CCIH: Faith & Health Webinar

Posted on Jun 2017 by Stacy Nam

Christian Connections in International Health (CCIH)Webinar

May 2017

Paul Hudson, MD, Health Consultant with SIM moderated the session & featuring Victor Nakah, Senior Vice President of Spiritual Ministry with CURE International and Rachel Parrill, Associate Professor of Nursing, Cedarville University. They explored questions on how Christian faith is integrated with health work. Questions examined:

What does the Bible say about integrated ministry?
How do you integrate health care with spiritual care?
What Biblical principles apply to working with diverse and vulnerable populations?
What does it mean to provide whole person care?

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New Migration and Society Journal

Posted on May 2017 by Stacy Nam

JLI Refugee Hub Co-Chair Elena Fiddian-Qasmiyeh with Mette Berg launched a new journal: Migration and Society, published by Bergahn Books. The first issue will be published in 2018 on Hospitality and hostility towards migrations: global perspectives.

Call for articles until Sept 2017 on the following questions:

    1. How, and why, have different actors responded to the actual, prospective, and imagined arrival of migrants across time and space?
    2. How have migrants and refugees experienced and responded to different, and at times overlapping, processes of hospitality and hostility in sites of transit and settlement?
    3. What are the politics and the poetics of hospitality and hostility towards migrants in different spaces?
    4. As ‘new’ migrants join established diasporas and transnational communities, how have ‘locals’ and ‘established’ migrants and refugees responded to ‘newly’ displaced people?
    5. How, why, and with what effects have diverse media represented processes of migration? Who has been rendered (hyper)visible and audible, and/or invisible, inaudible, and silenced in different representations of migration?
    6. What are the historic resonances, continuities, and discontinuities of contemporary dynamics of hospitality and hostility towards migrants?

For more information see Journal Website

 

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JLI Annual in-person Board & Advisory Group Meeting 10/24-25

Posted on May 2017 by Stacy Nam

Please save the dates for the JLI Annual in-person Board meeting in London, October 24-25 9-5pm (both days) hosted by kindness of Salvation Army (101 Queen Victoria St, London EC4V 4EH, UK)

 

The JLI Executive Committee has asked that the board meeting focus on “what we know”—i.e. the state of the evidence regarding faith groups’ activities and contributions, and the significant gaps in knowledge. Therefore the first day will be a series of briefings and interactive discussion with Learning Hub leaders- past and present- and other experts on the state of the evidence. This will form a solid basis for charting the JLI course going forward. You will be informed and entertained, as we will have a fun outing for supper on the 24th– detailed agenda to follow. We are blessed to have support from McKinsey for the Board meeting again this year!

 

Please confirm your attendance and RSVP to Stacy by June 30.

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Global Platform 2017

Posted on May 2017 by Stacy Nam

Cancun Mexico

On May 23 ACT Alliance and Soka Gakkai International co-organized  a pre-conference titled “Locally-led Disaster Risk Reduction by Faith-Based Organizations – Implementing the Sendai Framework.”

Faith-based and religions organizations gathered in Cancun Mexico to discuss faith engagement in implementing the Sendai Framework. JLI was represented by Soka Gakkai for the Refugees & Forced Migration Learning Hub. Both cohosts as well as some local implementing FBOs made presentations on best practices of locally-led DRR by FBOs in implementing the Sendai Framework.

Other presentations and statements from Global Platform

Public Joint Statement of faith-based organizations to GP2017

May 23, 2017, Cancun

We urge State parties to engage FBOs and LFCs in a meaningful and substantive way in implementing SFDRR

Specifically by:

  • Collaborating with FBOs and LFCs and use their capacity to communicate to local communities to raise level of understanding and awareness on DRR and climate change (SFDRR priority 1);
  • Involving FBOs and LFCs to help monitor DRR impact at household and community level based on the set of SFDRR indicators for purposes of better risk governance; (SFDRR priority 2)
  • Using and encouraging the collaborative networks of LFCs/FBOs across the globe to respond to the impacts of disasters and climate change by raising investments for resilience at local, national, regional, and global level; (SFDRR priority 3)
  • Allocating resources to FBOs and LFCs to develop and implement DRR measures, both in terms of risk mapping, prevention/mitigation and resilience building projects/activities, as well as preparedness activities and early action against disasters; (SFDRR priority 3)
  • Engaging and supporting FBOs in relief and post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation to galvanize local humanitarian response / preparedness and to facilitate effective and efficient initiatives that will enable communities to BUILD BACK BETTER (SFDRR priority 4)

Local faith-based networks reach every corner of our communities and nations and are capable of contributing substantial material and social resources necessary for risk prevention, reduction and humanitarian action. Faith-based groups are key to the localization of risk reduction, resilience building and humanitarian action because they are among those at the first line of defense in preventing avoidable disasters. They are also among first responders in emergencies providing shelter during evacuation, basic needs (i.e. food, water, clothing, shelter) of those affected during emergencies, and social capital for healing and recovery.

