Global Ministries Calls for Release of Kidnapped Girls in Nigeria

by Global Ministries | published on Oct 10, 2014

Global Ministries, a common witness of both the Christian Church Disciples of Christ and United Church of Christ, resolutely joins the voices of justice seeking the release of 234 kidnapped Nigerian school girls. We are in “urgent solidarity” with all of our brothers and sisters of faith around the world that cry out for the release of the females kidnapped on April 14 by the Boko Haram extremist sect. Global Ministries strives to live out Core Values that include: Presence, Mutuality, Community, Justice, and Peace. This horrible atrocity that has taken place violates everything that we stand for and we cannot call ourselves Christians and sit idly by without our voices being heard. The Rev. Julia Brown Karimu, Co-Executive of Global Ministries has been quoted as saying, “This is just one additional example of the violence against females. This is a time for the whole world to come together to work for the liberation of these girls.” An echo by her colleague and fellow Co-Executive, Rev. Jim Moos states, “These girls are not weapons of war. Through faith they are our sisters and daughters.” It is our belief that these types of crimes not only destroy the local community in which they were committed, but they tear at the weaving fabric of the world as community and all those who exist inside of the global tapestry. The words of Rev. Sandra Gourdet, Area Executive for Africa at Global Ministries undergirds the sentiment felt by this organization, “It is unacceptable that this heartbreaking situation, driven by the senseless need of the radical group, Boko Haram, to draw attention to its cause by the violent abduction and abuse of girls who are struggling to obtain a modern education, has not been resolved. This, and the fact that young boys are also tortured and killed, should be deemed a crime against humanity.” Global Ministries offers prayers for the families and communities affected and ocommits its continued support to our siblings in Christ as we vow to not cease the raising of our voice until there is truly justice for these and all of God’s people everywhere.

If you wish to learn more about the kidnapping and some of the opinions of others felt around the world, including Global Ministries Partner PROCMURA, please click either here or here for further information. Also, a link to one of our partner organizations, the National Council of Churches, and their statement of solidarity can be found here.

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Rev. Julia Brown Karimu
Co-Executive of Global Ministries
President of the Division of Overseas Ministries

Rev. Dr. Jim Moos
Co-Executive of Global Ministries
Executive Minister of Wider Church Ministries

Rev. Sandra Gourdet
Africa Executive for Global Ministries