Churches Challenged to Speak out on Violence Even When Not Directly Affected

November 6, 2002

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – A Lutheran pastor from India has pleaded for a new understanding of diakonia in a world with violence.

Addressing participants in a Lutheran World Federation (LWF) consultation on diakonia taking place in Johannesburg, Rev. Dr. Deenabadhu Manchala, Program Executive for Peace Concerns, World Council of Churches (WCC) and a pastor of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church in India, pointed out that the majority of victims of violence are the powerless and poor, and that ultimately, violence is an exercise of power over the powerless.

"As an instrument of intimidation and subjugation, violence serves the interest of the structures and cultures of domination – often invoked in the name of patriotism, social identity and religion," he said at the November 3-7 LWF Global Consultation on "Prophetic Diakonia – For the Healing of the World." Participants drawn from Lutheran churches, partner organizations, social service agencies and institutions are focussing on the understanding of diakonia in its national and international context.

Manchala criticized the "unholy silence" of some churches in the face of violence, especially when the churches are not directly touched by it. Recently in India, nearly 2,000 Muslims were massacred over a period of two months and the churches remained unfazed, he reported. Last year, on the other hand, when there were some stray attacks against Christians and churches in India, the Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox churches clearly voiced their protest.

A great number of victims of violence belong to Christian churches, Manchala pointed out. Their victimization, in many cases, has the tacit approval of the theological and ecclesiastical traditions and norms of the church. "Many have learned or have been forced to remain silent on account of several factors, including the way the Christian faith is presented and practiced," he argued.

"What forms of diakonia would make a difference in the lives of these and others who are caught in the vicious cycle of violence?" Manchala asked. He personally pleaded for an "openness to change and consequent re-conception." The church should become credible and relevant and explore "how best diakonia can be a ferment of change, transforming this violent world into a world of peace and justice." If the churches do not actively participate in the struggle of the poor to improve their lives, other agencies would take over and deprive the church of an opportunity "to be an ally of those in the vanguard of justice," Manchala cautioned.

A thorough process of introspection and reformulation is also the central concern of the WCC 2001-2010 "Decade to Overcome Violence." Realizing that the church "has a problem and has been part of the problem of violence" consequently calls for a process of genuine repentance for intolerant attitudes and complicity in violence. Only then can a true diakonia emerge affirming human dignity and the rights of people at all levels, he said.

In the international context, the 2001 September 11 attacks against the United States provided an example of the vulnerability of humankind, which, according to Manchala, should be used as an opportunity to express more openness, solidarity and compassion. Affirming one's vulnerability means following the example of Jesus who "rejected the temptation of foolproof security when the devil asked him to jump down from the pinnacle of the temple (Matt.4: 5-7)." Accepting vulnerability means accepting interdependence. This in turn can lead to the necessary redefining, exercising and sharing of power for a less violent world, Manchala added.

Lutheran World Information