Transforming Economic Globalization

1. How would it impact our everyday patterns of consumption and our local, national and international economic policies if we were to insist that the primary purpose of economic life is for the well-being of just and sustainable communities the world over, rather than to increase the wealth and consumption of those who already have more than they need? How would our lives be different? How might this transformation be "for the healing of the world"?

Impact on our everyday patterns of consumption

• we'd become a developing world country
• we would have to do with less
• lower our standard of living
• standards of living
• too large a spread in wages
• part time workers live in poverty
• some can afford mansions, others live on the street
• highly paid receive huge benefits, low paid often no benefits
• we would pay more for products and produce from third world countries
• by supporting developing world countries products we could be improving their
• hopefully a greater commitment to the idea of food, clothing, shelter for all people

Our lives would be different

• be compassionate
• increase our giving
• pay proper wages for work done
• need to reduce consumption habits
• live a simpler life
• buy locally
• eat less meat (eat lower on the food chain)

Transformation might be by:

• boycotting products produced by companies who practice excessive profits
• being aware of sweat shop corporations
• supporting Fair Trade and MESH
• sending CLWR kits to help
• recycling
• sharing the resources more uniformly throughout the world
• being informed about what is actually happening

Others answers to note

• Should the "church" be involved in the political arena?
• some major suppliers of funds and supplies for the needy originate from successful individuals and corporations.
• support organizations that are trying to make a difference
  
  

2. What commitments and steps can we take together with other ecumenical and civil society partners?

Advocacy

• ELCIC should be a voice for the poor and disenfranchised throughout the world
• encourage basic education
• lobby governments to increase aid to poor countries — foreign aid tax
• encourage governments and agencies to provide training of people in poor countries to assist them in improving their standard of living
• encourage governments to have the UN supervise foreign aid and expenditures to ensure it is being used for the benefit of the people, not the leaders

Action

• use organic coffee for church functions
• use real dishes, not plastic
• recycle
• help the homeless, orphans, lonely people
• be a friend to your neighbour

Support

• Food Grains Bank international, CLWR, GHDA, World Day of Prayer
• thrift stores
• world relief
• children's programs
• affordable housing
• seniors programs
  
  

3. How can individual members and congregations of the ELCIC be motivated to become involved?

Look to Scripture

• preach the gospel of Jesus
• study the scriptures
• strengthen missionary witness throughout the world by encouraging people to consider missionary work

Education and Awareness

• educate people of the needs of others to increase their sensitivity to those needs
• encourage each other to support ELCIC projects and other worthwhile projects
• by forming partnerships between North American and developing world congregations

Support

• encourage financial assistance
• encourage people to volunteer to go to these countries to assist them
• sponsor events to raise money and awareness
  

Bishop Ray asks:

As Lutherans in Canada prepare for the Tenth Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation in Winnipeg, how can the church help its members to become more aware of the impact of economic globalization, both positive and negative?

Define economic globalization so all will understand

Positive

• education through sermons, Bible studies and this series
• talk about global issues
• hear about the things GHDA and CLWR do for other countries
• attend the Lutheran World Federation Assembly (LWF Assembly) in July 2003
• recognize each individual is equally a beloved child of God
• use multi-level media communication with the greater public before, during and after the LWF Assembly
• encourage less urbanization and more self sufficiency
• work with one group, one village, have a personal connection
• intelligently exercise your vote
• stop the agenda, the more globalization the less control of the people and the more that falls into the hands of the rich
• increase interaction with other Lutheran bodies
• tell the story