibits forthe whole assembly community.

What is the Mutirão?What is the Mutirão?What is the Mutirão?What is the Mutirão?What is the Mutirão?

The word Mutirão comes from a Brazilian wordmeaning a meeting place and an opportunity to worktogether for a common purpose. In Brazil, forexample, people in poor communities sometimes“make a mutirão” to build a house together. Theyensure that there is the needed expertise on how to

NEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWS

Comingtogetherto make adifference

build a house and then the community workstogether to realize a concrete objective.

The Mutirão at the assembly will provide a space forreflection, celebration, and exhibits. A fullprogramme will provide a rich array of offerings onmany different issues, organized by churches andrelated organizations in all parts of the world. TheMutirão will have a particular Latin American andCaribbean focus with many participants from theregion and will have a special focus on youth.

Who will participate in the Mutirão?Who will participate in the Mutirão?Who will participate in the Mutirão?Who will participate in the Mutirão?Who will participate in the Mutirão?The Mutirão is open to any person, congregation ororganization that wishes to accompany the assemblyin a spirit of ecumenical sharing, celebration andformation.

What will the Mutirão offer to theWhat will the Mutirão offer to theWhat will the Mutirão offer to theWhat will the Mutirão offer to theWhat will the Mutirão offer to theAssembly?Assembly?Assembly?Assembly?Assembly?The Mutirão will offer workshops and seminars,cultural events and exhibits to all participants in theassembly. It will provide a space for home groups tomeet. The Mutirão will provide an opportunity todeepen substantive reflections on the theme of theassembly and the plenaries presented in the first halfof the assembly. Delegates are encouraged toparticipate in the Mutirão offerings and to bring thesereflections into the decision-making process.

As an integral part of the assembly, the workshopofferings in the Mutirão are intended to supplementand accompany the assembly deliberations.Assembly insights and deliberations are expected tohelp guide the work of the many churches andecumenical organizations that will participate in theMutirão.


NEWSNEWSNEWSNEWSNEWS

What will participants in the Mutirão do?What will participants in the Mutirão do?What will participants in the Mutirão do?What will participants in the Mutirão do?What will participants in the Mutirão do?! Pray together with all assembly participants in

morning and evening prayers as part of theassembly community and participate inworship services at midday

! Engage in daily Bible studies around theassembly theme

! Participate in some of the 15 workshopsorganized from 12.30-15h every day

! Attend seminars on ecumenical formation forthose who are new – and not-so-new – toecumenism

! Celebrate being together in Latin America byparticipating in programmes of music, danceand drama and by joining Brazilian youth inthe Youth Space

! Participate in the Women’s Space beingorganized by Brazilian women

! Follow the assembly plenaries on economicjustice, unity, religious pluralism, the Decadeto Overcome Violence, Latin America and thetheme: “God in your grace, transform the world”as well as business sessions

! Worship in Brazilian churches and participatein the Latin American celebration on Sunday

! Browse exhibits prepared by churches,networks, ecumenical organizations,seminaries, and many other organizations

! Have the opportunity to meet well-knowntheologians, grassroots Christian activists andmany others from all over the world

What can you offer to the Mutirão?What can you offer to the Mutirão?What can you offer to the Mutirão?What can you offer to the Mutirão?What can you offer to the Mutirão?You can come to the Mutirão to participate in the manydiverse offerings. You can bring a group from yourcongregation, your agency, your school or yourorganization. If you would like, we will try to provide aroom at the Mutirão for your group, to serve as “homespace” throughout the assembly.

You can propose to facilitate a workshop or seminar orcultural offering or exhibit. These will be organized bypeople coming to the Mutirão and offer an opportunityfor reflection, discussion and celebration. Forms areavailable to propose a workshop or an exhibit. Whilethe deadline for workshop proposals is 1 July 2005,you are encouraged to submit these as soon aspossible. Decisions will be communicated by 1September at the latest.

