Over the past few years, the world has witnessed unprecedented events, all pointing to the fact that God is still at work in the affairs of all nations.
The involvement of the religious community in the Carnival celebrations, are clear indications that all governments recognised the inextricable link between religion and national-sustainable developments.
Social peace is perhaps one of the most elusive pursuits of civil societies. In the last two decades, we have seen on many sides the problems of social peace, the creation of labour unrest due to the transition from agricultural to more industrial economies; tribal tension in Europe, and ethnic cleansing in some countries in Africa.
And as globalisation impacts many countries, geographical boundaries slowly diminish in importance. Urbanisation and electronic commerce have resulted, among others, in the development of multi-racial and pluralistic societies. The challenge of governments today is to maintain national peace and unity in their quest for national economic sufficiency and political stability.
Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is primarily well-being and freedom from anxiety. It includes goodwill and harmony in humans’ relationships; it is to live a full life, “it is to achieve all of what God had planned for.” (Gen.15:15; 2 Kings 22:20).
The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom, and it means Peace with God, with one’s neighbour, and with one’s environment.
The activities organised by the various religious groups for Carnival, the level of support and participation shown by their followers’ reveals in that innately, we all desire to have our faith be used as a transforming force for the betterment of all nations. Much appreciation therefore should be conveyed to all head of States for these great initiatives. However, these activities must not just be used as an occasion for the bringing together of large crowds.
The various values and doctrinal positions embraced by all people of faith must be converted into action that is productive and valuable to national and social developments. Social peace is a key factor for eradicating poverty. The economic growth of the world’s rim shows the development of the so-called “rich” countries. But the countries that registered growth since World War II, or the Korean War, have been the countries where there is social peace, e.g. Japan, Singapore Taiwan, Korea Thailand, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. A key factor in the development of many countries, is that their ability to lure investments, external ventures and capital to develop the economy. Venture capital will not flow into any country with social unrest. The West and other developed countries, with their capital and high labour costs, cannot compete in the global market. They have to invest outside of their countries into the so-called “Third World”. But investments will not flow into countries with social unrest. Social peace is a prerequisite to economic growth.
With the abundance of investment opportunities reposed in some third-world developing countries, one cannot help but be concerned as to the hesitancy in the approach of some foreign investors to long term sustainable investments in ACP countries.
In addressing the issue of social peace, one must be aware of its relationship to poverty. Countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bangladesh have all experienced stunted economic growth because of the absence of social peace.
The Bible shows similar patterns where progress comes when a nation is at peace. Jeremiah told the exiles in Babylon to “pray for the peace (welfare) of the city.” (Jer.29:7). Clearly, political and economical advocacies are of vital ministries for theology to ensure that just and favourable structures and systems are in place in the country to participate in the internationalisation of businesses.
Again, in addressing social peace in the context of ACP countries, we must confront the protracted, ethno-political monsters that have historically haunted all nations. These issues are grave and no immediate easy solution is available. But theological indifference to these issues is inexcusable. Socio-political solutions gave South Africa social peace in recent years. For the ACP countries, 57 per cent of all citizens who claim faith in the Lord Jesus Christ must become visible. The large showing of brethren at the gospel concert was indeed overwhelming. But we must not only mobilise for purposes such as concerts or carnival celebrations and other such entertainment events. We must also mobilise to ensure that the good of all nations, by the divine grace and order of the rule of God, is advanced.
Among the many other significant things being undertaken, all Fundamental and Evangelical faiths must therefore be of some necessity, by contributing to foster an environment of peace. The very essence of the Ecclesiastical nature is peace. Jesus, in whom we are of one body, is the Prince of peace. Hence I suggest the following as possible standards for all Churches, Mosques and Temples (Believers in God) to insist on as their social mandates:
(1) Deliberately promote racial integration and harmony at national, international and community levels;
(2) Promote and pray for Evangelical, Fundamental and Ecclesiastical involvement for Peace and Reconciliation initiatives at all levels;
(3) Encouraging God-loving world citizens to get involve in conflict resolutions for the promotion of social justice and peace;
(4) Lobby for inclusion representation in decision making processes that will impact on the peace markets of all nations.
Because all Churches, Mosques and Temples, are all of one community towards divine reconciliation, it is important to give consolidation to reconciliation. (2 Cor.5:18-19). The ideas of establishing Ecclesiastical peace-corps world wide, is to give its’ mediate a chance to peace in all situations of conflict which has biblical validity.
It must be noted that all clergies world wide, must have considerable theology accesses in the Middle-East, Asia African and the Caribbean communities which are being torn apart by conflicts.
We will only be remembered for two things in this life: The problems we helped to solve, or the problems we helped to create. What is it going to be?
Let me also take this opportunity to say many thanks, to the thousands of philanthropists, who are supporting the good cause in serving humanity world wide and in particular, The African Bulletin newspapers here in the Netherlands, for their outstanding contribution in exposing and promoting good news for the African continent and populace.
Media Blackberry
