ONE SABBATH
NOVEMBER 23 - 25, 2007
ONE: THE CAMPAIGN TO MAKE POVERTY HISTORY
We are compelled to care. Every major faith tradition emphasizes giving to others, especially those in need. This universal appeal to charity is rooted intradition, sacred writings and theological understandings. The faith-based call to care for others–to seek justice especially for the least of these–has motivated dramatic social change, and been an instrument of caring and healing throughout history.
The ONE Campaign wants to celebrate the spirit of caring for others. Through the ONE Sabbath project, Christian, Jewish and Muslim worshipers and worshipers of other faiths will have the opportunity to learn more about global health issues such as AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, as well as alleviating the suffering caused by extreme poverty, clean water and educational opportunities. Participants will explore ways they can actively engage both as individuals and as congregations in their local communities.
Treatment of the poor is a measurement throughout the Torah of the obedience of God’s people. “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend to him whatever he needs…Give generously to him (the poor) and do so without a grudging heart…be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.” (Deuteronomy 15:7–8, 10-11).
Jesus reminds believers that when they choose to help the poor and those in need, or choose not to, it is as if they were doing the same to Him (Matthew 25:31-46), and reminds us in the story of the Good Samaritan that a “brother” is more than a blood relative. Paul exhorts the faithtul to be generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others (I Timothy).
One of the five pillars of Islam is Zakat, to serve the suffering humanity, sacrifice money, time and energy in the service of the poor and the oppressed. In Buddhism, D’na is the practice of cultivating generosity, and leads to one the Perfection of Giving, which is characterized by unattached and unconditional generosity.
Caring for the most vulnerable is not a partisan or ideological concern, but it is an urgent one.
The world has gotten smaller; we see it more clearly in ways never before possible. Our neighbors are not just across the street, but across the world. Turbulent times and knowledge obligate us to action. The ONE Campaign, through ONE Sabbath, will raise awareness among Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and other faith communities of the global AIDS crisis and extreme poverty, and explore ways these communities can respond within their traditions. It will also make ending global poverty and alleviating global disease a key issue for the religious community in 2008, a critical time when the nation will set its priorities.
"Speak out for those who
cannot speak, for the rights
of all the destitute."
Proverbs 31:8
November 23-25 weekend in 2007, will challenge each participating congregation and individual to ask the question,
“What does God require of us as a congregation and of me as a believer to respond to my those in need?” Within each faith community, the campaign will increase awareness of extreme global poverty and global health challenges and the organizations working to combat them. Additionally, the campaign will increase knowledge of effective actions that can be taken to alleviate suffering and raise awareness so that addressing these concerns becomes a priority for our communities of faith and our national leaders.
The Three Goals of the effort are:
Awareness of the needs; awareness of your own faith tradition that encourages caring for the least of these; and awareness of current and potential actionable options within your community to address the needs
Action in response to the increased awareness of the need and options for engagement; Become a member of the ONE campaign and mobilize others on issues of global poverty and health.
Advocacy to make addressing concerns over global poverty and health a national priority; The success of PEPFAR (The President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief) is a great step in the direction of fighting to end the AIDS pandemic.
Q: How does a faith community participate in ONE Sabbath?
A: By designating your day of worship over the weekend of November 23-25 and making global poverty and health a focus of the sermon, teaching and community, you will be participating in ONE Sabbath effort to raise awareness and encourage action in response.
Q: What materials will ONE distribute to the faith community for ONE Sabbath?
A: ONE will make available three “toolkits” for your faith community: a service kit, small group kit and youth kit. Each will provide templated material, including videos, to be utilized during the service, adult education and small groups, and youth group activities. Material will include such items as a bulletin insert, small group discussion guide and a list of partnered organizations and activities that offer for individuals and groups to respond to need.
Q: How are you going to support each faith community in a way that respects their beliefs and teachings?
A: ONE will encourage each church, temple, mosque and worship group to make ONE Sabbath their own, incorporating the message and purpose in their own unique ways. You will be encouraged to create and share your own unique materials and content, as well as utilize material already prepared by the larger faith community within which you belong. Through the Internet ONE will coordinate ways that ideas and activity can be shared among participants.
Q: How will ONE Sabbath support what our community or larger denomination/faith community is already doing to address global health and poverty?
A: ONE will provide you a list of partner organizations which offer action options for faith communities, such as child sponsorship. However, ONE encourages you to also use the moment to increase awareness of activity that your institution may already be undertaking, and encourage greater participation within your membership. We also will encourage you to highlight and disseminate information from your ministry partners.
Q: How is this different than other events?
Will it make a difference?
A: There is hope. We are communities of faith and hope. Knowledge leads to action, and action alleviates suffering. By linking communities of faith into a larger community of response, the effort will raise awareness overall. No other project has undertaken an effort so broad and community-wide.
ONE: The Campaign To Make Poverty History
1400 Eye St., NW, Suite 601
Washington, DC, 20005
(202)552-4990
ONE.org/faith
faith@one.org
