By Naomi Yilma
“He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty” (Luke 1:51-53).
Christian Citizenship Seminar (CCS) 2021, focused on economic justice, will take place online April 24-28, 2021. The event is sponsored by the Church of the Brethren’s Youth and Young Adult Ministries and the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy.
The economic collapse sparked by the pandemic is triggering the most unequal recession in modern US history, delivering only a mild setback for those near the top of the economic ladder and a depression-like blow for those at the bottom.
Since March, America’s billionaires added over $1 trillion to their collective wealth, which is more than the $908 billion dollars currently being proposed in Congress for pandemic relief.
Now more than ever, we must listen to God’s urgent call for economic justice and reconciliation. The economic inequalities in the US are difficult to ignore. As Christians, we must be proactive and intentional in our advocacy to correct such injustices.
At CCS 2021, participants will gain a greater understanding of economic systems and of Brethren understandings of wealth and wealth-sharing before advocating for economically just policies. Participants will learn to make a connection between economic justice, simple living, and stewardship, and the economic policies that would support and enable the practice of such values.
This year’s CCS will be completely virtual, removing travel and lodging costs and bringing down the cost of attendance to $75. Participants will meet daily online at 7-9 p.m. (Eastern time) for educational sessions, worship, and small groups. Registration is open at www.brethren.org/yya/ccs.
— Naomi Yilma is an assistant in the Church of the Brethren Office of Peacebuilding and Policy, working through Brethren Volunteer Service.
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