Accra Confession and Globalization We Can Grasp

The Covenanting for Justice Online Curriculum is based on the Accra Confession.
It was developed by the North American Working Group for Covenanting for Justice of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC)

This group has also revamped the Accra Confession pamphlet for North American Christians and added the Letter from Accra: Download Accra-new-final

Below are the curriculum and videos.

Covenanting for Justice means working with communities as part of our Christian witness in solidarity with neighbors near and far to bring about a sustainable and just global community. We invite you to join in this transnational movement and to covenant for justice!

Below are five workshop modules that make real the challenges of globalization and the witness of the prophetic church. The modules in the curriculum contain video examples of social and environmental tragedy, and some triumphs of solidarity. You can use these as a five-week curriculum (or six weeks if you add an additional session to read and discuss the Accra Confession ), or choose from the five modules according to the interests and time commitment of the group. You will need at least 90 minutes per session if you hope to have time for discussion. If your time is shorter, you can spread each session over two gatherings.

• Download Covenanting-for-justice-curriculum
• Download Curriculum-facilitator-guide
• Download Accra-confession
• Download Confesion-de-accra

The Five Modules:

1. Introduction to Globalization and the Churches’ Response
Globalization and the Churches’ Response provides background and theology about globalization. The relationship between globalization and empire is explored. Through the “Letter from Accra,” video and worship, this module explores how we as Christians can respond to aspects of globalization that are unsustainable and unjust.

View the video “Coffee, Corn and the Cost of Globalization” (16:45 minutes)

• High-resolution version of "Coffee" - Part I
• High-resolution version of "Coffee" - Part II

Globalization Workshop Module - Download Curriculum1

2. Global Climate Change: Renewing the Sacred Balance
Global Climate Change calls us to act for climate justice. We, individuals and communities, institutions and governments, must dramatically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Our faith teaches us to work for equitable, just and sustainable solutions. Changes in regulations and changes in lifestyle are essential to preserve Creation’s balance. Here are practical ways we can create greener practices in church and society.

View the video “Greening Sacred Spaces" (5:37 minutes)

• High-resolution version of "Greening"

Climate Change Workshop Module - Download Curriculum2

3. Farmworkers, Low-wage Jobs, and Living into a New Economy
Farmworkers, Low-wage Jobs, and Living into a New Economy reveals the working and living conditions endured by farmworkers in Canada and the United States. It tells the story of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, an organization of tomato pickers living in Immokalee, Florida, and the successes they and their allies have achieved in struggles with Taco Bell, McDonalds, and Burger King.

View the video “The Battle Fields” (28 minutes)

• High-resolution version of "Battle Fields" - Part I
• High-resolution version of "Battle Fields" - Part II
• High-resolution version of "Battle Fields" - Part III

Farmworkers Workshop Module -  Download Curriculum3

4. Environmental Justice and Human Rights
Environmental Justice and Human Rights are both at grave risk in the Peruvian lead mining town of La Oroya. A privately held U.S. firm continues to profit from operations that have contaminated people and the land. This tragedy demonstrates how the pursuit of profit can lead to ecological degradation/damage. We see how people and organizations can join forces through coalitions to support the struggles of local communities.

View the video “La Oroya: Hot Metal Air” (20:00 minutes)

• High-resolution version of "La Oroya" - Part I
• High-resolution version of "La Oroya" - Part II

Environmental Justice Workshop Module -  Download Curriculum4

5. Faithful Purchasing and the Global Sweatshop Economy
Faithful Purchasing and the Global Sweatshop Economy exposes the harsh reality of the global production line. While workers in many countries around the world, including the United States and Canada, work under brutal conditions, consumers and people of faith have joined their struggle to end sweatshops.

View the video “Sweatfree Communities: Make Your Community Sweatfree” (9:45 minutes)

• High-resolution version of "Sweatfree Communities"

Sweatshop Workshop Module -  Download Curriculum5

The flash videos can be viewed online but may be small for a group to view well. The "Coffee, Corn and the Cost of Globalization" video for module 1 is available for purchase here on the Mennonite Central Committee site. Call PHP at 888-728-7228 x5832 to request CDs of the videos for modules 2-5, or for the Word documents of the curriculum should you wish to modify the it.