Faith-based organizations (FBOs) and local faith communities (LFCs) can complement other aid sectors’ activity at the grassroots level, thereby contributing and acting as a vector to localize humanitarian response and preparedness, as well as enhance mainstreaming of risk reduction measures in recovery and development programming. Faith, in all its forms, constitutes a natural and important element in the lives of billions of people with over 84% of the world identifying with a religious group. Faith drives people to take action. During the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, we have heard testimonies of communities that have relied on faith and faith institutions as part of their coping mechanism in times of disasters. Faith has enabled communities to become better stewards of their environment and has enhanced social capital through communication, sharing, and compassion for others. Faith has thus offered courage, comfort and hope.

Faith contributes to the coping and adaptive capacities of many people and can be a powerful element in reducing vulnerabilities and, thus, reduce disaster risk. It is an integral element that needs to be taken into account in disaster risk prevention and reduction.

ACT Alliance Statement for the Global Platform for DRR

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JLI Ending Violence Against Children Learning Hub Announcement

Posted on May 2017 by Stacy Nam

The JLI Ending Violence Against Children Learning Hub was announced at the Global Network of Religions for Children 5th Forum -Ending Violence Against Children: Faith Communities in Action in Panama.

The intention of this Hub is to be a horizontal learning community that links academics, policy makers and practitioners working on issues of faith, faith leaders and religious community contribution to ending violence against children. Framing questions will be refined further through evidence Scoping and policy dialogue in the first phase of the Hub.

Leadership

The convening co-chairs of the JLI Learning Hub on Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC Hub)are:

  • Robyn Hagan, World Vision International, Global Advisor – Faith Partnerships for Child Protection 
  • Rebeca Rios-Kohn, Arigatou International New York Office, Director
  • Carola Eyber, Queen Margaret University, Institute for Global Health and Development, Senior Lecturer

 

For more information please see the relevant resources: Draft Terms of Reference and Draft Concept Note

 

For more information on the GNRC forum please see here

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Conference on International Humanitarian Action Summary

Posted on Apr 2017 by Stacy Nam

Conference on International Humanitarian Action between the East and the West

Co-hosted by Eid Charity and 11 other Islamic Charities

March 26 and 27, Doha, Qatar

Conference Agenda

The conference aimed to strengthen cooperation, build partnerships in the field and fund joint projects in the field of humanitarian action and peacebuilding, between organisations of different backgrounds and world views.

Themes:

  1. Cooperation in the humanitarian field: challenges and opportunities
  2. The war on terror and international designations: impact on humanitarian cooperation
  3. Humanitarian cooperation: past/ongoing experiences and future perspectives
  4. Launch the “Geneva Platform for the Work of Goodness”

Jean Duff represented JLI and gave a presentation on Engaging Local Religious Networks in Humanitarian Response during Session 5: Cooperation in the humanitarian field: past/ongoing experiences and future perspectives. This presentation draws on the work of JLI Learning Hubs. Please see here for the presentation and JLI Sources Handout.

 

JLI Advisory Group member Azza Karam, UNFPA spoke on “Beyond the war on terror and East West divide: Building practical bridges.”

Final Recommendations: The communiqué from the conference

At the end of the conference, the Cordoba Foundation launched the Geneva Platform for the Work of Goodness (Concept Note Link).

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Development Studies Association 2017: Sustainability interrogated: societies, growth, and social justice

Posted on Apr 2017 by Stacy Nam
DSA 2017 Conference
September 6-8 at the University of Bradford
The Religions and Development Study group will be hosting a panel: “The increasing space for ‘moral economies’ in light of global inequality: the role of religions and faith perspectives”

Panel details

Convenors

  • Shabaana Kidy (Islamic Relief Academy)
  • Emma Tomalin (University Of Leeds)

Short Abstract

In the light of global inequality, there have been renewed criticisms against neoliberal economics, both from ‘secular’ and ‘faith-based’ NGOs and thinkers. This panel will seek to explore the role of religious traditions, values and faith-based tools in ‘moral economies’ and financing for development.

