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[From crcc.org]

Worship in the Spirit of Justice
June 12- July 10, 2005

Introduction

Worship in the Spirit of Justice began as a dream among a few members of a very ordinary church in suburban Maryland.  Many of us were increasingly heartsick over the news from Africa, especially Western Sudan (Darfur).  A year ago we knew that genocide was happening, and now, a year later, 200-300,000 more innocent children, women, and men have died.  Meanwhile, we heard estimates that 3 million human lives have been snuffed out in recent years in Congo, and like Darfur, there is no end in sight to the killings.  And of course, across Africa, the HIV pandemic creates an aching need--and opportunity--for compassionate, sacrificial response. [More on the problem of Darfur] 

But what could we do?  We were just a few people in one small congregation.  Then we realized that there may be handfuls of people in thousands of congregations who felt as we did.  And we realized that even though we were just one congregation, perhaps if we decided to take action, others might join us.  Immediately, we found willing colleagues and “Worship in the Spirit of Justice” was born.

Summary

We are inviting willing Christians to gather for five Sundays of public worship in Washington DC, around the theme of justice and peace in Africa, and especially Darfur, Sudan.  These outdoor worship services would take place at 1 p.m. between June 12 and July 10, 2005.  We hope that people will attend their Sunday morning worship services and then come to be part of these events.  We will speak to people in power and urge them to take action for our neighbors in danger and need.

We are encouraging churches to bring delegations--complete with a sign or banner, if possible--to attend each week--perhaps ten or twenty or fifty or a hundred people per week. That way, the maximum number of people will experience taking a public stand in this way, and they will bring back the experience to their home churches.  As well, we encourage churches to use the prayers and readings we’ll be using in DC back in their home churches. (We’ll post all the resources on this site each week, along with streaming video of our outdoor services, in hopes that other groups in other cities across our nation and world will wish to attempt similar gatherings of worship in the spirit of justice.)  And of course, children are welcome – we can’t think of a better teaching moment for children than for them to join their parents in this endeavor. 

What Will We Do?

We will do what Christians always do when they gather for worship--pray, read Scripture, preach, sing, and take an offering (all of which will go to aid people suffering in Darfur).  But we will do these things outdoors, in public, with three goals:

1. To pray for God’s justice and mercy to come for those suffering in Darfur, and to be formed as people who share God’s courageous compassion.

2. To urge the media to increase coverage for those who suffer in Darfur and elsewhere, and to urge our government to exert its influence in the world community to end the genocide there and pursue peace.

3. To call the church in America not to forget the poor and oppressed, especially those in Africa--and to make those who suffer poverty and injustice a greater priority in our prayers, preaching, and action whenever we gather to worship the God of justice.

Who Is Invited?

Our gatherings will be organized and led by Christians from many denominations--but members of other faiths (and those with no faith commitment) who share our concern for our neighbors in Africa are welcomed to join us in solidarity and shared concern.

Each week, we will address people of power and influence in our culture--in the media, in government, in other organizations, and leaders of our churches--with a challenge to action on behalf of the people suffering, starving, and dying in Sudan and elsewhere.

Perhaps, by the grace of God, our efforts can combine to make a difference in our world.

Locations

We have suggested five locations in Washington, DC, with special significance.   

Sunday, June 12: Lincoln Memorial                     

This will be our kickoff Sunday.  We’ll recall Abraham Lincoln’s concern for liberation and justice--and our call to continue that tradition today in relation to our neighbors in Africa.

Sunday, June 19: Capitol Reflecting Pool--Congress

We’ll call on Congress to make Darfur a top priority, and we’ll identify specific actions the U.S. can take to help bring about change in Darfur.

Sunday, June 26: Freedom  Plaza--Press Club

We’ll call on the media to be morally accountable for what they report … and what they ignore.  We’ll urge them to keep Darfur on the minds of Americans, and not to let Sudan be another Rwanda.

Sunday, July 3: Sheridan  Circle--Sudanese Embassy

This will be our week to pray for the government of Sudan, and to urge the leaders of Sudan to protect the defenseless in Darfur.

Sunday, July 10: LaFayette  Park--White House

We will pray for our President and urge him to provide moral leadership regarding Darfur.  We will recall President Clinton’s words about our failure to intervene in Rwanda eleven years ago; we will challenge President Bush not to let the genocide in Darfur continue on his watch.

(Precise directions will be available soon.)

 Would You Like to Be Involved?

 Here are seven ways to be involved:

1. If your organization would like to be a cosponsor of Worship in the Spirit of Justice, please send us contact information here.  Cosponsors agree to publicize the event to their networks and will be informed of ways to help via a weekly email (forthcoming).

2. Organize weekly contingents from your church to come, or make this an event for your small group, class, or home fellowship.  Make a banner to identify yourselves when we gather.

3. BLOGGERS:  Put a link to this site on your blog, and encourage others to join us--or organize similar gatherings in their cities.

4. Journalists:  Help us get coverage for this important concern!  Your professional efforts could help save lives.

5. Urge Christian and secular radio and TV stations to feature this event in talk shows and news broadcasts. 

6. Write to your government representatives to urge them to put Darfur near the top of our national concerns.  Visit sojo.net to learn of one action you can take: http://go.sojo.net/campaign/darfur

7. Show up and bring along family and friends!  Join us to Worship in the Spirit of Justice!

More Information on Darfur

Fact Sheets:

Sudan/Darfur Crisis Fact Sheet #1 -- General Information About Sudan

Websites:

www.savedarfur.org
www.unsudanig.org
www.sudanreeves.org

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Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved.