Salvation Army delegates to Kuala Lumpur conference work together to fight for social justice
Fifty-nine Salvation Army delegates from 24 territories, USA National Headquarters and International Headquarters (IHQ) joined more than 1,000 people attending the 31st biennial Conference of the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Salvation Army group was from a greater spread of countries than ever before thanks to sponsorship provided by IHQ and some financially independent territories.
The Salvation Army has been an active partner with ICSW for many years and is represented on its executive by Lieut-Colonel Dawn Sewell (IHQ). The organisation exists to 'promote forms of social and economic development which aim to reduce poverty, hardship and vulnerability throughout the world, especially amongst disadvantaged people'. Delegates at the conference came from a wide range of backgrounds and included social workers and representatives from governments, social service providers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other faith-based organisations.
Meeting under the theme 'Social Progress and Social Justice', conference participants considered a range of challenging subjects in plenary, symposium and workshop sessions. These included:
- Social Consequences of Globalisation – ideas to make the global economy work for the poor.
- Religions, Cultures and Social Cohesion – considering the everyday issues of right and wrong, service to local needs and caring for the larger world.
- Civil Society and Regional Cooperation – examples from multinational organisations.
The Army's unique brand of social action, offered without discrimination and emanating from its presence as a Christian movement in 109 countries, made it a fitting contributor to the discussion. Lieut-Colonel Dawn Sewell reports that the Salvation Army representatives found the conference very useful, particularly as they were able to explore 'opportunities for national and international cooperation within The Salvation Army [and] with NGOs and other agencies'.
Envoy John Coutts (UK), an expert on world cultures and religions, was invited by ICSW to present a paper in the second plenary session – which looked at Religions, Cultures and Social Cohesion.
He spoke about the difficulties of working in a world where religious tolerance is hard to put into practice. And, while admitting that the different religions can never be fully reconciled, he showed that he had learned much from different faiths. He concluded with a 'double blessing', first recounting the story of a Sikh man of faith, Bhagat Puran Singh, who for many years became the legs of a disabled child whom he called 'the garland round my neck'. His example led, in 1947, to the setting up of a home for sick and disabled people which is still functioning.
The 'second blessing' referred to the making of Japanese kites at The Salvation Army's James Lee House – named after John Coutts's grandfather – in Warrington, UK. He explained that the kites are made by men who have always 'been told they're no good' and that when they make a kite and fly it they feel like they've 'done something really worthwhile'. The sight of a kite from the centre made the illustration particularly memorable.
Envoy Coutts expressed the hope that his Sikh and Christian blessings would 'inspire everyone in the conference with faith, with hope and with mutual charity'.
Following the ICSW conference, the Salvation Army delegates met in a three-day Kindred Conference organised by the Programme Resources Department of International Headquarters. The two conferences are held in tandem to make the most of the gathering of Salvation Army personnel.
The international delegates included officers, employees, administrators, consultants and practitioners. The breadth of experience was highlighted by the fact that the group included a commissioner, a cadet, cabinet officers, territorial and divisional social secretaries, employees, development officers, corps officers and three officers in charge of Salvation Army commands.
A rich programme, under the theme 'Together in Mission', explored the issues of Social Justice and Human Trafficking, focusing upon sexual exploitation, and sought to enhance international collaboration between territories and with like-minded agencies. Delegates were united in their intent to give greater importance to the need for advocacy and ensure The Salvation Army's voice is heard in various decision-making forums, speaking out to bring about change for the benefit of the victims of injustice and exploitation.
It is hoped that the opportunity to share experiences will enhance the effectiveness of the Army's mission. Reports and recommendations will be presented to international and territorial leadership to move forward the Army's effectiveness in fighting for social justice and against human trafficking.
The 'Towards 2010' declaration signed by all international leaders earlier this year pledges that The Salvation Army will 'combat the evil of human trafficking for sexual exploitation'. The delegates returned to their diverse appointments united in their intent to do their part.
The next ICSW conference and Salvation Army Kindred Conference will be in Brasilia, Brazil, in July 2006.
