More people face famine today than ever before. March 21 is a day to pray.
As more people face famine today than any time in modern history, the World Council of Churches (WCC) together with the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), the United Methodist Committee on Relief, and a range of faith-based partners and networks invite a Global Day of Prayer to End Famine on 21 May 2017.
“Famine has been declared in areas of South Sudan, with Somalia, Nigeria, and Yemen on the brink of famine,” WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit says. ”More than 20 million people are at risk of starvation in these four countries alone. And globally, millions more suffer from drought and food shortages. But famines are much more than simple lack of food. They are the result of conflict, drought, poverty and global inaction, and in most cases they are preventable.”
“We believe the churches have a prophetic role in calling to mobilize their members, the wider society and governments, and make a difference during this unprecedented period of suffering,” Tveit adds, reflecting that the Church has a key role to play both in providing emergency relief and support, and in building peace, thus putting an end to the violence and hunger that affects both current and future generations.
To encourage people of faith and good will around the world to observe the global day of prayer on 21 May, the WCC is making available a collection of liturgical resources, prayers, photos and suggested songs to be used in faith congregations worldwide.
“Food is more than a human right; it is a divine gift that cannot be impeded,” Tveit concludes. “As people of faith on a Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace, we are called to respond to the hunger crisis through prayer, and we encourage communities of all faiths to organize themselves around the issue of access to food.”
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35.)
WCC resource pack – Global Day of Prayer to End Famine
https://youtu.be/lTntTeuyzkQ
Last Updated on May 15, 2017