Accompanier Report #4

Here is the final accompanier report I submitted. Life at seminary is starting to calm down, so hopefully I'll sit down to write very soon!


Questions of Faith, Theology and Politics in Urabá.
From Urabá-based accompaniers Becca Weaver and Kelsey White, received 3rd September, 2011. (Linda’s note: Becca and Kelsey have been back in the U.S. for a while now. I held back this report until we were through some of the “excitement” of Antonio’s disappearance, and Colombia FTA advocacy work. As the latter still continues, perhaps we should consider the conclusion of the Colombian church, reported here, that “the social and public dimension of Christian faith pushes toward a social-political commitment”. They come to that conclusion in a context where to do so is far more dangerous than it is here. Let’s take encouragement and strength from their commitment and courage. If you haven't already signed up for Colombia Advocacy alerts at http://www.presbypeacefellowship.org/ - top right of the page - then maybe now's the time to do so.)

One of the best ways to understand a church is not to look at the answers they give, but to look at the questions they ask. The church in Colombia is asking a heavy question: “What should the church be doing for the world today?” We saw how the church is trying to answer that question. They take care of each other and minister to those who have been displaced. They provide space for Compassion schools, giving the children of the community a safe place to learn and be empowered. And they are seriously considering the church’s role in the politics of Colombia, discerning how they should be getting involved in bringing social justice to their country.

We got a taste for the dialogue on church and state at the first ever Seminar on Faith, Theology and Politics hosted by the Presbyterian Church, and open to all Protestant Churches in Urabá. We weren’t sure what this seminar would be like, but we knew this day would be a unique experience when a rambling, colorful bus called a Chiva, or “party bus,” came to pick us up. We arrived in style and found ourselves at the Inter-American Church in Apartadó where roughly 200 people were gathered.

The first speaker gave a message about how the church can no longer overlook the injustices that are going on in Colombia, encouraging the use of faith when considering politics. His rhetoric and mannerisms were reminiscent of Biblical prophets who spoke with conviction about the injustices of the times. Next, we heard about the history of the Presbyterian Church in Colombia, which was a fascinating look at how the church came to be.

Finally, one of the elders of the Central Presbytery examined passages of scripture, looking at how faith and politics are related. He used 1 Samuel 8, Romans 13, and John 11 which all address the relationship between church and state. This thorough examination of scripture made it clear that church in Colombia has spent much time with the Bible, discerning how they should respond to the situation in their country. The elder concluded his presentation with a theological reflection on how salvation is related to social and economic issues, therefore theology must be political if there is to be change in the policies that are oppressing the citizens. This indispensable social and public dimension of Christian faith pushes toward a social-political commitment, considering the needs of the people, especially the weakest and poorest. In his final statement he acknowledged that Colombia is living in turbulent times of political disillusionment, but that isn’t a reason to give up hope. Now more than ever Christians must engage in the socio-political realm, to seek out a better way, one that liberates the people.

Hearing this message was encouraging and our hope is that the momentum continues. This was a reminder that the church is the greatest hope for the broken world.