Workshops for the Workshops for the Workshops for the Workshops for the Workshops for the MutirãoMutirãoMutirãoMutirãoMutirão should: should: should: should: should:! encourage open exchange of experiences

and ideas. Participatory and creativemethodologies are encouraged.

! be proposed or endorsed by a WCC memberchurch, church-related organization, arecognized ecumenical partner, or by WCC.

! address key issues facing the churches andthe ecumenical movement in today’s worldand should

! relate to the theme of the assembly: “God inyour grace, transform the world.” There isparticular interest in workshops whichexplore alternatives to the present worldorder and/or which are action-oriented.

! include youth perspectives to the extentpossible. Priority will be given to workshopsinitiated by youth.

In deciding on workshops, attention will be given toensuring a diversity of offerings as well as toregional and gender balance. Proposals fromtraditionally marginalized groups are particularlyencouraged. If there are several proposals on agiven issue, the proposers will be encouraged towork together in putting together a single workshopor to offer an alternative proposal.

How can you participate in the Mutirão?How can you participate in the Mutirão?How can you participate in the Mutirão?How can you participate in the Mutirão?How can you participate in the Mutirão?To participate in the Mutirão, complete a registrationform and return it to the assembly office. The assemblyoffice will arrange hotel accommodation for you andinclude you in all mailings about the assembly. WhileWCC is able to provide subsidies for only a very fewparticipants in the Mutirão , participants areencouraged to be creative in seeking funds to enabletheir participation.

The registration fee for the assembly ranges fromUSD100 to USD 350. The cost of a shared hotel roomis about USD30 per day and 3 meals cost aboutUSD15. The organizers are working to find lower-costalternative lodging, particularly for young people.

How can you learn more about theHow can you learn more about theHow can you learn more about theHow can you learn more about theHow can you learn more about theMutirãoMutirãoMutirãoMutirãoMutirão?????To propose a workshop or exhibit or to request moreinformation about the Mutirão, [email protected]. Workshop proposals fromLatin America will be forwarded to the appropriatebodies in the region.From the Justice, Peace and Creation(JPC) Team.


DIRECTORYDIRECTORYDIRECTORYDIRECTORYDIRECTORY

EDAN DIRECTORYAruna GnanadasonCoordinator,Justice Peace and CreationTeamWorld Council of Churches150 route de FerneyP.O. Box 2100CH-1211 GENEVA 2,SWITZERLANDPhone: +41 22 791 6026Fax: +41 22 791 6409Email: [email protected]

EDAN Reference GroupEDAN Reference GroupEDAN Reference GroupEDAN Reference GroupEDAN Reference Group

Carolyn ThompsonDisability Project CoordinatorCommission for Persons withDisabilities51 Inman Street, 2nd floorCambridge, MA 02139617-349-4692 voice617-349-4766 fax617-492-0235 TTYEmail:[email protected]

Rev. Arne FritzsonSvartriksslingan 9416739 BronnaSWEDENTelfax 46 8 808189Email: [email protected]. Noel O. FernandezP. O. Box 172,Ciego de Avila. CP 65100,CUBATel: Home (053) 33 22 7129Office (053) 33 22 5223Email: [email protected]

Samuel KabueEDANP.O. Box 2200300, NairobiKENYATel: 254 66 73403Fax: 254 66 73066Email: [email protected] or

[email protected]

EDAN RegionalEDAN RegionalEDAN RegionalEDAN RegionalEDAN RegionalCoordinatorsCoordinatorsCoordinatorsCoordinatorsCoordinators

Asia:Ying-Bo Joseph Tsai3F-2, No. 2, Lane 3,Der-An Street, Lyn-YaDistrict, 802, KaohsiungTAIWANTel: (Off) 886-7-2261360(Home)886-7-7169916Fax: 886-7-2261394Email: [email protected]

Africa:Rev. Dr. Abraham Adu BerinyuuCentre for Peace & SustainableDemocratic CultureP.O. Box 1276 Tamale,GHANATelfax: 233-71-22748Email: [email protected]

