|
| |
| Conference Resolution 2002 |
 |
| Conference Resolution Bangalore 2005 |
2nd South Asia Christian Youth Conference,
June 8 – 14, 2005
Whitefield, Bangalore |
| |
| Conference Statement |
The 2nd South Asia Christian Youth Conference (SACYC) on the theme “Gospel & Globalisation” was held at the Ecumenical Christian Centre Bangalore from the 8th to the 14th June, 2005 with participants from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan and ecumenical partners from the UK, Germany & Belgium. We, the conference delegates, give thanks to God and also place on record our appreciation to all who made this coming together possible. Special thanks go to CMS (UK), USPG, Methodist Church (UK) and the Church of Württemberg, the co-sponsors, and the Church of South India, the hosts. This conference was a sequel to the first conference held in May 2002 at Colombo with the theme “Called for Peace”.
Placed in a context wherein the values of globalisation were having deep implications on the life and witness of the young people of the churches of South Asia, the second SACYC was aimed at strengthening, challenging and motivating the young people to delve deeper into the core gospel values as a meaningful counter to the negative impacts of globalisation and also as a basis for evaluation of more positive aspects of globalisation and new opportunities and means these present for engagement in Christ’s mission.
The programme included Bible studies, worship, plenary sessions on aspects of globalisation, reports from church delegations, workshops that went deeper into the biblical, social, economic, cultural, church and mission perspectives of the central theme and also cell groups that helped build relationships, friendships and mutual understanding. A range of exposure visits to various Christian ministries, to worship places of those of other faiths as well as visits to and worship with Bangalore churches, provided further opportunities for reflection and rooting the conference in local realities and mission engagements. |
| The Conference Delegates recommend… |
| 1. |
The need to maintain relationships formed through meaningful networking (using tools such as email groups, websites, newsletter etc.) |
| 2. |
To explore the possibilities of people to people exchange and strengthening links local, national and global. |
| 3. |
To address disunity meaningfully and strengthen inter-church relationships. |
| 4. |
To share and communicate our diverse worship traditions and expressions for mutual enrichment. |
| 5. |
To encourage South Asian young people to understand the impact of globalisation on their lives and to help them respond meaningfully. |
| 6. |
To identify common issues of the region that relate to broader global trends such as insurgency, poverty, drug abuse, HIV-AIDS, gender insensitivity, violence…etc and participate in suitable programmes to address the same and to build capacity. |
| 7. |
To be an alternative voice strengthening local initiatives for transformation, applying the conference resolutions and learning from the conference in the local church and among friends and family. |
| 8. |
To be in solidarity with and advocate for the suffering peoples of South Asia and ensure consolidated support to efforts and initiatives for justice and peace. |
| 9. |
That a core group carry the vision forward and to plan the third SAYC with meaningful programmes leading towards the same. |
| 10. |
That various expressions of youth culture be critically evaluated as well as seeing how these same expressions can also point to new approaches to ministry among youth and expressions of church life |
| 11. |
That united prayer should be a fundamental response to changes in our region and world that are reflections of globalisation and to form small prayer and mission cells. |
| 12. |
To seek practical ways to work together for peace, social cohesion, healing of relationships, with all such efforts rooted in the values of justice, truth and love. |
| 13. |
That all the participating churches celebrate a South Asia Youth Week together. |
| 14. |
To commit ourselves afresh to Jesus Christ, to grow in His truth, to seek His Kingdom and to make Him known. |
| |
ECC, Bangalore, 14th June, 2005 |
|
| |
|
|
