Contents:

• Proposal and Themes

• What is the meaning of "Jubilee"_

• Members of the Initiative

• How can you become involved in the Jubilee_

The approach of the new millennium offers an extraordinary opportunity for Canadian churches and inter-church coalitions to join together and proclaim a vision of hope. The time is right to join efforts to bring local and global forces together and sound the strongest call for social justice that has ever been heard. We can do this by proclaiming the biblical tradition of Jubilee. The Jubilee Initiative, "A New Beginning," is our proposal for a Canadian response to these times.

The Canadian Ecumenical Jubilee Initiative is funded by its member churches and organizations as well as by the Millennium Bureau of Canada and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

What is Being Proposed_

The Jubilee Initiative is intended to take advantage of this moment in history to strengthen the Churches' capacity to work for social justice and ecological integrity and to facilitate theological reflection, education and networking.

1) Production of the Jubilee Vision Statement:

This situates the Jubilee concept in the present context of justice issues and offer a summary analysis of the three themes of the Jubilee:

• Release from bondage - Structural adjustment programs imposed on many nations and unjust working conditions worldwide from the new global economy are creating contemporary forms of bondage. Efforts to urge government and business to establish policies that support workers' rights and those to cancel the unpayable debt of the world's poorest nations must continue.

• Redistribution of wealth - Underemployment, unemployment, and cuts to social spending increase the disparities between rich and poor, between nations and within nations, even in affluent ones like Canada. We are challenged to re-value our society, not simply our individual behaviours, and base this effort on the principles of social justice and equality.

• Renewal of the Earth - Our Earth is straining under the demands and waste of human society, the over-use of fossil fuels, depletion of the forests, and profound climate changes. We need to recognize how our actions and inactions impact upon the earth and to learn to live in ways that acknowledge our interdependence with the earth and its cycles. 

2) Participation in the Jubilee 2000 Campaign:

A central expression of the spirit of Jubilee will be the participation in Jubilee 2000, an international campaign calling for cancellation of the unpayable debts of the most impoverished nations. Churches and coalitions might also work on and coordinate campaigns around other Jubilee themes. 

3) Facilitation of Theological Reflection:

Understanding of the social justice tradition in Christianity will be deepened through theological reflection, bible studies, and participation in global exchanges.  

4) Engagement for Education:

The Jubilee themes offer an opportunity for local and national education for social justice in the churches. Proposed is a series of interactive posters for parish and congregational use as well as leadership training guides and regional training workshops. 

5) Building a Network of Jubilee Communities:

Groups, congregations, and parishes can form this network by adopting the Jubilee Declaration and creating connections through a newsletter, web page, use of common Jubilee resources, and participation in national Jubilee campaigns.

6) Proposing a National Gathering:

In 2000, Jubilee organizations and communities can gather to celebrate our work and renew energy to continue our efforts into the next millennium.

What is the meaning of "Jubilee"_

The Biblical Jubilee: An Alternative Social Vision

The Hebrew scriptures tell us of the Israelites' determination to celebrate a Jubilee every 50 years as a witness to their belief in God's reign over all (Lev.25).The Jubilee was intended to renew society, to restore equality and justice, and to protect and nurture the land.

This emphasis on Jubilee is central to Jesus' preaching and teaching. He announced good news to the poor, release to the captives, sight to the blind, and freedom for the oppressed. This is the good news of the coming of God's reign in history.

Jubilee: A Vision for Our Time

The Jubilee tradition offers people of faith the opportunity for renewal in all dimensions of life - personal and communal, local and global, and societal and creational. What makes Jubilee so powerful is that it recognizes the connections between these htmlects of our world and indicates all must be attended to for our world to function according to God's vision for us.

Canadian churches and coalitions have been an integral part of nurturing and sustaining social justice movements, giving voice to the marginalized, working in partnership, and calling on governments and decision-makers for change. The Jubilee is a moment in history when we can join these efforts under a common banner and strengthen our work now and for the future. 

Which churches and organizations are currently participating in the Jubilee Initiative_

How can you become involved in the Jubilee_

At this point we encourage you to read and circulate the Jubilee Vision Statement and the various publications available from the Initiative, as well articles available at this site. Gather with other churches in your area (see  Networking) to study ways to put the Initiative into action in your area. Become involved in the Jubilee Debt Campaign  and circulate the accompanying petition and educating others on the issue and gathering as many signatures as possible. Continue to check at the website for current news and resources.

Our world can wait no longer -

it is time for a new beginning!

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