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Having been transformed by our partnership experiences in Central and Eastern Europe, we participants in the 2008 Presbyterian Women Global Exchange recognize that people in need and people working to meet those needs live in every country. Specifics vary because of history and culture, but generalities are the same:
- Racism, subtle and blatant, stunts lives and damages people as it tears at the fabric of society.
- Human beings are used as objects by other human beings.
- Lonely, orphaned and sick people need love, care and relationship.
- Immigrants and marginalized people need opportunity and access to resources.
- Youth struggle to find their way in cultures of mixed messages and negative values.
- Women strive for equality and voice in a patriarchal world.
- Living a life of faith is challenged by secular society.
The history of Central and Eastern Europe is tumultuous and painful for people of faith, yet we find ourselves humbled by the hospitality of our Christian sisters, who have welcomed us and opened their homes and lives in love.
We celebrate the faith and determination of these partners, whose resourcefulness has enabled them to do much with little, especially during times when volunteering one’s service was discouraged and the volunteer base was limited.
We have learned that ecumenical partners can work together as one community of faith and that we, as Christians in the United States, should continue to strive for ecumenical unity.
We understand that education and positive role models are keys to opportunity and improved lives.
Now more aware of the particular situation of our sisters in Central and Eastern Europe, we commit ourselves to:
- learn our Reformed heritage and celebrate our connections to the faith community in Europe;
- build and maintain relationships and develop ways to do mission in partnership;
- raise awareness about the circumstances of the Roma people and work to support those who are working on their behalf;
- provide support and positive role models and examples for young women interested in ministry here and support those who seek ordination;
- promote the establishment of legislation that will protect women and children and support the causes of marginalized people; and
- Practice social and environmental responsibility and conserve resources, following the model frequently exhibited by our European partners.
We commit ourselves to remembering that we are joined and knitted together in love with our sisters and partners in Central and Eastern Europe, and to promote the whole body’s growth so that it may be built up in love (Ephesians 4:15–16).
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