University students explore issues of faith, policy and global justice

 

OTTAWA, Ont. — Suren Raghavan is more convinced than ever that social justice must be a fundamental part of a Christian's beliefs.

A new arrival in Canada, and a recent convert to Christianity, Raghavan was one of 32 university students from across the country who attended a recent seminar in Ottawa sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee Canada.

The seminar, "One World: Seeking Justice Through Faith and Policy," was held on Parliament Hill and drew students from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. It brought together a variety of speakers, including representatives from non-governmental organizations, MPs and civil servants.

Through panel presentations and questions, students were able to explore some of the world's most pressing issues, such as world debt, the rights of indigenous peoples, climate change and human trafficking. Each presentation offered an introduction to the topic and spoke to government policy on the issue.

"Justice is fundamentally about power," said Brian Tomlinson from the Canadian Council for International Cooperation .

In his presentation on world debt Tomlinson pointed out that the power of wealthy countries, particularly the G8, offers an unfair advantage over indebted, poor countries in shaping national and international policies in their own interest. Thus, global justice is ultimately about a redistribution of power. This sentiment was reflected in many of the presentations at the seminar, held in Ottawa February 15-18.

Other presenters included Sabrina Ramzi of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dennis Bueckert from Canadian Press, indigenous rights activist, Kenneth Deer of the Mohawk Nation and MPs John McKay (Lib—Scarborough-Guildwood), Joy Smith (Conservative—Kildonan-St. Paul) and Jean Crowder (NDP—Nanaimo-Cowichan).

Following the seminar, Raghavan expressed concern that justice is one of the most neglected areas of the gospel. "This seminar has created an even stronger commitment in me to work towards social justice, one step at a time," he said.

Katrina Grabner of Columbia Bible College in B.C., recognized that "advocacy when coupled with compassion, is powerful and enduring." As such, she believes "this kind of work, this kind of lifestyle begins and is (or needs to be) motivated by compassion, love, mercy and a hunger for justice."

Students were encouraged to relate their faith to the seminar's topics. They began each day by reading and reflecting on scripture passages focused on justice. They also had opportunity to discuss the relationship between faith, policy and justice through daily small group discussions.

Esther Epp-Tiessen of MCC Canada's Peace Ministries concluded Sunday's session with a reflection on Luke 18:1-8, the parable of a widow's plea for justice from an unjust judge. She encouraged students "not to lose heart" (Luke 18:1) over the problems of injustice, but to act with persistence and prayer, remembering the promise of God's justice for the oppressed.

MCC holds similar seminars in Washington and New York (at the United Nations) on an annual basis. Ottawa's last student seminar was held in February of 2005. Chuck Wright, an intern in MCC Canada's Ottawa Office, was the key organizer for this year's Ottawa seminar.