Although migrant workers are hailed as economic saviors of their respective national economies, their governments are often ill equipped to respond to their needs especially when they are faced with danger and hardships abroad. Governments are also unprepared or unwilling to re-absorb returning overseas workers. In fact they are aggressively promoting the migration of labor.

As churches and non-government organizations strive to respond to their plight, the question comes up: is our response band-aid solution to the problem or does it address the root of the problem? Is our goal for reformation or transformation?

The CCA Faith, Mission and Unity program area held a consultation on "Affirming Fullness of Life in the Context of Migrant Workers' Struggles" in Kaohsiung, Taiwan on November 10-15, 2003 to try to address these questions.

Hosted by the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, the meeting gathered representatives of URM network members, migrant workers' organizations, and theologians dealing with migrant issues.

The group felt the need to address both reformation and transformation, not one or the other. They urged churches to include migrant workers in their mission activities by being actively involved in building shelters as sanctuary, providing a holistic safety net, including medical care, education and empowerment through organizing, establishing self-help programs, giving counselling and visits and developing spiritual strength among migrants, irrespective of their faiths.

Click here to view statement.
2003_12_statement.doc

posted by hope at Tuesday, December 16, 2003