Emerging Spirit @ The United Church of Canada Emerging Spirit @ The United Church of Canada

Here is the second instalment of considering the ethical values or criteria that the church might adopt when ministering with children and their families. (See the first instalment here.) I do hope that you might find them helpful as you work with Christian Education committees, Boards and hospitality.

1. Quality Christian Education. We strive and are called to a standard of excellence. Christian education/faith formation with children is a responsibility of the church. (It is also our responsibility to support parents/caregivers in this work.) As a community of faith we provide opportunities for increasing participation in and reflection upon Christian teachings, traditions and practices which, over time, assists in the formation of identity and life as people of faith. This responsibility is in fulfilment of the promise made to God, children and their parents in the sacrament of baptism. (Refer to the Christian Education section in the Manual for characteristics of quality Christian Education.) In other venues, like camps, we are called to create a program where children can encounter the fundamental elements of the Christian faith in a way that honours their own experience and heritage, invites exploration and questions and is fun, faithful and engaging.

2. Seeking Justice and Advocating for Children. In situations of injustice, children experience a disproportionate negative impact. Twelve percent of Canada's children live in poverty - poverty affects children in racialized, First Nations and recent immigrant communities much more deeply and persistently. Situations of war, economic oppression, abuse, hunger, homelessness, etc. place children at risk in virtually every country in the world. The church is called to act with and on behalf of those who are most vulnerable - which means children.

3. Work of the Whole. Children's ministry is not just the work and responsibility of parents or of lay people who volunteer to teach church school; it is a ministry for all people of faith. The church has long known the power of the phrase which now teeters on the edge of becoming a slogan- it takes a village to raise a child. The responsibilities and impact of being social creatures implies living in community that is both multi-dimensional and multi-directional. The well being of all generations is tied together. As one body, the Body of Christ, we are responsible for the care of all its parts.

4. Vulnerability. Attending to children calls on the church to be vulnerable, as was Jesus and are children. We are called to be a community of love - which, in its essence, includes putting ourselves at risk, even in harm's way. Even in times of uncertainty and chaos, the church is not allowed to abandon children or children's needs in name of its own self-protection, internal peace or comfort. Through our sacramental life together and through our prophetic witness we are called not only protect children but proclaim and demonstrate a new vision of shalom.