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Speakers and participants emphasized the importance of speaking truth to power and advocating for a fairer and more sustainable planet.
They also learned the steps to identify the issues to be addressed, the actors that need to be involved, and the impact that is needed. Speakers also emphasized that churches are well-positioned to address community issues due to their presence in local communities and their understanding of community dynamics.
Among 14 presenters was Rev. Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth, a Minister in the Guyana Presbyterian Church and CEO, Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation.
She discussed the importance of advocacy in addressing social issues, particularly gender-based violence. She emphasized the role of the church in creating a just and equitable society, and the need for collective action and collaboration with other organizations. Sheerattan-Bisnauth highlighted the importance of theological grounding, awareness campaigns, training, and community outreach in promoting advocacy. She also shared inspirational stories of women-led movements for peace and justice.
Sheerattan-Bisnauth emphasized the importance of monitoring and sustainability in addressing these issues, highlighting the need for feedback mechanisms and sustained commitment.
Lani Anaya, programme manager, Latin America and the Caribbean team, with ACT Church of Sweden, discussed the importance of advocacy in churches and faith-based organizations.
Anaya suggested that churches should start thinking about who they can work with to address their identified issues, including governments, nongovernmental organizations, other churches, and private sector organizations. She also recommended the use of an "elevator pitch" to effectively communicate advocacy goals to potential partners.
Discussion leaders also emphasized the importance of advocacy in addressing social issues, particularly gender-based violence. They explored the role of the church in creating a just and equitable society, and the need for collective action and collaboration with other organizations.
They highlighted the importance of theological grounding, awareness campaigns, training, and community outreach in promoting advocacy.
Participants shared stories of women-led movements for peace and justice.
Breakout groups focused on how to incorporate social justice elements in liturgy, sermons, and Bible study, followed by inputs on addressing specific justice issues related to people with disabilities, racism, conflict, and climate change.
“This is kind of training is crucial and needs to be cascaded to all pastors, reverends, and church leaders so that the church become influential in advocacy,” said one participant.
Another participant added: “As a church we have a lot to do in educating our respective congregations and the community at large. People will only react once they are well-informed.”
For years, the WCC, in collaboration with ecumenical partners, has hosted advocacy training for persons who use UN human rights mechanisms.
To accommodate the varied time zones, the training was offered twice.
