E.L.C.A. - M.U.D.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (E.L.C.A.) Ministry Upstream & Downwind (M.U.D.) program provides one-year service and learning opportunities in South Africa for E.L.C.A. young adults (between the ages of 21-30). As the young adults offer themselves in service, they also learn more about themselves, their relationship with God, and their place in God’s world. Young adults are transformed by their experiences, equipping them to take on responsibilities within the E.L.C.A. and to provide a global perspective on issues facing the church and society.

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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Climate Change Outcomes in Durban not enough, says World Council of Churches

In a statement read on 9 December to government members from around the world at the United Nations climate summit in Durban, South Africa, the World Council of Churches (WCC) reaffirmed the need for a fair, ambitious and binding treaty to effectively address climate change effects on vulnerable communities.

"In Durban, religious communities have come together in various ways to express that climate change is also a moral and spiritual crisis. We proclaim together: We have faith. Act now for climate justice" the statement requested.

It was read to the High Level segment of the 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by Elias Crisostomo Abramides, from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

During these last two weeks the WCC delegation to COP17, which ended on Sunday in Durban, highlighted the theological, ethical and spiritual dimensions of climate change through various activities.

Expressing his views regarding the COP17, the WCC general secretary, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit said, “Though a minimum deal was achieved at the last minute to keep the Kyoto Protocol, make some steps towards a new legally binding agreement in 2015, and implement the Green Climate Fund, the overall Durban outcome is far from being enough to respond to the currently disappearing countries and future generations.”

“We need to listen to vulnerable countries and populations, and think of the legacy we are leaving to our children. Churches should continue to act and pray, especially during this time when we prepare for Christmas, the event when God sent his Son, Jesus, to save our beloved planet,” he added.

On Saturday, 3 December some 200-300 people associated with the ecumenical “Time for Climate Justice” campaign joined thousands of other peaceful demonstrators marching through the streets of Durban to voice the civil society demands on climate change.

Interfaith advocacy for climate justice

On the following day an interfaith celebration included prayers from Baha'i, Brahma Kumaris, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim leaders.

At a workshop organized at Durban's Diakonia Centre, Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe, from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, asked: "Isn't the work for the care of the creation and against climate change and poverty a concrete way of building the visible unity of the church?"

Dr Guillermo Kerber, WCC programme executive on Care for Creation and Climate Justice, stressed that once again the negotiations have not met the expectations of the poorest and most affected countries, churches and the civil society at large.

"We are still very far from the committed response that vulnerable communities and regions affected by climate change need to see from the international community in order to address the challenges posed by climate change. Some of the industrialized countries have prevented a more ambitious and effective regime. The decision of Canada of withdrawing from the Kyoto Protocol is an example of the failure of the negotiations".

When asked what story of hope he would point out, Kerber said: "At this COP, the Youth for Eco-Justice (Y4EJ) showed the enthusiasm and commitment of the young generation to bridge the gap between eco-justice activities at the congregations with advocacy at the global level."

The Y4EJ, organized jointly by the WCC and the Lutheran World Federation, brought together 30 young adults from all over the world for training, field visits and interaction with COP17.

Full text of the WCC statement to COP17

Statement on COP17 by the WCC general secretary

Video message by the WCC general secretary

More information on WCC work for eco-justice:
www.oikoumene.org/eco-justice

Care for creation and climate justice:
www.oikoumene.org/climatechange

High resolution photos of the Youth for Eco-Justice programme in Durban are available via photos.oikoumene.org

Posted by ELCA - MUD at 6:10 PM
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Country Coordinators

Brian & Kristen Konkol (Country Coordinators)

The Country Coordinators, Brian and Kristen Konkol, oversee and facilitate the ELCA-MUD program. They facilitate in-country logistics such as visa procedures, finances and stipends, housing, working out individual placements, arrivals and departures, and evaluations of volunteers. Brian and Kristen have overall responsibility for the volunteer's well-being, support, and guidance during their term of service, and thus play both a pastoral and administrative role. In consultation with ELCA and ELCSA staff, they have the primary role in making decisions about a volunteer's placement, term of service, facilitating conflict resolution, and responding to crisis and emergencies.

Brian Konkol was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. His parents are George and Judy Konkol, who reside in Amherst Junction, Wisconsin. After graduating from Amherst High School (Amherst, Wisconsin) in 1997, Brian enrolled at Viterbo University (La Crosse, WI), and after four years on the men's basketball team and in pursuit of a Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, he graduated from Viterbo in 2001 and immediately enrolled at Luther Theological Seminary (St. Paul, MN) in order to pursue a Master of Divinity degree, with the hopes of being ordained as a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The "turn" into international service came during Brian’s third year of theological study, when he was selected by the E.L.C.A. to serve in an international "Horizon" internship, and was placed in New Amsterdam, Guyana, with the Ebenezer Lutheran Parish. Following a worthwhile internship year, and after graduating from Luther Seminary in May of 2005 and receiving official ordination into the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in June of 2005, he was invited to return to Guyana as Long-Term Global Mission Personnel, serving with the Emmanuel Lutheran Parish of Skeldon within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana. While in Guyana from 2005-2007, in addition to serving as pastor of four congregation, Brian also served as Director of the Lutheran Camp and Retreat Centre (2005-2006), Lecturer at the Lutheran Lay Academy (2005-2007), Co-Host of "The Word for the World" national television program (2005-2007), Advisor to the National Youth Commission (2005-2007), and also provided leadership and support in various other ministries within the community and wider church.

Kristen Konkol was born in Atlantic, Iowa. She is the daughter of Rev. Dr. Charles and Sharon Tews, who reside in Waupaca, Wisconsin. After graduating from Waupaca High School in 1995, Kristen accepted a full-scholarship to play basketball at the University of Toledo (Toledo, Ohio). She graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree with an emphasis on Cardiac Rehabilitation, while also earning four letters on the highly successful women's basketball team. After graduation, Kristen then pursued Post-Graduate studies at the University of Minnesota, where she earned a Masters of Arts in Kinesiology, with a minor in Complementary and Alternative Therapy and Healing Practices through the Center for Spirituality and Healing. Kristen then worked as a community health specialist and research associate with the University of Minnesota. She worked with a Susan B. Komen Foundation Grant working with breast cancer survivors, and also the National Institute of Health Grant, working on a diabetes prevention study focusing on minority populations in the Twin Cities area. Kristen enrolled with the United States Peace Corps in 2003, and was assigned to Guyana, where she served as a health volunteer and was involved in various aspects of the community, ranging from HIV/AIDS education and awareness, to sports teams, and primary education. In 2006, Kristen moved to Skeldon, Guyana in order to serve as the Director of the Lutheran Camp and Retreat Centre, as well as in various other capacities, such as providing leadership in After-School Reading Programs, HIV/AIDS support groups, community outreach, and various other opportunities.

Brian and Kristen were married on September 23, 2006 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca, Wisconsin. They enjoy reading, listening to music, playing guitar, outdoor adventures/hiking, camping, running, cycling, basketball, and various other sporting activities.