Global Ministries issues joint statement on current crisis in Haiti

The United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have issued a joint statement on the current crisis in Haiti as the Global Ministries. Global Ministries is a joint witness in mission between the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

The letter is endorsed by UCC General Minister and President, the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, as well as Acting Associate General Minister/Co-Executive of Global Ministries, Rev. Shari Prestemon; and cosigned by the Rev. Teresa Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Disciples of Christ along with the Rev. Dr. LaMarco Cable, President of the Disciples Overseas Ministries/Co-Executive of Global Ministries

Recently Thompson called for denouncing of hate of Haitian immigrants, in Springfield, Ohio particularly, following a recent rise in violent threats and harrassment there.

Here is the statement in full:

“Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17

Our hearts are heavy with concern for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. A land known for its resilient spirit is now gripped by an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, characterized by rampant gang violence and deep-rooted political instability. As followers of Christ, we cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of our Haitian neighbors; instead, we are called to respond with compassion, solidarity, and action.

The situation in Haiti is dire, with recent months witnessing continued violence and bloodshed despite the arrival of U.S.-backed Kenyan police in June. Ongoing gang attacks targeting vital infrastructure, including police stations, prisons, schools, hospitals, and religious sites, have instilled fear and chaos across the nation.

According to the most recent human rights report from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), at least 1,379 people were killed or injured, and another 428 kidnapped from April to June 2024, pushing the death toll for this year over 3200. This violence has also left more than 1.5 million people internally displaced, representing over 10% of the total population.

Amidst this turmoil, it is the most vulnerable who bear the brunt of the suffering. Children are at risk, with reports indicating that 30 to 50 percent of armed groups in Haiti have minors in their ranks. Over 400 grave human rights violations against children have been verified, and more than 180,000 children are internally displaced, facing the threat of severe malnutrition and deprivation. With over 3 million children in need of humanitarian assistance, the situation has been described by UNICEF as “catastrophic.”

The words of our Global Ministries partners offer a heart-wrenching glimpse of their daily experience amid this turmoil. “Every day that goes by the violence is increasing more and more,” they’ve shared. “The gangs have more weapons, they are more arrogant, they kidnap more and more, and they make more victims. Fear and stress are our daily bread. Misery looms over most of the population.”

As people of faith, we confess that the United States bears a significant responsibility for the influx of weapons into Haiti, as highlighted in a recent UN report. Sophisticated firearms, including handguns and higher-powered rifles, are being trafficked into Haiti from the United States, particularly from states with lax firearm laws like Florida, Texas, and Georgia. The ease with which firearms are bought by weapons traffickers in the United States and transported to Haiti, in staggering numbers, must be addressed.

Recent events in Springfield, Ohio, where Haitian immigrants are being cruelly targeted with anti-immigrant, racist rhetoric and threats, raise the plight of Haitians again. In their homeland and in our own country, our Haitian neighbors are in desperate need of our support, prayer, and advocacy.

We call on the United States government and the international community to prioritize the well-being of the Haitian people and to create space for Haitians to address the root causes of the crisis. Although crucial now, humanitarian assistance alone will not address the underlying systemic issues in Haiti. Structural solutions are required to resolve the crisis. The international community must allow and support Haiti in navigating its own political landscape and focus on empowering Haitian society to build a sustainable political foundation for the future. The Haitian people must have the opportunity to shape their own destiny.

Together, let us stand in solidarity with Haiti, offering our prayers, resources, and advocacy to alleviate their suffering and pave the way for a more just and peaceful future. Let us heed the words of Isaiah, to seek justice, aid the oppressed, and defend the orphan and widow.

As we pray together for peace and justice,

Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson
General Minister and President/CEO
United Church of Christ

Rev. Teresa Hord Owens
General Minister and President
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Rev. Shari Prestemon
Acting Associate General Minister
Co-Executive, Global Ministries
United Church of Christ

Rev. Dr. LaMarco Cable
President of the Disciples Overseas Ministries
Co-Executive of Global Ministries
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

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