Long Abstract

Since the financial crash of 2008, neoliberal economic systems have been subject to renewed challenge and criticism by both ‘secular’ and ‘faith-based’ NGOs and thinkers. In the light of Agenda 2030 which details a trajectory for sustainable development across a multitude of sectors ranging from poverty and hunger, through education, gender equality and care for the environment, there has been increasing emphasis on well-being and holistic development. This creates increasing space for faith groups and religions to provide new perspectives and thinking around ‘moral economies’ in the light of global inequality. This may include, but is not limited to, faith-based social financing mechanisms, as well as opportunities to harness religious values to challenge neoliberal economic excesses. This panel will seek to explore the role of religious traditions, values and faith-based tools in moral economies and financing for development.

Full Panel & Paper Details

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African Christian Health Association Platform Biennial Meeting Summary

Posted on Mar 2017 by Stacy Nam

The African Christian Health Association Platform ( ACHAP) 8th Anniversary meeting

Theme: Evidence for faith-based health care provision

Hosted by the Christian Health Association of Lesotho

The 2017 biennial conference program chaired by Dr Karen Sinchinga Churches Health Association of Zambia, focused on the themes of Building Partnerships for FBO Health Systems Strengthening towards Achieving the SDGs. An important sub theme was building evidence for health systems strengthening for Christian Health Associations (CHAs)

CHAs’ capacities for data collection, and analysis vary widely according to the size and level of development of the CHAs. Many sessions and workshops presented state of the art of health information systems in CHAs, and considered ways to build the evidence capacities of CHAs, and of the collective platform, ACHAP. There was much discussion in formal and informal sessions of the conference on ways to strengthen evidence for CHAs’ activity and contributions.

In a preconference workshop hosted by World Council of Churches, Dr Isabel Phiri delivered a paper setting a context for the development of a comprehensive ecumenical health strategy , and Dr Mwai Makoka who heads the WCC Health and Healing program led an interesting discussion on the process towards developing such a strategy.

Dr Jill Olivier, University of Cape Town gave a comprehensive summary on research on African Faith-based Health providers, and together with her student Eleanor Whyte presented information on diverse models of engagement between the state and faith sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. Other sessions focused on partnerships for research, and on evidence leading to improved practices. CHAs from across sub-saharan Africa gave excellent presentations.
See here for access to the conference presentations 

At a session on Global Partnership opportunities for Christian Health Associations, moderated by Rick Santos, Ellen Starbird, Director USAID Office of Population and Reproductive Health, affirmed the significant role of faith-based organizations in the provision of family planning and/or healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies.

Jean Duff spoke on behalf of the JLI about the value of expanding partnerships with denominational congregational networks for community health, and encouraged CHAs to increase the visibility of their important work by strengthening the data and advocacy capacities of the ACHAP Secretariat

The 10th anniversary meeting was a real celebration of the distinctive capacities of the CHAs and the dedication of their leadership. It was also a time for prophetic re-imagination of the future, for the sustainability and growth of CHAs’ loving service for health for all. A new ACHAP Board, led by Peter Yeboah of Christian Association of Ghana CHAG, now In its 50th year, will lead the CHAs into their next decade.

 

WCC News article

 

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Islam and Christianity: finding the common ground

Posted on Mar 2017 by Desta

Linked to the 34th session of the Human Rights Council, the Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue organized a side event on 15 March exploring “Islam and Christianity, the Great Convergence: Working jointly towards equal citizenship rights” at the United Nations offices in Geneva. World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit was among the panelists.

The goal of the centre’s initiative was to highlight the common ground that exists between Islam and Christianity, and what this might mean for the question of citizenship, especially in Muslim majority countries. Ten speakers discussed the possibility of a “great convergence” between these two religions which are committed to peace for all and yet, still generate misunderstandings, disagreement and even wars. Each panellist gave a short update on the situation of his or her country on violence against Muslims and Christians.

Please follow the link for more information.

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Commission on the Status of Women (CSW61) and side events

Posted on Mar 2017 by Stacy Nam

CSW61 NY

Representatives of Member States, UN entities, and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from all regions of the world are invited to attend the session.  – See more at CSW 61 UN Page

CSW61 Agreed Conclusions (advance unedited version)

Priority theme:Women’s economic empowerment in the changing world of work

Relevant Side Events

The International Salvation Army ISJC & Anglican Alliance

ACT Alliance

  • Protecting bodies, protecting rights – Religious and customary law enabling economic empowerment; 1.00 PM – 3.00 PM, Orange Café UNFPA Contact : gunilla.hallonsten@actalliance.org

The Salvation Army ISJC

Islamic Development Bank, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Women, Islamic Relief Worldwide

  • March 17, 3:00 PM-4:15 PM  The Invisible Lives of Syrian Women & Overcoming Challenges to Employment, Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment Conference Room A – Conference Building

We Will Speak Out & Side By Side

Additional Resources and Updates

Reports and statements:

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