Young adults debate globalization and violence

YAEF participants prepare themselves for the day with a hand-washing ceremony during the morning devotional on Sunday. Photo: YAEF

August 28, 2006

CWS is part of a global network promoting dialogue and action on peace and justice. This networking includes discussion on how globalization impacts poor and vulnerable people and efforts to develop sustainable livelihoods. For the second year, CWS Education and Advocacy co-sponsored the Young Adult Ecumenical Forum to promote dialogue and action on the impact of globalization.

The 2006 Forum on Globalization and Violence was held from August 3-6 in Chicago, Illinois. The purpose of the 2006 Forum was to provide Christian young adults with space to discuss the issues of globalization and violence and to explore how their faith shapes their response to these issues. Each participant was provided with resources to take on leadership roles in their own communities.

CWS Education and Advocacy co-sponsored the Forum as a continuation of its ecumenical consultation at Stony Point, NY, in January 2004, “Just Trade Agreements? Churches in North America Address Globalization.” In the “Plan of Action – Just Trade Agreements?” participants at the consultation committed to support adult and youth study and action on issues, and to access or create networks to mobilize advocacy on these issues. Samantha Warren, a member of the 2006 forum’s planning committee, reported on the Chicago event.

Fifty young adults from around world gathered August 3 to 6 in Chicago, Illinois, to network, fellowship, worship, debate issues of globalization and violence, and to discern what God is calling them to do in response. They represented 17 denominations and traditions.

A strong ecumenical spirit was embodied in the Young Adult Ecumenical Forum conference, causing one young adult to remark, "YAEF is us."

Participant Ursula McClure (left) speaks with Chicago Police Department Chaplain Sharon Ellis Davis. Rev. Dr Davis spoke to the forum about violence against women and children. Photo: YAEF

A time of worship and sharing in the University of Chicago’s Rockefeller Memorial Chapel opened the Forum. Each day of the four-day event included time for worship, reflection, and fellowship as well as ample opportunity for participants to learn from each other through papers presented and through plenary sessions ranging from history and confession, to specific types of violence.

"YAEF is a way to be strengthened in faith and an outlet to learn and reflect on how our faith affects our lives,” said Adam Taylor of Sojourners/Call to Renewal during his plenary speech. “YAEF helps to bridge the faith from our minds to our hearts."

Many participants shared the sentiment expressed by Jaime Kasik-Wasowski. "I had no idea what to expect or what I was getting myself into," he said.

YAEF evoked a strong commitment from those in attendance. "We are people who care about the future of God's children and God’s earth," explained participant Marcia Keele.

Commenting on the fact that such a diverse group of Young Adult Christians came together for four days and left more educated, empowered, and ready to radically engage their world, speaker Sarah McDonald of Christian Peacemaker Teams said, "YAEF is the hopeful future of our Christian church."

Heather Hughes described YAEF as “a gathering of brilliant, amazing young adults to share, struggle with and discuss those issues that are at the heart of our lives, ministry and faith, and to rally together to work for change within our world; one person, one small step at a time."