Urban Forum holds first Canadian conference
TORONTO, ON - The fourth Urban Forum and the first one being held in Canada asks: do social ministries provide dignity or dependence through their services?
“We'll either start or continue the conversation about service provision versus community development," says Geoff Ryan, convenor of the January 26 to 29, 2011 event. A Salvation Army pastor in Toronto's Regent Park neighbourhood, Ryan began the Urban Forum to bring those working in urban ministries together.
The first forum in 2005 was a hybrid between a theological symposium and meeting of practitioners recalls Ryan. Eventually it morphed into a format with a Bible study in the morning, speakers in the afternoon and “lots of space for interaction." The 2011 conference will be held at The Salvation Army's new Harbour Light addictions rehabilitation and community church complex in downtown Toronto.
Among others, conference speakers include Glenn Smith, executive director of Christian Direction in Montreal and Rick Tobias, CEO of Yonge Street Mission in Toronto.
Since 1983 Smith has led a multi-faceted ministry that works to transform urban communities in Quebec and the French-speaking world through outreach, spiritual formation, cultural research and church resources.
Tobias has been part of the Yonge Street Mission since 1983 and is a life-long advocate for the poor and marginalized, leading the ministry to develop programs aimed at helping break the cycle of multi-generational poverty.
Past forums looked at: doing church in the city (Atlanta 2005), race and reconciliation (Atlanta 2007) and economics, politics and the people of God (Cleveland 2009). The January forum has chosen “Dependence or Dignity? From service provision to community development" as its theme.
“While service provision has its place the downside is that it becomes more about charity than justice, it creates dependency and perpetuates dysfunction," says Ryan. “The time has passed for straight service provision."
The alternative being discussed is the community development model which the Christian Community Development Association says includes: relocation (living among the people); reconciliation; redistribution (just distribution of resources); leadership development; listening (to the community); a church-based, holistic approach and empowerment.
For more information visit www.theurbanforum.com.
Dear Readers:
ChristianWeek relies on your generous support. please take a minute and donate to help give voice to stories that inform, encourage and inspire.
Donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable receipt.Thank you, from Christianweek.
