Christian Foundation and Movement Relevancy
YMCA of Hong Kong Received Elite Award for Outstanding Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
YMCA of Hong Kong is delighted to announce that we have been honored with the Elite Award in the 'Diversity & Inclusion Award, NGO Category' at the prestigious Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management (HKIHRM) HR Excellence Award 2023/2024 in March 2024. This remarkable achievement recognises our unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the community.
Since 2017, we have implemented 'alternative workforce' practices, which aim to recruit individuals who were previously excluded from the labor market due to their backgrounds, such as ethnic background and disabilities. This initiative has been made possible through partnerships with three remarkable organisations: Hong Chi Association, Christian Action's Centre for Refugees, and Mother's Choice. These organisations are dedicated to assisting individuals with special needs, including those with intellectual disabilities, individuals fleeing violence and persecution, and pregnant teenagers in Hong Kong.
Through these collaborations, we have been able to provide equal opportunities for personal growth and development, particularly for individuals in need of employment and embarking on transformative journeys. By creating a supportive and inclusive work environment, we have nurtured fulfilling careers and unlocked the potential of every individual.
Receiving the Elite Award in the 'Diversity & Inclusion Award, NGO Category' affirms our status as a preferred employer for those seeking a workplace that values diversity and promotes harmonious interactions. We are immensely grateful to the HKIHRM for recognising our efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, employees, and stakeholders who have contributed to this significant achievement. It is through our collective efforts that we continue to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a just world and enhancing community wellbeing. Through our meaningful work opportunities, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of many individuals. These endeavors align perfectly with YMCA Vision 2030, which envisions a just world where everyone has the opportunity to engage in meaningful work for personal growth and development. We are excited to continue our journey of inclusion and diversity, and we invite everyone to join us in creating a society where everyone is valued, respected, and given equal opportunities to thrive.
The Ocean is Rising, and So are We! Biblical-Theological Reflections by Dr.George Zachariah
The Ocean is Rising and So are We!
George Zachariah
Water is the world’s most basic source of life. It has the power to give life and to take life. According to the United Nations World Water Development Report, 2023, about 2 billion people around the world lack access to clean and safe water, and 3.6 billion people (46% of the world's population) lack access to adequate sanitation services. One person dies every 37 seconds from water-related illnesses. We hear from the atolls of Tuvalu and Kiribati in the Pacific, the cry of the children: “We’re sinking. Enough sleeping. Do something now.” In the name of the blue economy, the use, access, and control of our oceans and shores are transferred from traditional communities to transnational corporations. The blue economy propagates an ideology that commoditizes the waterbodies and alienates the traditional communities from their habitat and livelihood.
We need to juxtapose these voices of the waterbodies and water defenders from our context with the biblical voices of the thirsty people and the parched earth. “I thirst” is a lament that we hear from the pages of the holy scripture. The book of Genesis narrates the cry of thirst of a single mother and her child (Genesis 21: 15-19). The intimate violence on a slave woman’s body and the dispossession of their inheritance rights are the reasons for their desert experience and their cry of thirst. The story of Hagar and Ishmael provides us with a new lens to understand the contemporary crisis of water. It exposes the role of interlocking systems of oppression such as patriarchy and racism in their wilderness experience. Hagar’s cry reminds us that our ecological vocation needs to go beyond mere recycling and veganism. It is a call to engage in the mission of the reign of God.
The gospel narratives resound yet another cry of thirst. It is the cry from the cross, “I thirst” (John 19: 28). The cross of Christ was the logical end of the type of life that Jesus lived. It was his unwavering commitment “to have life and to have it abundantly” that made him quarrel with the powers of his time. His obedience to the will of God was the reason for him to cry, “I thirst.” According to the Global Witness Report 2022, in the last decade, 1733 water protectors and land defenders lost their lives due to the violence unleashed by the corporations and the state authorities. Jesus’ cry of thirst, therefore, is an affirmation of the divine solidarity with all who thirst and die for water, dignity, and justice.
Biblical scholars suggest that water has a voice in biblical narratives. We see in the Bible, that rivers and oceans cried out in resistance when they were being polluted and plundered with imperial violence and bloodshed. As Isaiah reminds us, “When the poor and needy seek water, there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst” (Isaiah 41: 17).
These laments remind us that the distress of the earth and the earth community is essentially a justice issue because those who are least responsible for the crisis are forced to bear its gravest consequences. Last year, in the state of Rajasthan in India, a 9-year-old boy from an “untouchable” community was beaten to death by his teacher for touching the water pitcher. The water crisis is more than an issue of scarcity and accessibility. It is a justice issue. Settler colonialism, capitalism, racism, casteism, and patriarchy are intrinsically connected with the water crisis that we experience today. These laments of thirst expose the inherent sinfulness of the prevailing order that destroys the springs of life-giving water and kills the water protectors. As Prophet Isaiah observes: “The earth lies polluted under its inhabitants, for they have transgressed laws, violated the statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant” (Isaiah 24: 5)
These lamentations are also the resilience of the communities to decolonize and redeem their water bodies. Inspired and informed by the earth-healing practices of the Indigenous and subaltern communities, different countries are granting legal rights to rivers and waterbodies, recognizing their personhood. It is an affirmation of the inalienable right of the waterbodies to “flourish, regenerate, and evolve.” The eco-justice movements all over the world have been successful in creating awareness against the onslaught of the privatization of water. Remunicipalization of water and sanitation is gaining momentum around the globe. More than 235 cities from 37 countries have already remunicipalized water services, affecting more than 100 million people.
