global youth convention...
15 – 22 June 2004
Eskom Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
Statement
We the 153 participants of the Global Youth Convention from the member churches of CWM and the Ecumenical bodies from different parts of the world gathered together over the last week at the Eskom Convention Centre, Johannesburg South Africa. We have explored issues facing young Christians in the world today, with a particular focus on the theme, Globalisation: Changing Trends, Challenges and a Christian Youth Response. Indeed much time has been spent in attempting to understand the process of Globalisation and we conclude that though the effects of Globalisation are both positive and negative, the negative impacts are many and call for an immediate response and intervention from every part of the world. The effects take different forms, dependent on the country and the cultures. Working together this week has been both exciting and challenging as we have endeavoured to cross cultural divides and come together as a working team and friends. This report accurately summarises the issues raised during the week
and the plans for action proposed in response to them are valuable to all delegates.
Programme content
The GYC theme, Globalisation: Changing Trends, Challenges and a Christian Youth Response was explored through several means of engagement and interaction. Much has been shared and learnt from the key note address, sub theme addresses, panel presentations, Bible studies, exposures and worship from different backgrounds.
While we have focused on working groups and discussion seminars, we have also branched out into expression of ideas and actions/responses through creative writing, street theatre, and visual art. The convention also provided a unique opportunity to share some of the uniqueness in different cultures from different regions of the world in song and dance, which enabled us to appreciate the various ways in which we all worship God. We have also grown from the exposures we have had to the richness and diversity of cultures within South Africa.
