This resource book expands the dialogue between those seeking to understand the causes and consequences of forced displacement of people. It aims to challenge churches to prophetic and practical responses that promote human dignity and sustainable communities. The content of the resource book may be used for Bible studies, sermons, awareness-building workshops, basic material for policy development and advocacy.

TABLE OF CONTENTS I. II. III. IV. V. VI. PREFACE.......................................................................................... INTRODUCTION................................................................................. THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION..................................................................................... 1. Members of God's household........................................................ 2. Sharing in Solidarity....................................................................... 3. Who is My Neigbour?..................................................................... 4. To be the Church Together .......................................................... CAUSES OF FORCED DISPLACEMENT TODAY ............................. 1. Protection ................................................................................... 2. Precipitating Causes .................................................................... 3. A Pervasive 'Culture of Violence' ................................................. 4. Globalization of the Free Market Economic Model ....................... 5. Ethnicity, Religion and the Nation-State ....................................... 6. The Population Question .............................................................. 7. Environmental Degradation and Disasters ................................... 8. Development-induced Displacement ........................................... 9. Denial of Human Rights and Democracy ..................................... THE CONSEQUENCES OF FORCED MIGRATION ..................... 1. Traumas for Individuals and Families ......................................... 2. Issues of Society and State ........................................................ 3. Disruption and Weakening of Communities of Origin ................. 4. Opportunities from Migration ....................................................... 5. Strategies and Opportunities of Exile .......................................... SIGNS OF HOPE ........................................................................... 1. Awareness-Building in Churches ................................................ 2. Peacemaking and Peace-Building .............................................. 3. Resisting the Culture of Violence ............................................... 4. Countering the Global Economic Market Model .......................... 5. Monitoring Corruption ................................................................. 6. Countering Racism ..................................................................... 7. Promoting Multiculturalism and Interfaith Dialogue .................... 8. Solidarity and Networking with the Uprooted .............................. 9. Empowering Refugees and Migrants to Return .......................... THE CALL TO ACTION ................................................................ 1. Upholding Life and Human Dignity of Uprooted People .............. 2. Working for Justice and Peace ................................................... 3. Creating Community with the Uprooted ....................................... 7 8 15 15 16 17 18 20 21 21 21 25 35 39 41 44 45 54 55 59 62 65 66 70 70 71 74 77 79 79 80 81 82 84 84 85 86 APPENDICES Appendix 1: International and Regional Refugee Definitions .......... Appendix 2: Refugees and Other Persons of Concern to UNHCR, 1995 ........................................................................... Appendix 3: Major Armed Conflicts in 1994 ................................... 88 89 90

ORDER FORM Please print out, complete and return to: World Council of Churches Unit IV Sharing and Service Refugee and Migration Service 150, rte de Ferney PO Box 2100 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland A Moment to Choose: Risking to be with Uprooted People Single copies free for WCC member churches. Postage and handling costs for additional copies. Review copies for journals and newsletters. Please send us a copy of the review. Organizations not related to WCC: Cheque payable to WCC (only US$ or CHF): US$15.- or CHF21.- per copy (includes postage and handling. No transfer. NAME: .................................................................................... ADDRESS & AFFILIATION: ........................................................................................ ......................................................................................... NO. OF COPIES ORDERED: .......... AMOUNT ENCLOSED: ............

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