A bi-monthly news bulletin exploring development, global justice and the work of CWS. An alternative to mainstream media sources. Past issues can be read here

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For your Diary:

23 August 70th anniversary of the founding of the World Council of Churches

1 September —1 October Season of Creation 

2 September Father’s Day—Give an ethical gift at Gifted—cards and e-cards

15 September International Day of Democracy

16– 23 September World Week of Peace for Israel and Palestine

21 September Day of Prayer for Peace

26 September International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

29 September—3 October Methodist Conference, Christchurch

3-7 October Presbyterian General Assembly, Christchurch

Pauline McKay and David Lawson will be at both gatherings.

On Tabon Island, Filipinos plant mangroves with your donations to protect their homes and livelihoods from future super typhoons. Photo: Developers

Philippines: Climate Protection
Developers is in the second year of a plan to improve family incomes and prepare for the next disaster—94-98% of homes were damaged or destroyed when Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines in November 2013.  Your donations have bought corrugated iron roofing for shelter, materials to plant 65,000 root crops and fruit trees, built a local farmer’s market, and run disaster preparedness training.  This year they will plant more crops to secure food supply and income earning opportunities.  They are learning to make banana chips and ketchup and looking at other ways to earn more from their crops.

Thanks to those who purchased Mangroves through the Gifted programme and donations for climate justice, Developers was able to begin planting mangroves to protect coastal villages from tidal surges and improve habitat for birds and marine life.  A team of 20 planted 2,000 propagules purchased from local villagers and 81 teachers and students planted 162 propagules they gathered themselves as part of science classes and gained a recreational park.  Read our report.

Father’s Day Gifts
With Father’s Day a week away, there is enough time to order something Gifted—cards if you are quick or email: electrical training for a young refugee or offset his carbon footprint with mangroves.

Rohingya: One Year On
Close to 900,000 people shelter in Bangladesh with little hope, unable to safely return home to Myanmar.  Monsoons and landslides add to their troubles.  Donations to the Rohingya Appealwill help with much needed food, water, shelter, sanitation, medical treatment and psychosocial care.

Building latrines in Rohingya Camps Photo Credit: ACT Alliance/Frameln

South India: Kerala Floods
ACT Alliance India is responding to those urgently needing relief in Kerala after flooding has affected more than 1 million people.  ACT Alliance is supplying clean water, hygiene supplies and sanitation, shelter materials, bedding, household utensils, and food or cash transfers.

Indonesia: Earthquakes
Aftershocks following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake have devastated Lombok Island, claiming more than 500 lives.  ACT Alliance Indonesia is distributing clean water, tarpaulins, blankets and mattresses as well as installing latrines and providing health services, subject to support.

South Sudan: Peace Holds
Peace talks continue to progress in South Sudan, inching towards ending the five year conflict that has caused alarming levels of violence and deprivation—7 million people are in need.  The  Council of Churches has championed peace at every level throughout the conflict.  MaridiFM run by partner Maridi Service Agency has played an important role in keeping locals informed about national politics and the most recent agreements. Please give to the South Sudan Appeal.

Zimbabwe:  Elections
Pray for Zimbabwe as its citizens await a court ruling on election results.

Tonga: Gita Report
International Programmes Coordinator Trish Murray visited partner Ama Takiloa in late June.  She reports they are well placed to assist people who have missed out on relief efforts by providing community support, rainwater system repair or replacement, and assistance with food and livelihoods.  Thanks to those who supported the Cyclone Gita Appeal.

Papua New Guinea: Earthquake Thank You
Donations to the PNG Earthquake Appeal have helped with the purchase and distribution of building materials in Hela province.

Nicaragua: Concern for People
CEPAD has thanked you for your prayers and support after the government crackdown following large protests over austerity cuts.  With other groups CEPAD called for peace and an end to violence that claimed 300 lives and pushed 28,000 to flee to Costa Rica.  Road blockades have been lifted and staff have begun visiting the isolated rural communities where they work.  CWS wrote to the Minister of Foreign Affairs asking him to raise concerns about human rights and democracy with the Nicaraguan government.

WCC turns 70
Congratulations to the World Council of Churches celebrating 70 years of working for church unity, peace and justice.

Winter Story
Sangeetha is moving from her traditional  home in the forests of South India.  Read the Winter Story to find out how your support is Creating a New Path For the Future for some of India’s Tribal people.

West Papua: New Book
Maire Leadbeater has launched See No Evil, looking at  West Papua and New Zealand’s foreign policy towards West Papua.

General Assembly & Methodist Conference
Look out for Pauline and David if you are attending these national meetings.  They welcome your feedback and questions.