Churches Cross Continents to Combat Trafficking - REPORT
We had a really exciting three days when, on 15th and 16th October people from many distant lands came together for a meeting organised by the Scottish Churches Anti-Human Trafficking Group. We shared knowledge about human trafficking and began to explore how we can work together to address this evil. The following day, Saturday 17th October, we held a conference for members of churches and civil society from across Scotland.
We heard about important work being carried out in Christ's name in many countries - Malawi, Nepal, Bangladesh, Japan, Jamaica, the Czech Republic and of the Salvation Army's network across Europe. Closer to home, we learned how churches in Derby, Wales and Scotland are tackling trafficking and modern slavery.
The key message was that, no matter where in the world it is happening, it is people who live in poverty and are discriminated against who are vulnerable to traffickers. As Christian we have a duty to speak out against this crime against humanity. Jesus challenges us to love our neighbour and, like the Good Samaritan, help the stranger who is in need of compassion and care.
The events went really well. There was a really good buzz with lots of discussion and good informal feedback from people as they left. We distributed luggage labels, symbolic of people journeying, and asked delegates to write their 'take home' actions on one and leave actions for us on the other so we now have lots of suggestions for future action. We formed excellent relationships with people from home and abroad and look forward to working together in the future.
Local Ecumenical Resources
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Help to get started
Are you looking for help to start working with other churches near-by?
Here is a starting point "Progressing in Partnership", a step by step guide for congregations wishing to pursue local partnerships with their ecumenical neighbours.
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Guidelines for new Churches Together Groups
If you are looking for information about setting up a new Churches Together Group,
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Shared Buildings Agreement
In situations where two or more congregations share the same building for worship and/or other activities, it is good practice to set out in writing, the relationships between the parties involved. The document below sets out some of the issues which may need to be addressed in such a situation and is followed by an actual example of a shared building agreement.
To download the Resource Document "Shared Buildings" click here.
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How is a Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP) formed?
Details are given below outlining the various steps which are taken in the formation of a Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP).
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Definitions of a Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP)
A Local Ecumenical Partnership is defined as existing where there is a formal written agreement affecting the ministry, congregational life, buildings and/or mission projects of more than one denomination: and a recognition of that agreement by the ACTS Ecumenical Development Group, and authorisation by the appropriate denominational authorities.
To find out more about LEP's, download the definitions here.
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Orientation for Incoming clergy
This document provides an orientation process that seeks to enable clergy to gain this understanding. The process involves the support of a colleague from another denomination in the LEP, together with a person appointed by the local congregation, and reading essential documents.
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An Ecumenical Service of Baptism and Confirmation
The Joint Liturgical Group of Great Britain have produced ther following resources:
A service of confirmation and baptism for use in Local Ecumenical Partnerships. Click here to download.
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Liturgical resource: when a Local Ecumenical Partnership ceases
The Joint Liturgical Group of Great Britain have produced ther following resource:
"An act of parting" - which can be used when a Local Ecumenical Partnership ceases to exist. Click here to download.
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Model Constitution for a Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership
The Model Constitution for a Single Congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership was drawn up by the Constitution Group.
To download a copy, please click here