Grass Roots

The quests for Christian unity and inter-religious cooperation are about fostering relationships. In terms of Christian unity, this means that crucial to the ecumenical enterprise are grassroots efforts, which deepen and extend relationships between all Christians in local communities. Grassroots efforts range from joint worship services to highly efficient organizations that respond to specific systemic issues, such as poverty and hunger. From bible study to shelters, these and countless other examples illustrate how Christians together work in service to the world.

FAITH-BASED ORGANIZING NETWORKS

Direct Action and Training Research Center (DART): (Miami-based) focuses on training and building new organizations engaged in faith-based community organizing.

Pacific Institute for Community Organizing: a "national network of faith-based community organizations" that recruits and trains local community organizers and works with grassroots groups.

Gamaliel Foundation: (Chicago-based) a network of some 55 faith-based community organizations in the United States and South Africa.

SAVE THE DATE!
Ecumenical Advocacy Days Conference 
March 13-16, 2009
Theme: "Enough for Everyone"

Ecumenical Advocacy Days is the largest annual ecumenical gathering in Washington, D.C., centered on public policy education and advocacy. The gathering offers spirited worship, theological reflection, and opportunities for learning about vital issues, training in advocacy, and witness to U.S. policy makers on wide variety of domestic and international policies.

ECUMENICAL ACCOMPANIMENT PROGRAMME
The EAPPI is an initiative of the World Council of Churches under the Ecumenical Campaign to End the Illegal Occupation of Palestine: Support a Just Peace in the Middle East. Its mission is to accompany Palestinians and Israelis in their non-violent actions and concerted advocacy efforts to end the occupation. Participants of the program are monitoring and reporting violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, supporting acts of non-violent resistance alongside local Christian and Muslim Palestinians and Israeli peace activists, offering protection through non-violent presence, engaging in public policy advocacy and, in general, standing in solidarity with the churches and all those struggling against the occupation.

Accompaniment and Travel: Information on organizations and programs, upcoming trips/seminars to the region, reports from past trips, travel books and what to do after your trip.