by Velma Rice
The 2nd Annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days was held March 5 - 8, 2004 in Washington, D.C. with more than 550 people of faith from forty-one (41) states and six (6) countries in attendance. The theme, “I Will Feed Them with Justice”, is from Ezekiel 34:16. There were six (6) different region/issue tracks from which to choose: Africa, Asia, Jubilee & Economic Justice, Latin America, Middle East and Nuclear Disarmament. There were speakers that explored a faith-based vision of justice, peace and reconciliation. Then there were workshops in which that vision was translated into concrete policies and actions. And each participant was encouraged to make an appointment to lobby one or more of their congressmen.
In addition to the workshops on the various tracks, the schedule provided time for denominational gatherings and time in which to meet with those from one’s state and/or region. There was an unofficial competition among the denominations and it was said that Lutherans had the most folks in attendance. There were fourteen (14) folks of various denominations from Texas. Lutherans met twice; once for lunch and again for an evening meal hosted by the Lutheran Church of the Reformation. Because of its location, just blocks from the Capitol, the Lutheran Church also hosted the entire delegation of folks who lobbied congress on the last day of the event.
The opening keynote address entitled “Ecumenical Imperative of Advocacy for Peace with Justice” was given by Rev. Samuel Kobia, General Secretary, World Council of Churches. A Sermon, “With Prophetic Passion”, was given by Rev. Dr. Syngman Rhee, Director, Asian-American Ministry and Mission Center Union Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Richmond, VA. The sermon during the opening worship entitled “The World in Which We Wish to Live” was given by James E. Winkler, General Secretary, General Board of Church and Society, United Methodist Church. The closing keynote address, entitled “Feed Them Justice”, was given by Bernice Powell Jackson, Executive Minister of Justice and Witness Ministry of the United Church of Christ. The Rev. Dr. Said Ailabouni, Continental Desk Director, Europe and the Middle East represented the ELCA. Presenters’ text and media coverage of the conference will be available at www.advocacydays.org.