We see this gospel of hope and resilience in the book of Revelation as well. Revelation proposes an alternative vision of water—water as a gift for all. “To the one who is thirsty I will give to drink from the spring of the water of life as a gift” (Revelation 21:6). “Let everyone thirsty come. Let everyone who wishes, take the water of life as a gift” (Revelation 22:17). The apocalyptic vision of Revelation envisions the de-commodifying of the waterbodies and offers water as a gift to the entire community of creation. This is the vision of an economy of life where the commons are redeemed and restored as the commonwealth of all living beings. The promise of free access to clean and pure water for all is therefore the Divine rejection of the prevailing political economy of privatization and commodification of our waterbodies.
Hagar’s vision of springs of water in the desert empowers us to believe that authentic and life-nourishing watersheds are possible only outside the logic and projects of conquest, control, exclusion, and supremacy. Hagar invites us to create and be part of alternative watersheds that flourish life and disrupt the colonial, capitalist, patriarchal, and casteism projects of our times.
The book of Revelation ends with the vision of the river of the water of life, flowing from the throne of God and of the lamb through the middle of the street of the city (Revelation 22. 1-3). The healing of the earth comes through the leaves of the tree which are nourished by the river of the water of life. Since the leaves and the waters participate in the salvific mission of God, protecting and reclaiming the water bodies from corporate plunder is nothing but our participation in God’s redemptive work in our midst. The vision of the new heaven and new earth is the assurance of the divine promise of the redemption of the earth. God is determined to do a new thing on earth. God is going to change the face of the earth.
Listening to the voices of the water bodies and the water defenders is an invitation to discern redeeming and restoring the water bodies as our missional vocation. This mission challenges us to align ourselves with the grassroots communities for the flourishing of life, dismantling systems and practices of accumulation, plunder, supremacy, and exclusion. Let us commit ourselves to this vocation by living out the slogan of the Student Strike for Climate movement: “The Ocean is rising and so are we.”
Dr. George Zachariah has been a theological educator for the last two decades. He has served the Gurukul Theological College and Research Institute in Chennai, India, and the Theological College in Bangalore, India. Currently, he serves the Trinity Methodist Theological College, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, as Wesley Lecturer in Theological Studies.
Pursuing and Embracing Justice: Insights from Isaiah 1:16-18 Biblical-Theological Reflections by Rev. Dr. Samuel D. Stephens
Introduction
Historical Context and Background: During the time of Isaiah's writing, the nation of Judah was in a state of moral decay. The people had strayed from the path of righteousness, engaging in empty religious rituals while neglecting the core principles of justice and compassion. The book of Isaiah addresses this spiritual decline and calls the people to genuine repentance and transformation.
Isaiah 1:16-18 captures a divine plea for the people to turn away from their superficial practices and instead actively pursue justice, reflecting the heart of a just and righteous God.
As we reflect on Isaiah 1:16-18, let's consider its relevance within our unique Asian context. Much like in Isaiah's time, our communities face challenges of inequality, and it's crucial that we understand the role of justice in our YMCA mission. This passage echoes God's call to His people for genuine transformation and justice in their lives.
A JUST WORLD
The concept of a "just world" can be multifaceted, depending on the viewpoint from which it is considered. Below, I'll explore this idea from the standpoint of a YMCA leader,
As a YMCA Leader:
1. Equitable Access to Opportunities: A just world, from a YMCA leader's standpoint, would be one where everyone, regardless of their background, has equal access to opportunities for growth and well-being. This involves ensuring that facilities, programs, and educational resources are available to all, irrespective of socioeconomic status, race, or gender. Rather than mere equality, equity becomes the focus—providing people what they need to succeed rather than giving everyone the same thing.
2. Community Empowerment: A YMCA leader might also define a just world as one where communities are empowered to make decisions that affect them directly. This could involve participatory programs that give a voice to the marginalized and seek to redress imbalances of power. By providing platforms for open dialogue and decision-making, a YMCA leader aims to create a world where justice flows through the veins of community action.
3. Holistic Well-being: YMCA programs often aim at the well-rounded development of individuals—physical, emotional, and intellectual. A just world in this context would be one where the systems and institutions that govern society are geared towards fostering this holistic well-being, focusing on both individual and communal health. This includes not only physical fitness but also emotional and psychological support systems, educational opportunities, and community-building activities.