Europe:Simone PoortmanMadoerahof 83742 SH Baarn,THE NETHERLANDSTel: +31 3554 20840Email: [email protected]

And:Rev. Arne FritzsonSvartriksslingan 9416739 BronnaSWEDENTelfax 46 8 808189Email: [email protected]

Latin America:

Rev. Noel O. FernandezP. O. Box 172,Ciego de Avila. CP 65100,CUBATel: Home (053) 33 22 7129Office (053) 33 22 5223E. mail: [email protected] Pacific:Ye Ja LeeKorean Differently Abled Women’sUnited

Room 808A Christian Building136-46 Yunchi-Dong,Chong Ro-Ku, Seoul110-470KOREATel: (Office) 82-2-3675-9935Home 82-2-932-1081Fax: 82-2-3675-9934Email: [email protected]

Carribean:Rev. Dr. Gordon CowansKnox CollegeP.O. Box 1735 SpaldingClarendonJAMAICA W.I.Tel: 987 8015Home: 987 8080Phone/fax 987 8045Email: [email protected] [email protected]

North America:Rev. Kathy N. Reeves405 South Euclid Avenue,Oak park Illinois 60302UNITED STATES OFUNITED STATES OFUNITED STATES OFUNITED STATES OFUNITED STATES OFAMERICAAMERICAAMERICAAMERICAAMERICATel: (Office) 708 848 7360Home: 708 386 6421Fax: 708 848 7104Email: [email protected]

Middle East:Elie Samir RahbanyBatroun, Street Stouh,Imm. KhalilSaliba Nader, North Lebanon.LEBANONE-mail:[email protected]

Other Network Members

Razaka-Manantenasoa Ralphinec/o Lutheran House of StudiesStudent Residence29 Golf Road, Scottsville3201 PietermaritzburgREPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICAPhone and Fax: + 27 33 3460996email:[email protected]: [email protected]


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Réverende Micheline KambaKasongo13, rue de Busu-melo No. 13,c/Kasa-vubu B.P. 303Kinshasa 1RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUEDU CONGOTel: + 242 8932198/818844809Email: [email protected]

Sarah BabiryeChurch of UgandaPDR OfficeP.O. Box 14123KampalaUGANDATel: 256-41-272906 or 342637Fax: 256-41-343757Email: [email protected]

Rev. John Naude20 Ribble Close, WellingboroughNorthants. NN8 5XJ, ENGLANDTel: 44 1933 679688Email: [email protected]

Bill Gaventa,The Boggs CenterRobert Wood Johnson MedicalSchool, UMDJP.O. Box 2688New Brunswick, N.J. 08903UNITED STATES OF AMERICATel: 732-235-9304Email: [email protected]

John M HullEmeritus Professor of ReligiousEducationSchool of EducationUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirmingham B15 2TTENGLANDtelephone: (+44) 121 414 4836fax: (+44) 121 414 4865website: www.johnmhull.biz

Network Partners

World Alliance of Reformed churches,150 route de Ferney,P.O. Box 2100,1211 Geneva 2, SWITZERLANDPhone: +41 22 791 6237Fax: +41 22 791 6505Email: [email protected]

The Lutheran World Federation,150 route de Ferney,P.O. Box 2100,1211 Geneva 2, SWITZERLANDPhone: +41 22 791 6363Fax: +41 22 798 8616Email: [email protected]

ICCO - Interchurch Organization forDevelopment CooperationZusterplein 22A3703 CB ZeistP.O. Box 15, 13700 AD ZeistTHE NETHERLANDSTel: 31 30692 7811Email: [email protected]

The United Church of Canada3250 Bloor Street WestSuite 400 Etobicoke, OntarioM8X 2Y4, CANADATel: 001 416 2315931Website: www.uccan.org


ecumenical disability advocates network - wcc-coe. · pdf filelee hong jung in this work. ......

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