The Pacific Cannot Be Free Until We Are All Free
SINCE the illegal annexation of West Papua by Indonesia with the the help of the United Nations and global powers, the PCC has called for Papuans to be allowed their right to self-determination.
The Papuan churches, while part of the Dutch East Indies, helped form the PCC in 1961. We have consistently called for their right to determine the political future. The PCC demands the same for Maohi Nui (French Polynesia) and Kanaky (New Caledonia). For more than 40 years Pacific churches have supported the causes which has led to Maohi Nui being placed on the United Nations C24 list of territories for decolonisation. And we have accompanied the people of Kanaky in their journey through a series of referendum to determine their political future.
West Papua
SINCE the illegal annexation of West Papua by Indonesia with the help of the United Nations and global powers, the PCC has called for Papuans to be allowed their right to self-determination.
In recent years, self-determination has become a secondary consideration as Indonesian security forces and state-sponsored militia conduct human rights abuse on the Papua people.
The Papuan churches, while part of the Dutch East Indies, helped form the PCC in 1961 before the territory was seized.
We have consistently called for their right to determine the political future. The PCC demands the same for Maohi Nui (French Polynesia) and Kanaky (New Caledonia). For more than 40 years Pacific churches have supported the causes which has led to Maohi Nui being placed on the United Nations C24 list of territories for decolonisation. And we have accompanied the people of Kanaky in their journey through a series of referendum to determine their political future.
Climate Change is REAL!
WE are the leading voice on Climate Change in a region in which this issue is an existential threat.
The PCC has accompanied regional church leaders to COP meetings to speak on what is a matter of life and death for our people.
We have helped governments relocate communities and design national relocation policies.
Closer to home the PCC has entered a Carbon Sequestration programme with the Ministry of Forests to plant a native forest as mitigation against increased carbon emissions. Beginning in 2022, PCC staff members who travel overseas must plant two trees upon their return to lower the organisation’s carbon footprint.
Safe Churches
VIOLENCE against children has increased at an alarming rate in the region over the last 20 years. Loss of employment and increased alcohol abuse have caused much of this violence. In a programme designed with the collaboration of local churches and UNICEF, the PCC has created guidelines for church workers to ensure that the safety of children is guaranteed in schools, worship centres and homes.
Initial research and pilot programmes have been completed with training to be rolled out in Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Solomon islands in 2022.
Young People
THE Pacific youth must be prepared to step into leadership roles in the church and the community. We’ve revived the Pacific Ecumenical Youth Council with young people from across the region. They’ve been forced to meet virtually to discuss issues affecting the young. But the PCC has taken a youth-led, creative, approach which allows the young people to work together on climate change, ecological justice, self-determination, and other areas of interest.
Hopefully, the PCC will be able to facilitate face to face youth meetings as COVID restrictions are eased and travel becomes possible.
Women
THE drivers behind family, village, church life and rural economies in the Pacific are often the women. Too often, however, they are not recognised for these important roles.
At the PCC we want to empower women in their roles as key community leaders with important roles to play in governance and development. With UN Women, the PCC has designed programmes in this key area
See My Ability
OVER the next two years, more church buildings will become accessible to people who face challenges with their mobility. Wheelchair ramps, handrails and inter-active forms of worship will start to become more prominent.
This follows an agreement between the PCC and the Pacific Disability Forum to collaborate on common goals.