Developing a memorandum of understanding with local politicians, Zambia
A group of church leaders in Mapalo, Zambia, were passionate about seeing their community transformed. They worked with the community in identifying the needs of the area and in identifying what contributions the community themselves could make to addressing those needs. The church leaders then created a memorandum of understanding between the local candidates standing for election as Councillors and Members of Parliament and their community – outlining the community needs and calling on the candidates to commit to helping meet the stated needs within three years. Every candidate standing for election ended up signing the memorandum of understanding in the run-up to the elections. The community now has a united vision of what their needs are and a powerful lobbying tool to use with their newly elected Councillors and MP.
Click here for the full case study, written by the Jubilee Centre in Zambia.
Working to envision and equip Christians and churches in politics, Kenya
Two organisations in Kenya (FASAMO and Christians for a Just Society) were formed in response to the lack of church engagement in the political life of the country and to the struggle that Christian politicians have in maintaining their faith and distinctiveness once in power. These organisations are working closely with those Christians interested in politics, preparing them and training them in such issues as relating to the media and running campaigns; working with civil society groups in ensuring peaceful and fair elections; and working with local churches, addressing negative attitudes towards faith and politics through Bible study resources and teaching.
Click here for a case study on their work. (16 kB)
Restoring relationships within a divided community to enable community development, Peru
La Florida Assemblies of God Church initiated a process of reconciliation between conflicting political authorities to enable a seven-year community development plan for their community to be agreed and implemented.
Click here for a case study on their work.
Developing church leaders as advocacy practitioners, Ethiopia
The advocacy department in Kale Heywet Church, Ethiopia, trains church leaders as advocacy practitioners to support people when they suffer injustice. The training is provided by six lawyers, all of whom are also church leaders.
Click here for a short case study on their work. (34 kB)
African Revival Ministries, Burundi
The Batwa are a group of pygmy people in Burundi that have been much discriminated against, denied access to education and land. As part of their work, African Revival Ministries (ARM) has worked with local churches to address their prejudices and encourage them to care for the Batwa in their community. Some churches are now helping them to build houses on land obtained for them through the lobbying work of ARM.
Click here for a short case study on the work of ARM. (32 kB)
Evangelical Fellowship of Cambodia, Cambodia
The Evangelical Fellowship of Cambodia (EFC) have worked closely with churches to encourage them to actively support the government’s stance against pornography and to participate in a march against the rapid increase in explicit videos and magazines.
Click here for a short case study on this work of EFC. (32 kB)