AMIE DURAL WOWED YOUNG AUDIENCES AT NATIONAL CHRISTIAN YOUTH CONVENTION 09 WITH HER VIBRANCY AND STORIES OF FAITH AND JUSTICE.

She has led an extraordinary life. After her husband spoke out about human rights abuses in the Philippines two years ago, he was forced to fl ee to New Zealand, leaving Amie and their new son behind in Manila. Their emotional reunion just before NCYC signalled the extent of their commitment to the gospel. Amie worked for an inter-church agency that included the Uniting Church’s partner, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

Now in New Zealand until it is safe for the family to return, Amie continues to provide UnitingWorld with background information about the Philippines. We use that information in our interaction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and others.

Amie’s help goes with UnitingWorld’s increased engagement with the Philippines. Through our Experience program, Elizabeth Mullan from Wesley Canberra will be working with a Manila congregation on community development among people living on one of Manila’s massive rubbish dumps. We are also exploring our fi rst development programs there, alongside the existing Young Ambassadors for Peace work.

AFTER NCYC, AMY GOODHEW SAT DOWN WITH AMIE.

What are the biggest challenges your community faces?

Persecution. Religious leaders and workers became victims of unjust detention, torture and murder during the Marcos dictatorship. These human rights breaches are happening again at a time when the government claimed there is ‘vibrant democracy’ in the Philippines. The majority of the victims belong to the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

Anyone who speaks out and advocates for meaningful social change is seen as a threat. Many have been murdered. UN reports and others held the military responsible. But no one has been seriously investigated or convicted.

How does God work in your community?

“When a pair of shackled feet cannot walk, God mobilizes others to walk for another man’s/ woman’s freedom.”

Was the message from the Guerrero family (the family of the kidnapped and detained Pastor Berlin Guerrero) as prayers, letters of support and solidarity actions fl owed within the Philippines and from Australia, Canada and other places around the world when Pastor Berlin was unjustly detained.

What are your hopes?

For the churches to continue and strengthen their relationships with the communities that have been broken by unjust socio-economic order, military aggression, cultural discrimination and political corruption.