Global Partners

The economic crisis gripping Canada and the world is wreaking havoc in the lives of individuals and households, neighbourhoods, and communities.

The Right Rev. David Giuliano, Moderator, The United Church of Canada

From Crisis…

The web of current global economic crises—climate, food, energy, social, employment, and more—affects all countries, but the poor much more than the rich. About 3 billion people, almost half the people in the world, live on less than $2.50 a day, far away from the bank towers and halls of government where rescues are planned for giant corporations.

To Response

Sharing Bread is a United Church of Canada initiative that will result in a total of $210,000 being distributed to global partners, with up to $20,000 per application per global partner. An equal amount will be distributed in Canada. A further $80,000 is being made available for ministry staff training and support related to responding to this crisis.

Sharing Bread will support projects that demonstrate that

• solidarity with marginalized and vulnerable is being addressed
• commitments to economic justice and sustainable communities are enhanced
• learning about the systemic impacts of the global economic crisis takes place for the partner and the United Church
• partnership with The United Church of Canada is enriched beyond financial resource sharing
• there is an impetus to draw other contributions locally and or with other funding partners

In addition to this financial initiative, we are called to respond through learning, prayer, and action. A wide range of opportunities for involvement in building a just, equitable, and peaceful world are available.

Top

Global Context

The United Church of Canada has joined the call of the World Council of Churches* and other partners to focus more on those who are most vulnerable.

In recent years, the United Church has also supported calls on the government of Canada to

• regulate Canadian-based mining companies operating overseas, based on international humanitarian rights laws and environmental standards, with particular attention to the rights of Indigenous peoples
• commit to a new global agreement to combat climate change at the December 2009 meetings in Copenhagen
• promote peace and justice, particularly for Aboriginal peoples in Canada, as well as in Israel/Palestine, the Philippines, and Colombia

Top

From Our Values…

It is not acceptable that the poor and vulnerable pay the costs of the world's mistakes.

Miguel d'Escoto, president, General Assembly, United Nations

We are connected to our brothers and sisters in our local congregation. We are part of a network of United Church communities across the country. As church, we can do more together with our neighbours. We are surrounded by countless others of faith and goodwill. God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.

The Right Rev. David Giuliano, Moderator, The United Church of Canada

To Action…..

Whether it be housing, child poverty in Canada, or the effects of globalization through trade, debt, and corporate responsibility, we are called to act boldly in the face of widening gaps of inequality between rich and poor, and to seek justice and resist evil.

We are called to proclaim in word and action God's dream for the world. Jesus called it the 'kingdom of God.' All around the earth, people are beginning to question the logic of an economic system that values the rights of shareholders above the needs of human beings. We are awakening to the insatiable consumption that is destroying God's creation. We are God's witnesses for an alternative vision of a world where the needs of all prevail over the greed of a few. Times of great turmoil are also times of great opportunity for transformation. This is a time for prophetic and creative leadership.

The Right Rev. David Giuliano, Moderator, The United Church of Canada

Top

Get Involved

Visit the following pages to learn more and get involved in The United Church of Canada's work for change:

• Take action
• Climate change
• Debt cancellation
• Development assistance
• Globalization
• Re-energize: Time For A Carbon Sabbath KAIROS Campaign*