United in the common task of all Christians to manifest God’s unconditional love for all people, the ACT Alliance – Action by Churches Together – works towards a world community where all God’s creation lives with dignity, justice, peace and full respect for human rights and the environment. As a global ecumenical coalition of churches and faith-based organisations with over 150 members in more than 127 countries, we gathered in Yogyakarta, Indonesia for our 4th General Assembly in 2024 with great appreciation to our hosts YAKKUM. This moment represents more than a meeting; it is a powerful affirmation of ACT’s Global Strategy “Hope in Action” and a reflection of our collective resolve to stand “together for justice ” at a time when the world faces numerous crises. In a context of growing polarisation and the rise of political and religious fundamentalisms, international cooperation remains essential for tackling both current and future challenges. World leaders endorsed the Pact for the Future at the United Nations in September 2024 aiming to chart a course towards a better future. As faith-motivated actors deeply rooted in our religious values and universal human rights principles, we are called – now more than ever – to be beacons of hope and strong advocates for dignity, justice, peace and full respect for human rights and the environment. In this spirit, we reflected deeply and committed our network to protect and expand civic space and address the escalating threats to human dignity and rights as a result of protracted conflicts and crises. Together we work to advance gender justice and equality, advocate for social, economic and climate justice and strive for a just, inclusive, sustainable and peaceful world, and call on duty bearers to be accountable to rights holders. We are inviting others to collaborate with us. We commit to interrogate the ongoing impacts and presence of racism and colonialism in the Alliance’s structures and practices and begin to systematically decolonize our Alliance and the work of our members. This General Assembly and the accompanying statements stand as a prophetic witness to our collective resolve and unwavering dedication to this mission. |
Assembly Statement
01 November 2024