At the request of NCCP, the Cal-Nev Philippine Solidarity Task Force organizes Pastoral & Solidarity Visits to the Philippines, continuing to provide public witness to the ongoing struggle for human rights. The PSTF is engaged in 3 distinct forms of ministry in addition to organizing Visits:
1. Education through organizing events in the US and through the production of a study guide and DVD, “Live to Tell,” as a follow up to the 2007 trip. This has been created for local congregations, community organizations, and other interested groups in the US to use to spread awareness and to learn more about the situation in the Philippines. We also have resource persons available to speak with interested groups or at events.
2. Relief/Mission Support through EMPD (Ecumenical Mission for Peace and Development), which was established through the NCCP to provide support to families of victims of EJKs and abductions. The contributions will provide direct aid for food supplies and other material needs for families attempting to survive under the siege of violence and human rights abuses. An Advance Special has been designated through our Annual Conference for this purpose.
3. Advocacy through the Task Force’s engagement in public witness at the state capitol and legislative offices in the US. Our advocacy efforts continue to be shared in partnership with national and regional ecumenical groups focusing on the EJKs and abductions. Advocacy efforts have concentrated on monitoring how US military aid to the Philippines may be used in complicity with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in ways that support the EJKs and abductions taking place. Congregations and members of the community can engage in advocacy by partnering with the Task Force.
