Call out for i58-Gathering, October 2005, London

30th September to 2nd October, The Crypt - St Peter's Church, Northchurch Terrace, N1 4DA

We call upon those interested in taking prayer based Non-Violent Direct Action for a more just and a more enjoyable world to join us at our gathering in London. After our adventures at the G8, we want to seek some direction for ourselves, and to continue to take action which challenges both injustice and the notion that Christians either don't care or simply aren't prepared to act.

One thing unites us; the belief that the current world system, based on greed and domination, is creating an injustice which God cannot bare the sight of, and that we can make a real difference and build his Kingdom on Earth. We believe that we must be prepared to act decisively against these injustices, not just sit around in the comfort of our homes praying about them.

Who are Prayer-i58?
Prayer-i58 started more as a project to take Christian prayer to the many and varied groups of protesters who camped in the Eco-Village on the outskirts of Stirling, during the 2005 G8 Summit. However, there is some realisation within the group that our roles are more directly linked to protest, whether being a Christian presence within a larger protest, or through taking our own action. We hope to explore the usage of prayer in protest and direct action,

Why i58? Isaiah 58!
Why? Because Isaiah 58 is all about what we're doing. Ultimately, we believe that when we act for justice in accordance with God's will, God will be with us, protecting and helping us (verses 8-11). This chapter will be central to what we do, and we call on everyone to reflect on it. It won't be the only bible passage which we'll meditate on, but it nicely encompasses most of our aims and beliefs.

Why Now?
Because right now, the WTO dictates that local councils must not refuse multinationals the right to build in their town, the IMF dictates that “Southern” governments must sell off their water companies, the G8 refuses to tackle climate change or make any real changes to Debt or Trade Injustices which cripple much of the world. Because those who escape countries wracked with poverty and inhumane government are locked up upon arriving in Britain. Because Multinational Corporations are ruining an increasing number of people's lives. Because increasingly, governments and multinationals are only responding to the voice of the people with cosmetic changes and spin. Because the gap, both economic and political, between rich and poor is getting bigger, both internationally and within most countries, including our own.

Because in Isaiah 58, God commands us to challenge these injustices, as our worship to Him. And because too often our challenge is merely passive and verbal, too infrequently a physical manifestation of justice-seeking.

Who will be involved?
Prayer-I58 is a non-denominational Christian group, open to believers from all denominational backgrounds - or none. All we ask is that you follow the greatest commandments - to 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.' and to 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'

Politically, we have so far operated under the PGA Hallmarks, and will probably continue to do so. These are a set of agreed statements created by the People's Global Action network to help facilitate activism. They can be found here  http://www.nadir.org/nadir/initiativ/agp/en/index.html#hallmarks

What will the gathering cover?
Finding out who we are and what we want to do. Take a look at the to see what's already planned and help by adding anything you want to cover.