BALTIMORE, Md. – “Religion matters. You know that and I know that, but sadly many governments in recent times have ignored the vital role that faith communities play in promoting peace, supporting the vulnerable, and alleviating poverty,” said Tim Breeme, CEO of World Relief. “It is against this backdrop that World Relief applauds the German government’s recent commitment to work more closely with faith communities,” continued Breeme.
Germany’s Federal Foreign Office May 22 in Berlin brought together over 100 representatives of different faith communities from 53 countries to launch a new initiative which uses the power of religions to foster peace. Foreign Minister Gabriel announced Germany would build up a network for interfaith dialogue that could serve as an early warning system and the starting point for talks on the ground. Germany in 2016 also launched the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) to bring together governments and religious and faith-based organizations to “harness the positive impact of religion and values in sustainable development and humanitarian assistance” in the promotion of dialogue, implementation of projects and effective policy formation. World Relief is a PaRD partner.
“I am encouraged by the growing recognition of governments and the UN system of the important role of faith-based organizations and religious communities in relief and development efforts. For over 70 years, World Relief has been working in close partnership with local churches in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Haiti to promote peace and catalyze change, resulting in thriving families, flourishing communities, and strengthened churches.”
One country in which World Relief is making a notable difference for peace is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). World Relief works in the DRC with local church partners to eradicate the root causes of violence and poverty by increasing agricultural production, offering support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, and establishing Village Peace Committees for community-level conflict mediation. Through the church, there is great hope for sustainable livelihoods and peaceful stability for the people of DR Congo.
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World Relief – World Relief is a global humanitarian aid and development organization that stands with the vulnerable and partners with local churches to end the cycle of suffering, transform lives and build sustainable communities. With over 70 years of experience, World Relief has 25 offices in the United States that specialize in refugee and immigration services, and works in 20 countries worldwide through disaster response, health and child development, economic development and peace-building.
Website | www.WorldRelief.org Twitter | @WorldRelief
