Background
With leadership from the Northern Lights Region Global Ministries team, we have entered into a partnership with Colombian organizations JUSTAPAZ and the peace and justice commission of CEDECOL (Evangelical or Protestant Council of Churches in Colombia). This is a joint partnership with the Pacific NW Conference of the United Church of Christ. We celebrated this partnership in unanimous affirmation at our 2022 Regional Assembly. You can read more about these partners by following the links on this page: https://www.globalministries.org/regions/lac/lac-partners/.
An article about current conditions in Colombia, and the need for our prayers and supports was posted by Latin America and the Caribbean Office Executive, Angel Luis Rivera-Agosto. You can read that article here: https://www.globalministries.org/walking-alongside-colombia-through-difficult-times/
Our Covenant
Seeking to lead a life worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, the churches of the UCC Pacific Northwest Conference and CCDC Northern Lights Region covenant together with Justapaz and CEDECOL´s Peace and Justice Commission, for a period of five years to:
- Pray for each other’s churches and ministries.
- Listen with open hearts to each other regarding the joys and challenges of ministry and life.
- Learn about each other’s countries, ministries, and life situations.
- Develop lasting friendships through e-mail correspondence, virtual presence, and visits to each other’s’ countries and ministries.
- Coordinate the sharing of resources, projects, and people between our two churches.
- Celebrate the richness of affirming the fullness of life and the hope for enduring peace by sharing materials for worship, which could be, included in liturgies, music, and resources of each other’s worship life.
Download the complete Covenant Agreement here.
Meet Alex and Xiomara
A Virtual Pilgrimage
We had hoped to travel to Colombia in the fall of 2020. Alas, that was not to be because of the pandemic. The personnel at Global Ministries offered to assist in a “virtual pilgrimage to Colombia.” This was a first pilgrimage of its kind through our Global Ministries mission arm of the Disciples of Christ and United Church of Christ.
Leaders of Justapaz, one of our Partners in Colombia, sent a crew to the far northwest region of Colombia, in the state of Choco. This area is very remote; the rivers are their highways. Some of our fee to participate in the Virtual Pilgrimage was used by Justapaz to purchase food staples, soap and Covid 19 supplies. Justapaz leaders traveled to several remote villages in Choco, bringing these supplies to Senior Citizens in need. Leaders of Justapaz participated with community members in conversations about their circumstances, community meals, ecumenical worship services and documentation of violence against villagers. The videos on this web site are the result of these travels. There are also videos of the boat trips and cooking videos, along with recipes!
As you watch and read the translation into English you will receive a “taste” of our experience on the Virtual Pilgrimage to Colombia.”https://www.justapaz.org/pilgrimage-for-peace-medio-san-juan-choco/