I. A Call for Personal Transformation:
Isaiah 1:16-18 begins by calling for personal transformation: "Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice." This call emphasizes that genuine justice begins with individual change. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s famous words , "True peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice.
Isaiah's call for personal transformation rings true for us as Asian YMCA leaders. We understand that our role extends beyond organizational leadership; it involves personal commitment to transformation. In our diverse and vibrant Asian cultures, let us be examples of justice in action, showcasing how individual change can inspire our communities.
II. Seeking to create a Just World for us as YMCA leaders is to Reflect God's Heart in the Asia Pacific Context:
The passage highlights that God desires justice from His people because justice is integral to His character. The text continues, "Defend the oppressed. Take up the fatherless's cause; plead the widow's case." God's concern for the marginalized reflects His just and compassionate nature. As theologian Nicholas Wolterstorff stated, "Justice is love's distributive aspect." God's love compels Him to ensure that justice prevails for all, especially those who are vulnerable.
The call to "Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow" holds particular relevance in our Asian societies. Our regions are marked by a rich tapestry of cultures and socioeconomic diversity., "Justice is an expression of God's love."
As YMCA leaders, we have the unique opportunity to reflect God's heart of compassion and fairness within our local contexts, ensuring that the marginalized are not left behind.
From a Unique Christian Perspective of God’s Heart:
1. Redemptive Justice: In a uniquely Christian worldview, a just world is one in which the principle of redemptive justice is practiced. This involves not just punitive measures for wrong actions but also offers avenues for redemption and reconciliation, much like the story of the Prodigal Son in the Bible. It focuses on the transformative power of love and forgiveness in restoring social harmony.
2. Servant Leadership: Taking cues from the example of Jesus Christ, a just world from a Christian perspective would be one led by servant leaders. These are individuals who prioritize the needs of the community over their own, serving rather than ruling. This form of leadership embodies Christ's teachings on humility and service, thus creating a social structure that values each individual’s worth.
3. Kingdom-Oriented Society: (a community under the Reign of God) - A just world in a Christian context would strive to reflect the 'Kingdom of God'—a place where the values of love, joy, peace, and justice are not just idealistic concepts but a lived reality. This involves aligning societal norms, laws, and cultural practices with the moral and ethical teachings found in the Bible, such as the Beatitudes and the Golden Rule ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you").
Both from the YMCA leader's perspective and from a Christian point of view, the focus is on creating an inclusive, fair, and loving society, albeit achieved through different pathways and our foundational beliefs.
III. Hopeful Transformation and Renewal:
Isaiah 1:18 provides a message of hope: "Come now, let us settle the matter. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." God's call to pursue justice is intertwined with the promise of transformation and forgiveness. This promise extends to both personal renewal and societal change. The theologian Reinhold Niebuhr asserted, "Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible; but man's inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary."
Isaiah 1:18's promise of transformation and forgiveness speaks to the core of our Asian cultures, where values of restoration and renewal are deeply cherished. Our societies have faced historical challenges, and the words "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" resonate with our collective yearning for positive change. As Asian YMCA leaders, let's weave this promise into our mission, offering hope to our communities by fostering a just and inclusive environment.
Application in the Asian Context and Relevance to YMCA Mission:
In our diverse Asian societies, where social structures can sometimes perpetuate inequality, Isaiah 1:16-18 serves as a guiding light for the YMCA mission. Our role as leaders is pivotal. We must strive for justice as an embodiment of our faith and our commitment to community building. By embracing justice within our cultural diversity, we align with the core values of the YMCA and contribute to a transformed Asia where all can thrive.
Conclusion:
Isaiah 1:16-18 serves as a poignant reminder that pursuing justice is not merely a social obligation but a spiritual imperative. In the historical context of Isaiah's writing, God's people were urged to embody justice as a reflection of their relationship with a just and righteous God. As we reflect on these verses, we are reminded that our pursuit of justice must begin with personal transformation, emulate God's character of compassion and fairness, and lead to the promise of renewal and forgiveness.
Dear Asian YMCA leaders, Isaiah's call to embrace justice is a spiritual and practical imperative.
Let us carry this message back to our diverse communities, weaving it into the fabric of our YMCA mission. Through personal transformation, reflecting God's heart, and embracing hopeful renewal, we can catalyze positive change that echoes through our nations, fostering a just and equitable Asia that is a testament to justice's transformative power.
Let us heed this divine call to seek justice, understanding that it is both an act of worship and a testament to our identity – THE YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION as God's people – GOD’S HANDS AND FEET ON THIS EARTH.
Rev. Dr. Samuel D. Stephens is the former president of the Asia & Pacific Alliance of YMCAs. He is an Educator, Theologian, Missiologist, Community builder, and Global Leader.
The Biblical-Theological Reflection was delivered at the 21st General Assembly of the Asia & Pacific Alliance of YMCAs in Chennai, India - September 15-20, 2023
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