Africa: Faith reflection

“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

The people of eastern DR Congo, northern Uganda, and Sudan have experienced violence, turmoil, and poverty for far too long. However, this type of violence is hardly new. In the first chapter of Exodus is a story of a similar situation in Egypt. The Egyptian leader feared the growing number of Israelites in his midst and crafted a genocidal plan to kill all infant Hebrew boys.

The story in Exodus is an example of how those with power often abuse it. As Christians, it is important that we recognize and criticize this type of abuse, whether in our own communities or halfway around the world. It is also important to recognize our own participation in systems that are unjust.

Today’s economic globalization allows us to live our lives relatively guilt free. We don’t see the companies that operate in places like Sudan, Uganda, or DR Congo. These companies look the other way when corrupt governments murder and steal in the name of profit. But we benefit from the corruption and the suffering nonetheless. We benefit when we fill our gas tanks, when we buy products made in sweatshops, and when our retirement funds are invested in multi-national companies that profit from corruption and oppression. We are all wrapped up in it.

So what do we do? For the longer term, we can advocate to our elected officials and urge them to take ethical, constructive action in Africa to help maintain and foster peace.

We know the horrors in Sudan, Uganda, and DR Congo. We are not at peace. We are called by this knowledge and by Jesus’ example to take action. Every child should be able to grow up in a land free from oppression and enjoy an abundant life. They should be able to play and hope and learn and enjoy this beautiful world that God made for all of us.