Statement from the Youth Forum

For the Dignity of Life in Asia 1

We, the youth of Asia, affirm the value of life, dignity of all of God’s creation, the critical role of the youth in transforming the church and society. We heed the call of Christ to be bearers of peace.

We identify with the suffering of our brothers and sisters throughout Asia and stand in solidarity with them. Thus, we express our concerns and recommendations on issues that affect the young peoples of Asia to this Assembly. They are:

1. On Youth and Violence

We affirm the sacredness of life. All of God’s creation has the right to enjoy life to the fullest. However, violence is adversely affecting young people in all and through all aspects of their life. Thus, we denounce all forms of violence that degrade the dignity of young people.

Recommendations:

2. On the Human Rights of Youth

The human rights of young people are being violated. We are passionate about our churches in actively defending and upholding human rights, and opposing violations thereto. We denounce human rights violations of youth activists all over Asia who have been persecuted because of their progressive social involvements.

Recommendations:

3. On the Holistic Health of Young People

The health crisis of young people is something we cannot accept. We are concerned for both the physical and mental well-being of young people across Asia.

Recommendations:

4. On Education and Employment

We believe that resources and opportunities must be made readily available and accessible for the education and employment of young people in Asia.

Recommendation:

5. On the Youth in Church and Society

We believe that we are “the present” of the church and society. We believe in our creativity and our vision to transform the world. Therefore, we should be given every opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways. We should not remain only in the periphery of societal and church life.

Recommendations:

6. On Raising Awareness on Youth Issues among Churches

We acknowledge the need of raising awareness on youth issues in our churches. It is crucial that our church communities in Asia are conscious of these issues and should be active in their response.

Recommendations:

7. On Student Ministry of CCA

We note the decline of student ministry in Asia. The ecumenical youth movement must be seen and felt in colleges and universities across the continent. We support the building of ecumenism in educational institutions.

Recommendation:

Further, for the larger context, we bring the following issues before the churches in Asia:
1. Continuation of DOV
2. Social responsibilities of governments
3. Human security (including terrorism)
4. Unity of churches
5. Environmental concerns
6. Migrant workers’ rights
7. Indigenous people’s rights
8. State repression

We, the youth of Asia, are united in the struggle in building communities of peace for all. Together with our churches and NCCs, we commit our talents, time and energy for the fulfilment of God’s shalom.

NOTES :

1 This statement was issued by the CCA Pre-Assembly Youth Forum held at Lotus Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand, on 26-29 March 2005.